15-17 September 2026 | DECHEMA-Haus, Frankfurt am Main
The DECHEMA Forum 2026 brings together science and industry under the theme "Defossilizing the Process Industry – Creating Competitive Solutions." This year, several NFDI4Cat members will present their research in sessions that extend beyond traditional catalysis contexts, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable chemical transformation.
Norbert Kockmann takes the stage on Wednesday, 16 September at 16:00 in the "Model-Based Engineering for Process and Systems Design" session (Wilhelm-Keim-Raum), discussing systematic approaches to designing sustainable chemical processes and presents in the "AI-Driven Intelligence" session on Wednesday, 16 September at 14:30 (Wilhelm-Keim-Raum), how artificial intelligence is transforming process optimization and decision-making in chemical engineering.
Henrik Schröter will speak in the "Next-Generation Membrane Separations" session on Tuesday, 15 September at 14:50 (Wilhelm-Keim-Raum). His contribution connects catalysis research with advanced separation technologies, demonstrating how membrane processes can enable more efficient chemical processes.
Workshop 1.5: The Power of Membrane Separation
Tuesday, 15 September, 15:30 - 17:00
Speakers: Udo Kragl (Universität Rostock), Mathias Ulbricht (University of Duisburg-Essen), Henrik Schröter (Universität Rostock)
Separating mixtures is a core operation in both industrial settings and research laboratories. While traditional methods like distillation, extraction, crystallization, and adsorption still dominate, membrane processes offer significant energy savings. This workshop explores how tailored membrane materials enable selective separations, often in hybrid concepts combined with established methods. Participants will learn about the potential of membrane separations as standalone solutions and in combination with other processes.
Workshop 2.5: Skills for the (bio)chemical transformation – Scenarios for the future
Thursday, 17 September, 09:00 - 10:30
Speakers: Norbert Kockmann (TU Dortmund), Magdalena Illing (Roche Diagnostics GmbH), Eckard Foltin (Foltin Future Consulting), Steve Rommel
How are technological, economic, political, and demographic trends reshaping the chemical industry and the skilled-labor market? This workshop presents findings and policy recommendations from the VCI study "Szenarien für die Zukunft," which will be shared with decision-makers. Organized by DECHEMA's Section on Education and Innovation together with VCI experts, the session combines short expert inputs with audience discussion to explore what skills the chemical transformation demands.
The DECHEMA Forum offers a unique opportunity to see NFDI4Cat members in diverse contexts beyond their core catalysis research. Cross-disciplinary exchange drives innovation, and these presentations demonstrate how catalysis expertise contributes to broader challenges in sustainable chemistry, process design, AI integration, and workforce development.
The three-day programme includes plenary talks from leading experts, parallel technical sessions, poster presentations, networking events, and the DECHEMA Innovation Award ceremony. Topics span bioeconomy, circular economy, CO_2 capture and utilization, electrification, digitalization, and advanced separation technologies.
Registration and Information:
Visit the DECHEMA website for the full programme and registration details.
Join us in Frankfurt to explore how science and industry can collaborate to defossilize the process industry and create competitive, sustainable solutions for the future.
Deutsch