National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry
ICECHIM
Press releases
ICECHIM - Technological Driver in the AgroCliN Centre of Excellence, a Strategic Initiative for Climate-Neutral Agriculture
20 February 2026
The National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM Bucharest is a partner in the project “Excellence Research Center Fostering Climate Neutrality and Resilience through Agriculture (AgroCliN)”, coordinated by the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV Bucharest). The funding contract was signed on 19 February 2026 with UEFISCDI (through its General Director, Professor Adrian Curaj), under the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2022–2027 (PNCDI IV), within the Challenges Programme – Strategic Agenda Partnerships Subprogramme - Centres of Excellence.
The establishment of Centres of Excellence represents one of the most ambitious institutional initiatives of the past decade in Romanian research, aiming to strengthen strategic domains with significant scientific, economic, and societal impact potential. AgroCliN seeks to develop a Centre of Excellence dedicated to supporting the transition towards sustainable, resilient, and climate-neutral agriculture by integrating advanced research, technological innovation, and knowledge transfer to society and the economic environment.
“AgroCliN reflects a paradigm shift: agriculture is no longer just an economic sector, but a key pillar of climate neutrality and societal resilience. Through this Centre of Excellence, we aim to connect cutting-edge research with the real needs of farmers, the environment and society, contributing to the development of sustainable and competitive agriculture”, stated Prof. Dr. Sorin Mihai Cîmpeanu, Project Director.
Within the consortium, ICECHIM contributes to strengthening the project’s technological dimension by developing solutions based on applied chemistry and materials science, and by facilitating the transfer of research results into practical applications in agriculture and environmental protection. The institute’s involvement reinforces AgroCliN’s orientation towards applied innovation and transferable results, which are essential for accelerating the transition to sustainable agricultural systems.
“This Centre of Excellence will not only enable the maintenance and further development of research staff competences within the partner institutions, but will also catalyse the creation of new competences aligned with future challenges, all to the benefit of agricultural producers and farmers, as well as consumers and citizens at large”, stated Dr. Biochem. Mihaela Doni, General Director of ICECHIM.
The ICECHIM project responsible, Dr. Habil. Irina Fierăscu, highlighted the long-term strategic dimension of the initiative: “The AgroCliN consortium already demonstrates a solid capacity for collaboration and scientific excellence; however, the true value of this Centre lies in its long-term perspective. We are not speaking merely about an initiative with proven results, but about a sustainable platform that will continue to generate innovation, develop new competences, and strengthen Romania’s positioning within European research dedicated to agriculture and the environment”.
Through its participation in AgroCliN, ICECHIM further consolidates its role as a strategic actor within the national research and innovation ecosystem, contributing to the development of agriculture grounded in science, technology, and sustainability. The Centre of Excellence represents not only recognition of existing competences, but also an investment in the capacity to generate future solutions tailored to climate challenges and the evolving demands of the European economy.
Global Women’s Breakfast Romania 2026
The National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM Bucharest is inviting early-stage and senior researchers, as well as entities from Romania engaged in research and development and related activities on February 10th, 2026, to take part to the 5th edition of Global Women’s Breakfast Romania 2026, an event dedicated to equality in science and research.
This year, our moderators are going to present their results in mentoring, presentations which lead to two sessions on mentor-mentee relationship, the theme of the edition. Our motto is "Generations united through science." The discussions will blend short inspirational talks with open discussions, where early-career researchers may tackle concrete career or inclusive research lab culture questions.
Access to the event is free for all interested parties who register their participation. The confirmations may be done on this form. Also, the agenda is available here.
International Symposium “Priorities of chemistry for a sustainable development” PRIOCHEM XXI
June 2nd, 2025
The 21st edition of the International Symposium "Priorities of Chemistry for a Sustainable Development" PRIOCHEM will take place between October 15 and 17, 2025, at the headquarters of the National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM (202 Sp. Independenței, district 6, Bucharest), representing one of the events marking the institute's 75th anniversary.
