About NWO CHAINS

NWO CHAINS: where the Dutch chemistry community comes together

NWO CHAINS is the leading chemistry conference in the Netherlands. Every year, it brings together more than a thousand chemists from all disciplines, universities, research institutes and knowledge organisations. There is one thing that all visitors have in common; they find chemistry beautiful and exciting! The conference offers a unique setting in which researchers can share their work and enthusiasm, gain new insights and forge valuable connections with colleagues from across the Dutch chemistry landscape.

Inspiration within and beyond your field

During NWO CHAINS, visitors can draw inspiration from a wide-ranging programme featuring keynote lectures, focus sessions, and presentations by PhD students and postdocs. Yearly, over 400 posters are presented at NWO CHAINS. Visitors can choose to visit presentations, sessions and posters from their own field, or broaden their perspectives by stepping outside the realm of their research area.

It is precisely this combination that makes NWO CHAINS special. Ideas from other disciplines can lead to unexpected insights, new applications of existing research and even new research directions.

Unique in its scale and diversity

What sets NWO CHAINS apart from other conferences is the gathering of the full width of Dutch chemistry research. Nowhere else can you meet so many researchers from different disciplines and so many different institutions in one place.

This diversity fosters cross-fertilisation between disciplines and offers opportunities to initiate new collaborations. Researchers discover how their work ties in with other disciplines and gain new perspectives on scientific issues.

Build a valuable network

As well as knowledge-sharing, networking is central to the event. On the exhibition floor, during networking sessions and in the evening programme, there is ample opportunity for personal conversations. Visitors can meet experts, exchange ideas with colleagues and expand their network with contacts who could be of great value to their research and career. Visitors can strengthen their connection with NWO and discuss relevant topics such as funding opportunities, relevant developments at NWO and the role NWO plays in connecting scientists. 

For many researchers, NWO CHAINS is the key event of the year for strengthening existing contacts and forging new connections within the Dutch chemistry community.

Give your career a boost

A strong network is essential for a successful career in science. NWO CHAINS helps researchers to increase their visibility, meet new collaboration partners and explore opportunities for future career moves.

For early-career researchers, the conference also offers a platform to present their own research to the Dutch chemistry community. This not only raises the profile of their work but can also lead to new collaborations, research projects and career opportunities.

What will you miss if you don’t attend?

If you miss NWO CHAINS, you’ll be missing out on more than just a conference. You’ll miss opportunities to make new contacts, find inspiration outside your own field and discover possibilities for collaboration or career development.

NWO CHAINS is the place where the Dutch chemistry community comes together, shares knowledge and forges the connections that will shape the science of tomorrow.