De Leeuwenbergh: Pioneer in Chemical Education

Official Recognition as National Chemical Heritage 2026

In 1845, De Leeuwenbergh became the first teaching laboratory for chemistry in the Netherlands. It was the brainchild of Utrecht professor of chemistry Gerrit Jan Mulder, a pioneer and strong advocate of practical chemical education. For more than half a century, he shaped the development of chemistry in the Netherlands: around 1860, seven of the eight chemistry professors in the country had been his students. This laboratory therefore played a crucial role in the flourishing of Dutch chemistry.

We would like to celebrate this remarkable history with you in an appropriate manner.

On 23 June 2026, we will celebrate this recognition with a mini-symposium at De Leeuwenbergh. You are warmly invited to join us in exploring this important piece of history and its influence on the present day.

This event is powered by the KNCV.