ChemSkills Public Conference 2026, Prague
The ChemSkills Public Conference took place on 17 September 2026 at NEWTON University in Prague and online, bringing together academics, industry representatives, European initiatives and project partners to discuss how education and skills development can respond to the changing needs of the chemical industry.
The conference provided a platform for exchanging perspectives on some of the most important workforce and skills challenges currently affecting the sector.
Following the opening session, the programme began with “From Research to Action: Insights and Training Solutions”, presenting how research findings can be transformed into concrete approaches to learning and workforce development. Contributions were delivered by representatives of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava and the University of Twente.
Digital transformation is reshaping professional roles across the chemical industry. A dedicated session on “Digital Chemical Engineer: Added Value and Challenges” examined the implications of this transformation for future skills and professional development.
Speakers from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and EuroAPI discussed the increasing interaction between chemical expertise, digital technologies and emerging competence requirements.
Another central theme of the conference was the sector’s ability to attract and retain the next generation of professionals.
The panel discussion “Retaining Young Talent in the Chemical Industry – How Can We Align Expectations?” brought together perspectives from industry and higher education. Panellists representing Torvako, the University of Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics and EuroAPI explored expectations on both sides of the labour market and considered how employers, universities and training providers can better respond to them.
The final thematic session, “Building the Future: Innovation Alliances and Policy Perspectives”, placed the discussions within a wider European context.
Representatives of Skills4EII and the IRISS project presented complementary European initiatives and highlighted the value of cooperation between projects and organisations working to strengthen skills, sustainability and innovation across European industry.
The conference concluded by emphasising a message that runs throughout the ChemSkills project: responding effectively to technological, economic and workforce transformation requires closer cooperation between education, research and industry.
ChemSkills would like to thank all speakers, panellists and participants who contributed to the event, whether in person in Prague or online.
23. 09. 2026