Plenary Lecture at 9º Encontro dos Jovens Químicos Portugueses

Javier García Martínez participated as a plenary speaker at the 9th Meeting of Young Portuguese Chemists (9PYCheM), held in Faro. Organized by the Grupo de Químicos Jovens Portugueses, the congress brought together early-career chemists from across Portugal and beyond to share cutting-edge research and foster international collaboration.

Despite a temporary electricity outage, the event stood out for the high quality of its scientific program, showcasing the energy, resilience, and creativity of the new generation of chemists. “It’s clear that chemistry is in excellent hands,” García Martínez remarked, praising the vibrant scientific dialogue that unfolded throughout the congress.

In his plenary lecture, García Martínez presented his group’s latest research on novel catalysts for more sustainable chemistry, work carried out at the University of Alicante. He also highlighted several ongoing IUPAC initiatives aimed at empowering young chemists and promoting global scientific cooperation.

The congress served as a platform not only for scientific exchange but also for celebrating the role of youth in advancing chemistry toward real-world impact. As part of the conversations and reflections sparked during the meeting, a group of participants co-authored a forward-looking article titled "RESILIENCE: Ten Principles for Building Resilient Chemistry for a Volatile World." The piece lays out a framework to help the chemistry community navigate increasing global uncertainty while advancing sustainability and innovation. The article is available for download on ChemRxiv: https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/681cae4f927d1c2e6691f836.