The aim of the newsletter is to keep the members of the specialist groups as up-to-date and comprehensively informed as possible about the activities of the specialist group (annual meetings, board work, etc.) and its working groups. The work in the specialist groups is a flagship of the GDCh and enables its members to have a competent say and representation vis-à-vis the public and politicians in the many problem areas in which chemistry plays a role today. The results of the Division's work are also documented in a series of GDCh monographs. Original articles, news, etc. are intended to report on current topics.
The PRO and CONTRA sections are intended to present authors' opposing viewpoints on a scientific basis in order to stimulate discussion and draw attention to the need for further research, especially in the case of problems of an interdisciplinary nature. PRO and CONTRA are interchangeable. CONTRA is not intended to encourage inactivity. In many areas of environmental protection there is no conclusive statement. This does not absolve us from taking precautions and taking measures to prevent problems in good time. On the other hand, the opposing viewpoint should not be characterised as a frivolous attitude. The scientific debate must be conducted independently of external influences. Consensus should be reached wherever possible.
Letters to the editor and suggestions for topics from members of the specialist group are still very welcome. We also need your support, e.g. to further increase solidarity within the specialist group by providing information about honours, appointments and nominations of members.