Historie

1903

• April 15: The General Netherlands Chemical Society (Algemene Nederlandsche Chemische Vereeniging) is founded. The association has 113 members. The membership fee is 7.50 guilders. The initiators are fellow chemists Willem Jorissen, Jan Rutten, and Lodewijk Reicher.
• July 4: The association is renamed the Nederlandse Chemische Vereeniging (NCV). Ernst Julius Cohen becomes the very first chairman.
• October 3: The first edition of Chemisch Weekblad, the official organ of the NCV, is published. Willem Jorissen remains the editor until 1939.

1910

• The NCV becomes the owner of Chemisch Weekblad.

1917

• The NCV introduced an analyst exam. The first exams were administered in 1919.

1918

• The NCV establishes the Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry (VNCI). Until then, the NCV had not distinguished between individual and corporate membership.

1920

• Chemisch Weekblad will become a joint publication of the NCV and VNCI. The scientific journal "Recueil des travaux chimique des Pays Bas" will come under the auspices of the NCV.

1926

• The report of the 'Went Commission' forms the basis for TNO.

1934

• The Employment and Crisis Fund Committee urges unemployed members to contact the board. The NCV contributes 4,000 guilders to the crisis fund (3,000 guilders had already been contributed in 1932).

1939

• The NCV received 35,000 guilders from the estate of Ir. F.B. Fellinga (d. April 5, 1939). This later led to the establishment of the Fellinga Fund, which provided travel grants to young chemists (from 1952 onwards).
• The first proper office for the NCV and the editorial staff of Chemisch Weekblad was located in the Patent Office building in The Hague. Previously, it had been located in the secretary's home!

1943

• Publication of the Chemisch Weekblad (Chemical Weekly) ceased. The occupying forces ordered the publication of a call for service in the Waffen-SS or the Dutch Army. Neither the editors nor the board were willing to do so.

1945

• Resumption of publication of the Chemisch Weekblad. Due to paper shortages, it is now published biweekly.
• Establishment of a Purification Committee. Ten members are expelled.

1946

• The NCV is moving to the first floor of the Diligentia building on Lange Voorhout.

1953

• On its 50th anniversary, the NCV received the title "Royal." The Kurhaus served as the backdrop for the festivities. The association has approximately 3,000 members.

1956

• At the initiative of the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society (KNCV), the Dutch Chemical Research Foundation (SON) was established. Its goal was to bring fundamental researchers closer together. This quickly led to the formation of working groups in areas such as Spectroscopy, Protein Research, and Electrochemistry.

1961

• The KNCV office is moving to a newly purchased building on Burnierstraat in The Hague. The SON foundation is also moving with it.

1963

• The Analyst Examination is administered by the Foundation for Laboratory Assistants (SAL), which also includes representatives from medical and physical sciences.
• The Gold Medal is established, a prestigious award for talented young Dutch chemists. This medal has become the most important prize for researchers in chemistry.

1967

• KNCV itself becomes publisher of the Chemisch Weekblad: KNCV secretary Floor Haak, Edwin Kisman (editor-in-chief from 1969 to 1997), and editor Paul Maas give the magazine a completely new look and bring it to the 'family table'.

1972

• With the establishment of the 'Labor Market and Social Task Committee', the KNCV is trying to respond to the needs of a growing number of unemployed chemists.

1973

• Increased cooperation with sister societies abroad led to the establishment of the FECS (European Federation of Chemical Societies) and the EECCC (European Economic Community Chemistry Committee).

1974

• Chemisch Weekblad and Recueil are part of Uitgeverij Sigma, in which KNCV participates.

1978

• KNCV advice on research leads to a memorandum entitled "Stimulating innovative research for the chemical industry" and a memorandum entitled "Ten research goals."

1979

• Renewal of Chemisch Weekblad. The publication will be joined by the monthly Chemisch Magazine.

1981

• Ted de Ryck van der Gracht takes over as secretary of the board and director of the office. Several innovations are implemented immediately:
  • The establishment of the Young Members Committee to give special attention to student members;
  • The KNCV opens its doors to university graduates and laboratory personnel and establishes a separate section for this purpose: LBP (Laboratory & Business Practice).

