Save the Date: International Conference on Resource Chemistry takes place for the 2nd time

Missed climate targets, scarcity of resources, lack of security of supply - the current world situation is increasing pressure on politics, business and science. This raises the importance of addressing these challenges consistently and comprehensively. The still young conference "ICRC - International Conference on Resource Chemistry", which will take place in Alzenau, Frankfurt area, from March 11 - 13, 2024, will decisively contribute to this. The organizer is Fraunhofer Research Institution for Materials Recycling and Resource Strategies IWKS.

The concept of the scientific conference is unique and offers a view beyond the horizon. The event combines foundational with applied research and expertise from the industry. Whether chemist, industrial scientist, biologist, politician or industry representative: The aim of the conference is to discuss current developments in resource chemistry and to jointly find solutions to secure and provide indispensable materials whose raw materials are only available in limited quantities. The focus is on applied resource chemistry in combination with new recycling technologies.

"The idea of the conference is to bring together the brightest minds in the field of resource chemistry - combining basic chemistry and materials science with applied research and technologies. Only if we really understand in detail which processes take place, we can develop new approaches to replace critical elements or to bring about a regeneration of the material," says Professor Dr. Anke Weidenkaff, Conference Chair of the ICRC and Managing Director of Fraunhofer IWKS. And further: "Only by working together can we succeed in further developing the crucial technologies to preserve our resources and make a world without waste pollution a reality."

The international conference covers a variety of research areas: From the substitution of critical elements and the development of sustainable materials to "green" hydrogen and the establishment of efficient material cycles. It is aimed at scientists, teachers and students from the fields of chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering, as well as decision-makers from industry and politics. In addition to inspiring speeches by renowned keynote speakers, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with the speakers and other experts in six sessions. There will also be an opportunity to submit and present poster contributions.

The ICRC was launched in 2021 and was held virtually due to the ongoing Corona pandemic. At its peak, more than 180 participants were counted.

Further information on the conference program, registration and all other organizational details can be found here. Further information will follow soon.

Journalists are kindly requested to apply for accreditation in advance by e-mail at presse@iwks.fraunhofer.de. Attendance at the event is free of charge for members of the press.