PRIOCHEM offers students and young researchers a suitable framework in which to promote their research results and, at the same time, gain a new experience of giving a presentation in fields such as:
- capitalization of bioresources,
- nanosciences and nanomaterials,
- environmental and cultural heritage protection,
- sustainable resource management, recovery, recycling, and valorization of by-products from various agro-industrial flows.
The symposium focuses on the institute's research areas associated with PNCDI IV and SNCISI 2022-2027 (included in the Horizon Europe program).
As every year, registrations can be made for two sections, Multifunctional Materials, Nanocomposites, Innovative Technologies and Cultural Heritage Preservation (1 – MTCH) and Bioresources, Biotechnologies and Biorefining (2 – BBB), and the scientific program will consist of plenary debates, invited lectures (including prestigious international guests), poster presentation sessions, round tables and workshops (satellite events), as well as technical exhibitions.
More details regarding the event are available here.
The PRIOCHEM symposium is organized under the auspices and with the support of the Ministry of Education and Research / National Authority for Research, in partnership with the Romanian Chemical Society (member of EuChemS), the C.D. Nenițescu Foundation, and the Association for Development and Integrative Education for the Future, under the patronage of the Romanian Academy of Scientists.
Exploratory workshop
INNOVATIVE CROSS-SECTORAL TECHNOLOGIES
NeXT-Chem VII
May 28th, 2025
The 7th edition of the Exploratory workshop NeXT-Chem: Innovative Cross-Sectoral Technologies, organized annually by the National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry - ICECHIM Bucharest, took place on 22 and 23 May 2025 at the headquarters. The workshop is part of the series of events that ICECHIM dedicates to the scientific community in honor of its 75th anniversary.
Aimed at master and PhD students, as well as early-stage researchers, NeXT-Chem VII was held in a hybrid setting in order to give potential participants from outside Bucharest the opportunity to attend. Papers were presented by 27 young researchers from Bucharest, Pitești, Bacău, Timișoara, as well as from abroad: Kazakhstan, India, Germany. They focused on areas that are included in the objectives of the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2022-2027 and Romania's National Strategy for Research, Innovation and Smart Specialization 2022-2027. Fifty-two participants attended the two-day event in-person, while over one hundred additional joined remotel via the Zoom platform.
The presentations of the 35 submitted papers were complemented by several special lectures offered by specialists in chemical and physical engineering and agricultural sciences: Roxana Ciceoi, Adriana Marinoiu, Daniela Predoi, Mihai Varlam and Cosmina Oana Arabela Venat. The awards ceremony was preceded by three other presentations from ICECHIM, on science in the past - Grigore Pșenovschi, personal branding and storytelling in science - Bianca Rusu and opportunities within the Romanian Chemical Society and the European Chemical Society - Andrei Sârbu.
The following prizes were awarded to the most appreciated papers:
- Romanian Chemical Society Award: Ștefania Caramarin (IMNR Bucharest) and Bianca-Maria Țuchiu-Stanca (INCEMC Timișoara);
- Europa Award: Dariga Nurzhanova (Autonomous Educational Organization "Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools", Kazakhstan) and Siddhartha Dan (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, India);
- Special Award: Cătălina-Diana Ușurelu (ICECHIM Bucharest), Maria Grapin (ICECHIM Bucharest) and Livia Teodora Ciobanu (ICECHIM Bucharest);
- Innovation Award: Maria Oprea (National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Pitești University Center) and Andreea Ioana Dinu (National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest);
- Raluca Ianchiș Award: Andreea - Luiza Mîrț (ICECHIM Bucharest / National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest / Institute of Biomaterials, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany).
Young researchers are invited to join this year's most important event from ICECHIM: PRIOCHEM 2025. More information on icechim.ro, as well as on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
Exploratory workshop
INNOVATIVE CROSS-SECTORAL TECHNOLOGIES
NeXT-Chem VII
March 19th, 2025
The National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM Bucharest is pleased to announce the organization of the 7th edition of the NeXT-Chem Exploratory Workshop: Cross-Sectoral Innovative Technologies, which will take place on May 22-23, 2025, event dedicated to the participation of young researchers, master's students, and PhD candidates.
