Centraal Laboratorium Geleen: Where the past and future of chemistry meet
Official Recognition as National Chemical Heritage 2025
Scientific presentations at this event will be in English.
Every innovation has a history. This year, the Central Laboratory of the former State Mines (later DSM) in Geleen receives official recognition as National Chemical Heritage — a landmark where scientific curiosity and industrial progress shaped decades of chemical advancement.
Join us on June 24, 2025, as we celebrate this recognition with a mini-symposium at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. You’re warmly invited to explore the past, present, and future of chemistry at this iconic location.
Pioneering New Frontiers
Since its founding in 1940, the Central Laboratory has been instrumental in shaping the field of chemistry in the Netherlands. Under the guidance of research directors Gerrit Berkhoff and later Dirk van Krevelen, groundbreaking work flourished in an industrial setting.
The lab played a pivotal role in advancing reactor engineering, physical technology, catalysis, and polymer science — earning a strong international reputation. It was also the birthplace of innovative materials such as Dyneema (ultra-strong synthetic fibers) and Stanyl (heat-resistant plastics).
Program
15:00 - 15:30 Walk-in with coffee/tea
15:30 - 15:40 Astrid Boeijen (CEO Brightlands Chemelot Campus) opening symposium
15:40 - 15:55 Ernst Homburg (emeritus professor) on 'DSM Central Laboratory as a nursery for post-war chemistry and chemical technology'
15:55 - 16:20 Rein Borggreve (CTO Dutch Polymer Institute) on 'DSM Research Central Lab: basis for global success in high-performance materials'
16:20 - 16:40 Gert-Jan Gruter (CTO Avantium) on 'The future of plastics from biomass and CO2'
16:40 - 17:00 Tosca van Hooy - Corstjens (Zuyd University of Applied Sciences) on 'Circular Materials: Research and education integrated'
17:00 - 17:15 Official unveiling of plaque with toast
17:15 - 19:00 Drinks
In addition to the substantive program, there is room for networking, exchanging ideas and toasting together to 85 years of chemical excellence. We will close the afternoon with a informal reception.
Register Today
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This event is powered by KNCV and Brightlands Chemelot Campus
