DECHEMA FORUM – Defossilizing the Process Industry: Creating Competitive Solutions
Welcome to the DECHEMA FORUM – our dynamic new format designed for interaction, inspiration, and networking!
One topic, three days, countless ideas: The DECHEMA FORUM brings together experts from industry, academia, and research to tackle the pressing question – how can the process industries defossilize and stay competitive at the same time?
The toolbox for a sustainable industrial transformation is well-equipped: replacing fossil feedstock with biomass, CO2, or recycled carbon; moving from fossil energy to renewable electricity and hydrogen; increasing resource, energy and water efficiency: exploiting the power of chemical and biotechnological catalysis and improved downstream processes… However, many of these technologies never see the floodlights of an industrial park. The need for large investment, the fit – or lack thereof – into the existing process landscape or challenges during scale-up are obstacles that need to be overcome. How can we introduce novel sustainable technologies on a large scale and still compete with the rest of the world? We have set off on the road towards a sustainable process industry; now we need to use our capabilities to finish the race.
The event offers more than just talks – beyond plenary talks, the program will feature interactive workshops, discussions as well as poster and industrial exhibitions, each designed to highlight practical solutions and stimulate fresh ideas. A special programme for PhD students and early career scientists will further encourage exchange across generations and foster new connections. Deadline for Paper and Workshop Submission is 15th February 2026.
“How can the process industry become more sustainable while staying competitive?” You are cordially invited to contribute to the scientific programme with a workshop, lecture or poster to present your solution.
We look forward to your contributions from research institutions, universities, and industry. You can also present new work that is not yet completed, recently started or in the planning stage. Tandem presentations by developers and users are particularly welcome.
Please find the topics for a submission here.
Please prepare an abstract with 1-2 pages (incl. figures, max. size 1 MB, max. 2 pages). The abstract should explicitly mention objectives, new results and conclusions or significance of the work.
Papers can be submitted until 15 February 2026. The selection of the contributions will be based on the review of the abstracts by the scientific committee.
Accepted abstracts will be published for all conference participants in a book of abstracts (PDF file).
The congress language is English.
Please note: Registration fee cannot be waived for authors.
Alongside the varied lecture programme, one of the highlights of the DECHEMA Forum will be the workshops. These 1.5-hour sessions are aimed to provide participants the chance to explore different topics in depth, while actively engaging and exchanging ideas in a hands-on way.
The organising commitee cordially invites you to submit your workshop idea online before 15.2.2026.
1. Please fill-out the the workshop template and upload it as PDF file (Topic: 00 Workshop).
2. Please enter your contact details so that we can reach you in case of any further questions. Additional organisers may be listed as co-authors.
3. DECHEMA will not make any adjustments regarding the author information. The information will be published as given, so please double-check.
Workshops can be submitted until 15 February 2026. The selection of workshops will be made based on the review by the scientific committee.
Workshop organisers will receive complimentary access to the conference on the day of their workshop. If you would like to attend the entire Forum, you will have the opportunity to purchase a ticket at a reduced rate.