This year’s edition is particularly special, as it takes place in the context of celebrating 75 years of continuous activity of ICECHIM in the field of applied research. Founded in 1950, the institute has been a pillar of innovation in the chemical industry, developing impactful solutions for multiple economic sectors. This edition of the workshop will highlight both the latest innovations and the institute’s long-term contribution to scientific and technological progress.
Registration and participation
To participate in the event, please submit your abstract via the online form available in the Registration section of the official website (https://icechim.ro/en/institute/scientific-events/next-chem-en/) by May 12, 2025.
Please follow the formatting guidelines to ensure your paper can be included in the NeXT-Chem Book of Abstracts. Acceptance notifications will be sent within 3 days from the date of abstract submission. The event will be held in English, in a hybrid format (online and at the ICECHIM headquarters), and no registration fees will be charged.
For more details and to access the registration form, please visit the official event website: https://icechim.ro/en/institute/scientific-events/next-chem-en/.
75 years of excellence in research!
The year 2025 marks an important milestone for ICECHIM – 75 years of innovation, development, and contribution to the progress of the chemical industry. With a long history in applied research, the institute remains a center of excellence, promoting sustainable technologies and innovative solutions to address today’s challenges. The NeXT-Chem Exploratory Workshop 2025 will reflect this tradition of excellence, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and the impact of research on the circular economy and sustainability.
We look forward to your participation in this landmark event, as we celebrate innovation and ICECHIM’s significant contributions to scientific and technological development in Romania and beyond!
Global Women’s Breakfast Romania 2025
February 4th, 2025
The National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM Bucharest hosts the fourth edition of Global Women's Breakfast Romania, part of the IUPAC series, on 11 February 2025, at 9.30 am, at the headquarters (Splaiul Independenței 202, district 6, Bucharest).
The event is addressed to researchers, professors, academic leaders, industry professionals and organizations promoting equity and sustainability. It is equally open to policy makers, industry associations, innovation experts and entrepreneurs who contribute to social and economic transformation through their experience in STEAM fields.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is celebrating, along with ICECHIM and hundreds of other organizations around the world, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and, at the same time, the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Every year, the Global Women's Breakfast follows a guiding theme, and in 2025 it is about Accelerating Equity in Science.
INCDCP - ICECHIM aims to initiate open discussions on scientific leadership and careers in STEAM fields, emphasizing the importance of involving women in these areas of interest. Specialists and other interested people, both women and men, are invited to ensure an inclusive framework.
The event is in Romanian and allows both in-person and online participation. Registrations will be done here, with the possibility to view the event program. For further details, questions may be addressed to .
International Symposium “Priorities of chemistry for a sustainable development” PRIOCHEM XX
May 24th, 2024
National Institute of Research-Development for Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM will host the International Symposium “Priorities of chemistry for a sustainable development” PRIOCHEM, now in its 20th anniversary edition. The event will take place on 16-18 October 2024 on the headquarters (Splaiul Independenței 202, district 6, Bucharest, Romania).
Diversity is one of ICECHIM's most important values, and therefore the PRIOCHEM International Symposium Organising Committee aims to support early-stage researchers, as well as experienced researchers with prestigious work from around the world. Within PRIOCHEM, they have the opportunity to present their results in areas related to the National RDI Plan 2022-2027 (synchronised to the Horizon Europe program):
- nanosciences and nanomaterials;
- capitalization of bioresources;
- protection of the environment and cultural heritage;
- sustainable resource management;
- recovery, recycling and capitalization of by-products from various agro-industrial streams.
The scientific agenda consists of plenary sessions, lectures, poster presentations, round tables and workshops (satellite events) and technical exhibitions. The symposium, carried out on the Multifunctional materials, nanocomposites, innovative technologies and cultural heritage preservation (1 – MTCH) and Bioresources, biotechnologies and biorefining (2 - BBB) sections, will also include lectures presented by prestigious international guests.
More details regarding the event are available on the website, Institute – Scietific Events – PROCHEM section.
International Symposium PRIOCHEM is organised with the support of Romanian Ministry for Research, Inovation and Digitalization, Romanian Chemical Society (EuChemS member) and Foundation C.D. Nenițescu.