1982

• To improve its image among the general public, the Royal Dutch Chemical Society (KNCV) establishes the Public Information Committee.
• The first edition of "Chemical Facts" is published.
• The first Chemistry Open Day attracts 35,000 visitors.
• The "Golden Spatula" is introduced for the best thesis at the university of applied sciences level.

1984

• Together with the VNCI, the KNCV presents the report 'Future Chemical Research' to the Minister of Education, Culture and Science.

1986

• At the initiative of the KNCV, the Beta Federation was established, a collection of professional scientific associations.

1987

• Publication of the report 'Choices and Opportunities in Chemistry'.

1990

• The government shapes its environmental policy in the National Environmental Policy Plan (NMO). Given its impact on the chemical industry, the Royal Dutch Chemical Society (KNCV) has published the report "Environment: Chemists a Concern."

1992

• Introduction of the Eurchem title; mutual recognition of diplomas in participating European countries.

1993

• The KNCV, VNCI and NVON (Dutch Society for Science Teachers) jointly established the C3 Foundation (Chemistry Communications Center). This independent foundation's primary target group is education, particularly primary and secondary education.
• The first volume of the "History of Chemistry in the Netherlands" is published.

1994

• With its KIP (Knowledge Maintenance) placements, the KNCV is anticipating the rapidly increasing number of unemployed chemists. A total of 1 million guilders in subsidies is helping dozens of chemists find permanent employment.

1996

• KNCV website operational.

1997

• The KNCV/VNCI plea for the retention of a separate "Chemistry" division within the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) results in the creation of the "Chemical Sciences" department, the successor to SON.
• The second volume, "History of Chemistry in the Netherlands," is published.

1999

• Chemisch Magazine and Chemisch Weekblad are merging to form Chemisch2Weekblad. The magazine is published biweekly. Fresh news can be found daily on the website c2w.nl.

2000

• Iwan Thonus becomes the new secretary of the society.

2001

• After nearly forty years on Burnierstraat, the KNCV Office is moving to Vlietweg in Leidschendam. It now houses the VNCI and the C3 Foundation under one roof.
• To commemorate the centenary of the Van 't Hoff Nobel Prize, the KNAW, in collaboration with the KNCV, is publishing the book "Chemistry Behind the Dikes."
• For the first time, the KNCV is organizing an online debate. Theme: Safety.

2002

• In honor of its upcoming centenary, the KNCV opens 'The Year of the Molecule' on October 3.

2003

• On April 15, a celebratory anniversary gathering will take place at De Doelen in Rotterdam. A special edition of Chemisch2Weekblad, itself also centennial, will be published. Seven honorary members will be appointed: Frank Alderweireldt, Emmo Meijer, Jan Mulderink, Jan Reedijk, Simon Rozendaal, Rob Schilperoort, and Henk Timmerman.
• On October 2, the KNCV will conclude its centennial celebration with a symposium, "On the Road to Tomorrow." Four future scenarios will provide a glimpse into the chemistry of 2030.
• The KNCV will establish the publishing house Bèta Publishers.

2004

• A new KNCV logo reinforces the ongoing deepening, broadening, and innovation.
• Bèta Publishers will publish Chemisch2Weekblad. The editorial office will relocate to Vlietweg in Leidschendam.
• The third volume, "History of Chemistry in the Netherlands," will be published.

2006

• The KNCV office is moving to the Castellum in Forepark, The Hague. Along with the VNCI and Stichting C3, the VAPRO-OVP will also be moving into the new building. The new location will be called Synthesium.

2008

• Gabrielle Donné-op den Kelder becomes secretary of the society.

2009

• The KNCV logo is undergoing a minor overhaul to bring it more in line with the current times.

2014

• Jan-Willem Toering joins the KNCV office as director.
• In October, the KNCV organizes a KidsLab.
• The first Meet & Greet will also be held in October.
• During CHAINS, the KNCV Gold Medal will be awarded to Geert Kops.