| TOPIC | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 01 - Bioeconomy, Bio-based products | Biotechnological Production Systems, Special Biotechnological Processes, Biomanufacturing |
| 02 - Catalysis & Reaction Engineering for Defossilization |
Catalytic Processes for Circular Economy, New Possibilities for the Coupling and Integration of Chemical, Chemo-Catalytic and Biotechnological Processes, Data Management and Data based Optimization of Catalysts and Processes, Novel Reactor Concepts, Reaction Engineering and Catalysts for non-thermal Activation of Processes (Photo-, Electro-, Plasma-Catalysis), Scale-up and Reaction Engineering of Catalysts Manufacturing, Catalyst Deactivation |
| 03 - Circular Economy & Chemical Recycling | Material Cycles, Plastic/Battery Recycling, Circular Composites, Remonomerisation, Technologies for Chemical Recycling of Waste Plastics, Sustainable Hydrogen Resources for Defossilisation |
| 04 - CO₂ Capture, conversion and utilization (chemical & biotechnological) |
CCU/CCS, Direct Air Capture, Adsorptive Processes, Membranes and Membrane Processes for Carbon Capture, Biotechnological CO₂ Utilization: Gas Fermentation, Cultivation of algae |
| 05 - Defossilization of Resource-Intensive Industries | Cement, Steel, Lime Industry: H₂ Utilisation, CO₂ Separation, Industry-specific Solutions, CO2-neutral Production of Basic Chemicals |
| 06 - Digitalization, AI & Automation | Process Synthesis, Data Analysis, ML/AI, Modelling, Predictive Maintenance, Modular Systems, Seamless Data Streams and Connectivity, Flexibilisation in the Process Industry |
| 07 - Electrification of the Process Industry | Utilization of Electricity in the Process Industry, Electrochemical Processes & Products, Energy Integration and Efficiency (e.g. Heat Pumps, Direct Heating), Energy Storage/Converters |
| 08 - Feedstock and Raw Material Flexibility | Biogenic Raw Materials, CO₂, Plastic Recycling, Platform Chemicals, Alternative Material Flows |
| 09 - Integrated Bio-/Chemo-/Catalytic Process Chains | Hybrid Processes, Interface Management, Process Coupling, New Network Structures |
| 10 - Education, Qualification & Innovation in the Transformation | Training for Sustainable Processes, Innovation Policy, Shortage of Skilled Labour, New Learning Formats |
| 11 - Separation Technologies and Downstream Processes | Energy-efficient Separation Processes, Membranes, Hybrid Concepts, Process Intensification, Membrane Reactors, Membranes for Electrolysis/Fuelcells, Desalination by Reverse Osmosis |
| 12 - Safety and Scaling of Alternative Processes | Safety in alternative Processes, Successful Scaling, Large-scale Realization, Consideration of Safety Technology in the Planning Stage of Transformation Processes |
| 13 - Separation Technologies and Downstream Processes | Energy-efficient Separation Processes, Membranes, Hybrid Concepts, Process Intensification, Membrane Reactors, Membranes for Electrolysis/Fuelcells, Desalination by Reverse Osmosis |
| 14 - System Analysis, LCA & Sustainability Assessment | Life Cycle Assessment, Technological Readiness Level (TRL), Benchmarking of New Technologies |
| 15 - Water in Defossilized Processes | Water as Enabler of new Process Routes, Wastewater Challenges from Bio-based and Chemical Recycling Processes, Resource Recovery from Aqueous Streams, Impact of Transformation on Water Management and Balances |
We are proud to announce the following plenary speakers for DECHEMA FORUM 2026:
Another plenary speaker will be announced soon.
The registration includes:
| Delegates | Members1) | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | 910 € | 915 € |
| Industry - Early Career2) | 600 € | 615 € |
| Academia | 600 € | 615 € |
| PhD Student3) | 350 € | 365 € |
1)Personal DECHEMA Members. 2)Max. 3 years of experience.3)Proof of status requested.
Mixed VAT: registration fee includes Business Package with 19% VAT., no VAT for scientific conferences according to § 4.22 UstG
How to become a DECHEMA Member?
Registration will be possible soon.
The DECHEMA terms and conditions for conferences apply. Please note that the following information are excerpts and supplements to the general terms and conditions.
Registration is possible up to the beginning of the conference (subject to capacity in the lecture rooms). You will receive an email with a booking confirmation as well as hyperlinks to download your invoice and payment confirmation as PDF files.
Payment of participation fees is by credit card (Master-Card, Visa, Amex or Diners) or direct debit.
Cancellations will only be accepted in written form (i.e. by post or e-mail).
In case of no-show or cancellation of participation, the full participation fee must be paid. Details on cancellation deadlines and fees can be found in the conference terms and conditions.
DECHEMA-Haus Frankfurt
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25
60486 Frankfurt am Main
https://dechema.de/anfahrt.html
Information on accommodation will be published soon.
