A World
in Transition
Overview
Stands
Workshops
Sessions
Speakers
conference program
Satellite on CRM
Critical Raw Materials: Policy and Technology – CT#20
During this morning session, we bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the risks and future of essential raw materials. We will explore Europe’s current trade relationships and its potential for greater independence, the latest policies, technological advancements, and strategies for securing sustainable and resilient supply chains. From hubs for recycling companies, to startups offering strategies to reduce the need of rare metals, we will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of a transition to a greener, more circular economy in Amsterdam and beyond.
· Joop Groen – Groene Chemie Nieuwe Economie
· Lucia van Geuns- The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) Strategic Advisor
· Dr. Devin Boom - TNO Senior Scientist Circulaire Strategieën en Kritieke Grondstoffen
· Roeland Jan Dijkhuis - DOPS CTO and Founder
· Pitches from CRITICAL, Ore Energy, Back to Battery
· Panel Discussion led by Irina Patrahau – HCSS Strategic Analyst, with Xandra Weinbeck - Invest-NL Senior Business Development Manager, James Hallworth - Port of Amsterdam Manager
REGISTER HERE
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts
Lunch and poster session
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts
Keynote Talks
Prof. Aletta Kraneveld, Dean of the VU Faculty of Science will be delivering a warm and inspiring word of welcome to our audience.

The Chemical Industry at a Crossroads
Chair of Internationalization for ChemistryNL (TKI Green Chemistry & Circularity)
Frank Groenen is an experienced global chemical executive who served as Managing Director at SACHEM Europe for over 22 years. In 2016, he was elected to the Executive Board and Management Board of VNCI, representing small to medium-sized companies. The chemical industry is navigating a transformative period, navigating a transition in sustainability, digitalization, and resilience. His talk will offer valuable insights into the sector's current challenges and innovation-driven opportunities.

From Fragment-Based Drug Discovery to Clinical Candidates
Head of Drug Design and Synthesis at VU Amsterdam - AIMMS
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a design-intensive and cost-effective approach to develop biologically active molecules with clinical potential. While increasingly applied in the pharmaceutical industry, FBDD also enables biotech and academia to contribute to drug discovery. In this presentation, Iwan will discuss the development of potent dual-activity histamine H1/H4 ligands with strong anti-inflammatory properties, optimized for treating allergic conjunctivitis

Challenges in Complexity Within AstraZeneca Drug Development
Director of Global High-Throughput Experimentation at Astra Zeneca
Process chemistry at AstraZeneca is responsible for taking molecules from drug discovery through to approved medicines. With a series of case studies focused on synthetic chemistry, automation, and data science, James will describe the challenging journey of delivering complex molecules at a multi-kg scale in an environmentally conscious way.
Speakers and hosts
1A: Making Hydrogen Matter
Unlocking Noord-Holland’s Industrial Potential
Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring Noord-Holland’s pivotal role in Europe’s hydrogen transition, with a focus on chemistry and hydrogen carriers. The region’s robust industrial clusters—spanning steel, aviation, shipping, and chemicals—are uniquely positioned to leverage green hydrogen solutions. But how can we unlock the full potential of hydrogen? From the need for seamless collaboration across the entire value chain, to faster innovation and demand creation measures, the puzzle is complex to solve.
Organized by the Port of Amsterdam and the Hydrogen to Amsterdam Association.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts




1B: Next-Gen Life Sciences
Next-Gen Life Sciences: AI, Organoids, and Microfluidic Marvels.
Join this session to explore cutting-edge tools and approaches that are revolutionizing drug discovery. Discover how AI empowers the visualization of cell dynamics in organoids, accelerating insights into complex biological systems. Learn about Digi.Bio’s state-of-the-art single-cell platform driving advancements in immunotherapy. Hear from the organ-on-a-chip company MIMETAS how high-throughput drug screening in 3D tissues is now a reality, thanks to microfluidics.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts




Coffee and poster session
Time for coffee but not for relax! Have a look at the research posters of young minds attending, or wonder around the company stands of the career fair. Either for scientific curiosity of for professional reasons, it is time to network!
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts
2A: The Silent Invaders
The Silent Invaders: Microplastics Under the Lens of Chemists
Delve into the hidden world of microplastics and their far-reaching impact. This session offers a comprehensive look at the science behind understanding and mitigating the microplastic crisis. Where do they come from? Where do they move across the environment? Are they harmful to humans and animals? We will highlight advancements in analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, and microscopic, including methods to detect and identify microplastics and associated additives in complex media.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts





2B: From Molecules to Market
From Molecules to Market: Can Scientists Really Build Biotech Giants?
You’ve made a breakthrough in the lab—but can it become the next big biotech success? This session explores the journey from lab discoveries to impact, diving into the challenges scientists face when stepping into entrepreneurship. Hear from researchers-turned-founders and industry experts as they work daily to turn their discoveries into game-changing therapies. Whether you dream of launching a startup or driving innovation within pharma, this discussion will inspire you with useful insights, from securing funding to navigating regulations, and bridging the gap between academia and the business world.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts





Closing ceremony
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts
Drinks and networking
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Speakers and hosts
%20(1).jpg)







Career fair & Job market
Company Spotlights Vol.1
Discover your future employer, get to know top companies in the chemical industry, pharma sector, and startup ecosystem. As they showcase their work, culture, and career opportunities, you will hear directly from recruiters and employees about what they’re looking for in a new hire.
Presentations from:
- NWO
- AkzoNobel
- Argent Energy
Speakers and hosts
Beyond the Lab
Beyond the Lab: Where Chemistry can Take You
Chemistry and Life Sciences careers go far beyond the lab! Explore diverse career paths in science communication, venture building, intellectual property law, business development, project management, consulting, and more. Hear from professionals who have successfully transitioned into unexpected and rewarding fields, and learn how to leverage your chemistry background to create your own career journey. Where will your chemistry degree take you? The panel discussion will be moderated by Sandra Galvan (Amsterdam Chemistry Network).
Speakers and hosts
Company Spotlights Vol.2
Discover your future employer, get to know top companies in the chemical industry, pharma sector, and startup ecosystem. As they showcase their work, culture, and career opportunities, you will hear directly from recruiters and employees about what they’re looking for in a new hire.
Presentations from:
- SolarFoil
- Veridis
- Seaborough
- Bureau Veritas
Speakers and hosts
From Research to Venture?
From Research to Venture? Nucleate & Faculty of Impact.
This session is tailored for scientists (especiallyPhD and PostDocs) looking to transform their research into impactful ventures. Discover how Nucleate fosters Dutch biotech entrepreneurship through community-building and educational programs. Learn how the Faculty of Impact supports researchers in turning breakthrough science into business.
Speakers and hosts
Oxford Global Resources
Landing Your Dream Job: CV and Application Strategy Session
Join a recruiter-led, hands-on workshop to craft a standout CV and refine your job search strategy. Get insider tips on what employers look for and how to position yourself for success in the competitive job market.
Speakers and hosts
Company Spotlights Vol.3
Discoveryour future employer, get to know top companies in the chemical industry,pharma sector, and startup ecosystem. As they showcase their work, culture, andcareer opportunities, you will hear directly from recruiters and employeesabout what they’re looking for in a new hire.
Presentations from:
- Caffe Inc
- MAT BioTech
- Brineworks
Speakers and hosts
Balancing Ethics and Industry
Balancing Ethics and Industry: Navigating Personal Values in Corporate Science
In a world where chemistry and life sciences intersect with powerful industries—Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Tech, and beyond—professionals often face a dilemma: How do you stay true to your moral values while working for companies that may contribute to environmental or ethical concerns?In this thought-provoking session, we sit down with scientists and industry experts from major corporations to discuss the complexities of ethical decision-making in their roles. Can you drive meaningful change from within? How do you reconcile personal sustainability goals with corporate realities? Join us for an open conversation
Speakers and hosts
Student-led Startups: The DLAB Showcase
Startup pitches, inspirational stories, and an interactive Q&A.
Discover how DemonstratorLab (DLAB) inspired a generation of students to become entrepreneurs. Hear from startup founders as they deliver their best pitches. Learn how entrepreneurship has shaped their vision of the world and themselves, and take part in an interactive discussion to challenge your perspective of science.