2015

• The second editions of Meet & Greet and the KidsLab are being organized.
• During "Chemistry among the Stars," Edwin Otten, Moniek Tromp, and Tom Wennekes will present their VIDI grant-winning work at the Old Observatory in Leiden. Ewine van Dishoeck provided a glimpse into the true chemistry between the stars.
• During CHAINS, the KNCV Gold Medal will be awarded to Sjors Scheres. The KNCV Pub Quiz will also be held there for the first time.

2016

• The KNCV Academy was launched on April 7th.
• On October 5th, Prof. Ben Feringa won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
• On October 13th, the first Evening of Chemistry took place. During this festive evening, the newly crowned Nobel Prize winner was appointed an honorary member.
• The first edition of the Young KNCV Photo Competition was held during CHAINS. The KNCV Gold Medal was also awarded to Syuzanna Harutyunyan.

2017

• The KNCV and Stichting C3 are joining forces for the first edition of Vuurvliegen (Fireflies).
• The Chemistry Media Center will be presented during the KNCV Meet & Greet on June 13th.
• The KNCV will bring the 2023 IUPAC World Chemistry Congress to The Hague.
• In August, the KNCV will move from the 5th floor of the Synthesium to the renovated ground floor.The second Evening of Chemistry will take place on October 19th.
• During this festive evening, Nobel Prize winner Paul Crutzen will be appointed an honorary member.
• During CHAINS, the KNCV Gold Medal will be awarded to Nathalie Katsonis.
• The Computational and Theoretical Chemistry section will be established during the Annual General Meeting on December 7th.

2018

• The preliminary rounds for "The Smartest Chemist" will begin in March.
• During the KNCV Meet & Greet, the Oval Hall at the Teylers Museum will be designated the first National Chemical Heritage Site.
• The third edition of the Evening of Chemistry will take place on October 9th. To celebrate the KNCV's anniversary, four honorary members will be appointed: Ewine van Dishoeck, Rietje van Dam-Mieras, David Reinhoudt, and Bert Meijer. There will also be two new Members of Merit: Lene Hviid and Tom Gribnau. The final of "The Smartest Chemist," moderated by Philip Freriks, will be won by Erik Meij. Pieter Derks will provide a lighthearted intermezzo and sing the "Chemistry Song", written especially for the occasion (in Dutch).
• During CHAINS, the KNCV Gold Medal will be awarded to Pascal Jonkheijm.

2019

• This year has been declared 'The International Year of the Periodic Table,' and the KNCV Bureau serves as its secretariat.
• On April 15, the first Dutch ResourCity will be launched in Oss.
• During the KNCV Meet & Greet in Delft, DSM's Grote Kantoor (main office) will be designated the second National Chemical Heritage Site. The chairmanship of the KNCV Board will also be handed over to Jeroen Cornelissen.
• The new series "Out of the Lab Coat" will be launched.
• During the EuChemS meeting in Bucharest, Floris Rutjes will be elected President-Elect.
• On October 3, the fourth Evening of Chemistry will take place, this time in Zwolle. The KNCV Erlenmeyer flask will be included in the KNCV prize package.
• During CHAINS, the KNCV Gold Medal will be awarded to Ilja Voets. After a year's absence, the KNCV PubQuiz will return.

2020

• The beginning of the year is dominated by the coronavirus crisis. As a result, many events are being canceled.
• Together with the Center for Youth Communication on Chemistry (C3), the KNCV is launching "Chemistry FAQs."
• On June 9th, the General Members' Meeting will be held online via a Zoom meeting. During this meeting, Gerard van Koten will be appointed Honorary Member. Ernst Homburg and Andries Bruins will also be appointed Members of Merit. The third National Chemical Heritage site will also be recognized: the Laboratorium chimicum, Sonnenborgh.
• The KNCV will begin hosting webinars on current topics such as COVID-19, the nitrogen problem, and PFAS.
• The Evening of Chemistry will also be digital this year.
• During a digital version of CHAINS, the KNCV Gold Medal will be awarded to Particia Dankers.