Are you planning to travel to Frankfurt by train? Take advantage of the DB event offer and travel to our conference at a discounted rate - with these added benefits:
Do you have any questions about the booking? The DB service team is happy to assist you at +49 (0)30 297 19 0 19. More info: www.bahn.de/eventangebote
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and DECHEMA and travel to our conference at a reduced fare.
Further information at http://www.dechema.de/en/train.html.
The exhibition is an integral part of the DECHEMA FORUM and offers a unique opportunity to present your technologies, products and services, while making valuable connections.
We’re expecting around 200–250 participants from both industry and academia.
The conference is a great chance to build and expand your industry connections, and to meet potential candidates who are about to finish their PhD, as well as early career researchers.
We offer a range of sponsorship and exhibition options for your company. You’ll find all the details and pricing in the linked flyer and in the overview below.
Flyer Sponsoring and exhibition options
|
Gold- |
Silber- |
Bronze- |
|
|
|
Acknowledgement on social media |
✓ | |||
|
Keynote lecture as part of the Conference Programme1) |
✓ | |||
|
Logo featured on pre-conference |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
|
Logo and company profile + link on the event website and in the event app |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Banner advertisement in the event app | ✓ | ✓ | ||
|
Placement of logo on break slides and |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Placement of logo in the printed program overview | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Full-page ad in the digital Book of Abstracts | ✓ | ✓ | ||
|
Display of a flyer or brochure next to the |
✓ | ✓ | ||
| Exhibition Space | < 6m2 | < 6m2 | < 6m2 | < 4m2 |
| Conference Participation | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Booth Staff | 1 | 1 | ||
|
Special rate for additional conference |
3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Price | 7.500 € | 5.000 € | 3.500 € | 2.800 € |
All packages include the following:
Please note: Booth construction with system walls is not planned.
1) Scientific/ Application-based lecture
Organizing Commitee |
|---|
|
Dr. Carsten Bornhövd |
WACKER Chemie AG, Technologie Scout |
|---|---|
| Dr. Florian Huber | hte GmbH, Head of New Technologies & Incubation and Senior Scientist |
| Dr. Ralph Kleinschmidt | thyssenkrupp Uhde, Head of Technology and Innovation |
| Guido König | Samson AG, Head of Focus Industries Management und Segment Manager Sustainable Industries |
| Dr. Manfred Nagel | Evonik Industries AG, Vice President |
| Dr. Kathrin Rübberdt | DECHEMA e.V., Head of Department Science and Industry |
| Dr. Rüdiger Schneider | Siemens Energy, Head of Chemical Processes |
| Dr. Karsten Schürrle | |
| Ildikó Terebesi | INVITE GmbH, Managing Director |
| Caroline von Wulffen | DECHEMA e.V., Pharma |
|
Dr. Christoph Blöcher |
Covestro Deutschland AG, Head of Infrastructure Processes, Materials & Corrosion |
|---|---|
|
Prof. Hannsjörg Freund |
TU Dortmund, Reaction Engineering and Catalysis |
| Prof. Marcus Grünewald |
Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Institute for Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics |
|
Prof. Dirk Holtmann |
Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), Head of Chair Electrobiotechnology |
| Prof. Norbert Kockmann |
TU Dortmund, Equipment Design |
| Prof. Udo Kragl | University of Rostock |
| Prof. Stephan Schunk | hte GmbH / BASF SE, Executive Expert / Vice President |
| Prof. Ralf Takors | University of Stuttgart, Institut für Bioverfahrenstechnik |
| Prof. Roland Ulber |
TU Kaiserslautern, Chair of Bioprocess Engineering |
| Dr. Bernhard von Vacano |
BASF, Vice President, Executive expert in the field of closed loop Polymer Recycling |
The DECHEMA FORUM is supported by VDI.
Bildquelle: iStock 1441126399_Sakorn Sukkasemsakorn
DECHEMA-Fokus-Themen:
#DECHEMAFORUM2026
Dates to note:
From September 2025 - 15.02.2026:
Call for Papers
In May 2026:
Programm release and Registration opens
