Programme

 

The Congress will begin at midday on Sunday 11 May 2025. For Early Career Chemists and the majority of speakers, organisers and other delegates, the Congress will conclude at midday on Wednesday 14 May 2025. For senior representatives of Commonwealth Chemistry Society or Associate Members, and senior representatives from a designated Commonwealth university or organisation invited to participate in the 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Commonwealth Chemistry, this will take place following the close of the Congress on Wednesday 14th May 2025. The AGM is set to finish at 5pm in Stellenbosch on 14th May 2025. Dinner and accommodation will be provided for AGM attendees on Wednesday night.

The 3rd Commonwealth Chemistry Congress will offer a unique programme to engage with a Commonwealth network from across the breadth of the chemical sciences. In addition to career development and networking opportunities for early career chemists, the programme includes scientific sessions featuring eminent researchers in the following themes:

• Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
  Topics include biodiversity, natural products, food chemistry and security, agriculture, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and good health and well-being

• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
  Topics include sustainable energy solutions, new materials, biofuels, green chemistry, and catalysis

• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Climate Action (SDG 13)
  Topics include water treatment and supply, tackling pollution and contamination, and environmental chemistry

The programme will also bring together high profile researchers, policymakers, and industrialists who can demonstrate the value and role of Commonwealth chemists in three panel discussions:

• Transformation of the Commonwealth Chemical Industry (SDG 9)
  Perspectives on the changing global landscape and challenges faced by chemical industry

• Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
  Identifying, sharing and providing an understanding of the issues and barriers to equality and diversity in the chemical sciences

• Machine Learning and AI in the Chemical Sciences
  Raising awareness for how ML & AI are revolutionising the chemical sciences and addressing all UN SDGs

Additionally, the programme will feature a session especially for early career chemists which is being coordinated by the Commonwealth Chemistry Early Career Network (ECN).