Bridging Science and Opportunity: The Young Section of the Polish Chemical Society

It is often said by members of the Polish Chemical Society (PCS) that the Young Section of the PCS represents the future of Polish science. This statement comes as no surprise—the YSPCS brings together the youngest enthusiasts from various fields of chemistry.

Figure 1. Logo of the Young Section of Polish Chemical Society (YSPCS).

Maybe something like: Undergraduates, master’s students, and PhD candidates—while each at different stages of their journey, we are all united by our passion for science. We find it essential to present various career and self-development opportunities in academia and industry to those at the beginning of their career paths. Our goal is to promote the brightest scientists and support them in their professional growth.

We meet at conferences, connect through webinars, share information about PhD and postdoc positions on our website, and help researchers find collaborators to establish new professional partnerships.

Figure 2. Board of the YSPCS (term of office: 2021–2024) during the Spring Congress 2024, held in May 2024 in Poronin, Poland.

We create a bridge between the youngest scientists on both the national and international levels. Each year, our Board nominates Polish Delegates to engage in the works of the European Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN). This way, we integrate European solutions into our daily work and promote Polish research internationally.

Figure 3. Science Team at the 20th Delegate Assembly of the EYCN (March 2025, Prague, Czech Prepublic). Polish delegates: Konrad Barnowski, Leader of the Science Team (center of the back row), and Katarzyna Szafrańska (second from the right in the front row).

Figure 4. 20th Delegate Assembly of the EYCN (March 2025, Prague, Czech Republic).

Most importantly, we create a space for dialogue—about science, research, and the future.

Twice a year, all YSPCS members have the opportunity to meet face-to-face, present their research, and discuss their concerns with both young and experienced scientists.

The Winter Congress is a one-day event entirely dedicated to poster presentations. Each year, young scientists gather at the Chemistry Faculty of a different Polish university, showcasing the scientific potential of various research institutions.

Figure 5. Board of the YSPCS (term of office: 2021–2024) together with Board of the PCS during the Winter Congress 2024 (December 2024, Lublin, Poland).

The Spring Congress, on the other hand, is a 4–5-day event designed for young scientists who want to refine their oral presentation skills. The program is packed with workshops, discussions, and lectures delivered by leading chemists from across the country.

Figure 6. Showing our Members the industrial side of chemistry—workshops in the laboratories of Kronospan Poland during the Spring Congress 2022 (July 2022, Szczecinek, Poland).

Figure 7. Spring Congress of the YSPCS (May 2024, Poronin, Poland).

For over 25 years, we have organized these meetings, witnessing our members gain experience, build connections, and establish their own research teams. Supporting young chemists in their journey and seeing them transform from students to researchers—this is the most valuable reward for our work.

You can find more information here: smptchem.pl