2021

• This year, too, is dominated by the coronavirus pandemic. There are not many events, and most of them can only be attended digitally. The KNCV is hosting 10 webinars on a variety of topics during this period.
• The two General Member Meetings (June 30 and December 14) will also take place digitally.
• Between lockdowns, the Evening of Chemistry will take place in person on October 14 at the Parktheater in Eindhoven.
• The unveiling of the National Chemical Heritage will also take place again this year. The fourth event will be the former Van 't Hoff laboratory on Groenburgwal in Amsterdam.
• During the second digital CHAINS, the KNCV Gold Medal will be awarded to Timothy Noël.

2022

• During the KNCV Meet & Greet in Leiden, the former home of Sylvius and Boerhaave will be designated the fifth National Chemical Heritage Site. Also, during the General Members' Meeting at the Boerhaave Museum, the chairmanship of the KNCV Board will be handed over to Yvonne van der Meer.
• During CHAINS, this year in September, the KNCV Gold Medal will be presented to Erik Garnett as a surprise.
• On October 13th, the Evening of Chemistry will take place again. For the second time, the Leidse Schouwburg will host the evening.

2023

• On February 3rd, Young KNCV, together with LOBS (biology students), will organize the Next Step Master Day, the successor to the Carbon Master Day.
• Starting April 15th, the year will be dedicated to 120 years of KNCV.
• The anniversary year will be heralded with a boat tour through the port of Rotterdam.
• The Pharmacological Laboratory in Oss – now known as the Banting Building at Pivot Park – has been designated the sixth National Chemical Heritage Site. The General Members' Meeting will also be held in Oss.
• In August, the KNCV will co-organize IUPAC|CHAINS 2023, a combination of the 49th IUPAC World Chemistry Congress and the 11th edition of CHAINS. The winner of the Gold Medal, Gerard van Westen, will be announced during this congress.
• It's also the centennial year of Future Pharma in Oss, and to mark this, the Evening of Chemistry will take place on October 5th at De Lievekamp. During this event, Floris Rutjes will be appointed an honorary member and Matthias Bickelhaupt a member of merit.

2024

• On February 27th, Young KNCV, together with LOBS (biology students), organized the second Next Step Master Day.
• The KNCV bids farewell to Marjan Sewradj-Mulder on March 12th. Marjan joined the KNCV in 1981 and was a key support and confidant in the membership administration for 43 years.
• This year, the KNCV once again focused on preserving our rich chemical history. A special highlight was the official recognition of Het Concerthuis in Groningen as National Chemical Heritage on June 13th.
• On October 10th, 300 visitors gathered in Amersfoort for the 9th edition of the Evening of Chemistry. In addition to interesting speakers, great prizes were awarded, and the Meisjes met de Wijsjes (Girls with the Tunes) provided the evening's entertainment.
• Another memorable event was the Bridging Bonds symposium, held for the first time. On November 7th, the worlds of the Macromolecules and Soft Matter departments came together in Utrecht. This year, the focus was on groundbreaking applications in soft robotics and hydrogels for biomedicine.
• The Bossche Chemische Kring (BCK) celebrated its 70th anniversary last year. Founded in 1954, it brings together approximately 60 chemists from the Den Bosch area.
• Caroline Paul was not only appointed a Chemistry Europe Fellow in 2024 but also received the KNCV Gold Medal.

2025

• On January 13th, Jong KNCV, together with LOBS (biology students), organized the third Next Step Master Day.
• The Central Laboratory in Geleen – the birthplace of Dyneema and Stanyl – was designated the eighth National Chemical Heritage Site on June 24th. The General Members' Meeting will also be held in Geleen.
• On October 15th, nearly 300 guests attended the 10th edition of the Evening of Chemistry at De Vereeniging in Nijmegen. In addition to three lectures on launching a new product, several prestigious awards were presented. The evening concluded with a customized cabaret performance by Berend Koen and Willem Dekker.
• During CHAINS in December, Bruno Ehrler received the KNCV Gold Medal.