Rome, 3 August 2026 – A strategic partnership renewed and strengthened to give fresh impetus to scientific culture, enhance the chemistry profession, and consolidate dialogue between research, institutions and society. This is the aim of the Framework Cooperation Agreement signed by Professor Luigi Mondello, President of the Italian Chemical Society (SCI), and Dr Nausicaa Orlandi, President of the National Federation of the Orders of Chemists and Physicists (FNCF).
The agreement marks the continuation of a long-standing collaboration designed to bring together the scientific and professional expertise of the two institutions. Their shared path aims to promote joint initiatives in science communication, high-quality training and continuing professional development, reaffirming the central role of chemistry as a discipline essential to the country’s economic, technological and social growth.
«The renewal of this Framework Agreement is the natural continuation of a shared journey in which the profession and research work hand in hand», said Dr Nausicaa Orlandi, President of the FNCF. «At a complex time such as the present, it is essential to reaffirm the indispensable nature of chemists’ technical and scientific expertise in protecting public health, the environment and citizens’ safety. Our cooperation with SCI enables us to pursue key priorities for the future of the profession with even greater determination, beginning with the completion of the legislative process for profession-qualifying degree programmes. This is an essential tool for promptly recognising and certifying the advanced skills of young graduates, while ensuring their timely and qualified entry into the labour market».
«The collaboration between the Italian Chemical Society and the National Federation of the Orders of Chemists and Physicists represents a virtuous model of integration between research, academia and the profession», said Professor Luigi Mondello, President of SCI. «Only through joint action can we effectively address the major challenges of our time, from health and the environment to the energy transition and industrial innovation. This Agreement strengthens our shared commitment to promoting chemical culture, supporting the education of younger generations, enhancing the role of chemists in society, and contributing to the country’s scientific, technological and competitive growth».
Building on the activities already launched and carried out jointly, the Agreement provides for the continuation and further development of major shared strategic projects:
- Recognition and protection of chemists’ professional expertise, including with regard to profession-qualifying degree programmes: a coordinated priority action aimed at recognising chemists’ advanced specialisation and specific expertise in strategic fields such as healthcare, environmental protection, food safety, energy, industry and research. This includes a shared commitment to supporting the approval of the decree on profession-qualifying degree programmes, a key step towards accelerating access to the profession and providing the public and private sectors with professionals who have rigorous, high-level scientific training.
- Promotion of the Chemistry Olympiad, a shared commitment to recognising young talent, encouraging new generations to take an interest in STEM disciplines, and supporting school and university guidance.
- Promotion of chemistry teaching in schools, chemistry education delivered by chemists, alongside outreach and awareness-raising activities.
The agreement directly addresses the major challenges of our time, from protecting public health and the environment to the energy transition, industrial innovation and sustainable development. In this context, SCI and FNCF renew their commitment to fostering technology transfer between academia and professional practice, while promoting an inclusive scientific culture attentive to equal opportunities.
Over the coming months, the two institutions will implement an integrated programme of joint initiatives, events, training courses and science communication projects. These activities will help strengthen the bridge between science, the profession and society, while enhancing the contribution of chemists to the country’s development and safety.