Welcome to the Electrochemistry Division

The Electrochemistry Division of the Società Chimica Italiana (Italian Chemical Society) was established in 1974 through the initiative of a Founding Committee consisting of Giuseppe Bianchi, Luisa Peraldo Bicelli, and Giovanni Serravalle.

In line with the overall objectives of the Società Chimica Italiana, the Electrochemistry Division aims to advance research, promote education, and develop productive relationships with industry within its specific field.

Establishment of the Division and Early Years of Activity

The Electrochemistry Division of the Società Chimica Italiana (SCI) was established in 1974 through the initiative of a Founding Committee consisting of Giuseppe Bianchi, Luisa Peraldo Bicelli, and Giovanni Serravalle.
As documented in the original letter, following approval of its establishment by the Società Chimica Italiana (SCI), the Division adopted its own Regulations in accordance with the SCI's Regulations and Statutes.
Documentation of the initiatives undertaken during the early years has either been lost or is difficult to locate. The limited information presented below has been obtained from the few documents preserved in the SCI archives or reconstructed, with some degree of approximation, from commemorative events held in recent years and the personal recollections of some members.

The composition of the first Governing Boards is unknown, although G. Bianchi, L. Peraldo Bicelli, G. Serravalle, and G. Trabanelli were probably among their members.
From its establishment until 1977, Professor Filippo Accascina served as President, probably without interruption.

The Division's First Scientific Meeting took place in Palermo in 1975 or 1976 (the exact date is uncertain). It opened with presentations aimed at outlining the scope of electrochemistry and establishing priorities in research, education, and relations with industry:

• G. Bianchi: “The Role of Electrochemistry in Energy Issues”;
• G. Serravalle: “The Organization of Electrochemical Research in Italy”;
• F. Mazza: “Electrochemistry and Corrosion: Educational Issues, Prerequisites, and Implications”.

It is worth quoting a passage from Serravalle's presentation, in which he lamented “...the difficult and precarious conditions in which our research is conducted, ...largely as a consequence of the prolonged crisis affecting universities and scientific research.” And this was back in the 1970s. No documents relating to the Second and Third Scientific Meetings appear to be available.

During the following three-year term, from 1978 to 1980, Professor Giovanni Serravalle served as President.
It was probably during this period that the very first School of Electrochemistry was held, organized by Sergio Trasatti in Capezzano Pianore (Lucca), from September 4 to 14, 1978.

Another documented event is the Fourth Scientific Meeting of the Electrochemistry Division, held in Bologna from October 22 to 24, 1979. The Organizing Committee was chaired by Professor Sergio Roffia.
From the 1981–1983 term onwards, more extensive and systematic records are available. These are presented on the following pages, organized according to the successive Governing Boards. Further information can be found in the Division's Bulletins for the corresponding years.