The Monitoring Group was established by the Executive Board in 2024. Its purpose is to help prepare position papers and statements on behalf of the GDCh Executive Board.

Members

Dr Rolf Albach, Member of the Board,
Prof Hans-Dieter Arndt, Liebig Association,
M.Sc. Katrin Beuthert, Member of the Board,
Prof Markus Fischer, Food Chemistry Society,
Prof Klaus-Peter Jäckel, Sen. Klaus-Peter Jäckel, Senior Expert Chemistry, Member of the Board
Dr Carina Kniep, Head Office, Team Leader Specialist Groups,
Dr Karin J. Schmitz, Head Office, Head of Public Relations,
Dr Lorin Steinhäuser, formerly JCF, Head of the Monitoring Group

The task of the Monitoring Group is to identify topics that are relevant to the GDCh and its members due to their scientific or social importance and to which the GDCh can make substantial contributions through the expertise of its members. Specialist groups, other GDCh structures or members can also nominate topics. On this basis, the Monitoring Group draws up proposals for topics that the GDCh should work on and submits them to the Executive Board for a decision.

The Engagement Group prepares the content of the position paper or another corresponding document. It is made up of experts from the various GDCh structures. The aim is to reflect the current state of science as completely as possible.

Further information: Article in the News from Chemistry. Access for members in the GDCh app at https://gdch.app/article/welche-position-bezieht-die-gdch-4149088.

The Monitoring Group has met several times since March 2025 and discussed various topics currently under public debate. PFAS is seen as an important topic that is not only being discussed at the moment, but is likely to be for many years to come.

The European Commission published the "A European Chemicals Industry Action Plan" on 8 July 2025. The plan aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the European chemical industry. The aim is to reduce environmental pollution from PFAS, protect public health and maintain the competitiveness of European industry.

The Monitoring Group is of the opinion that the GDCh should be involved in the consultations. Accordingly, the Monitoring Group has proposed to the GDCh Executive Board that a committee be set up to act on behalf of the GDCh at EU level on the subject of PFAS.

At its meeting on 1 October 2025, the Executive Board followed the Monitoring Group's recommendation and will convene a commission to contribute the GDCh's expertise at EU level. Close cooperation with the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) will be sought. Ruth Bieringer has been appointed head of the commission. Further members will be appointed in the coming months.

The GDCh already has a thinktank on PFAS, in which experts from various specialist groups are involved. However, the think tank is not a commission appointed by the Executive Board and therefore cannot officially act on behalf of the GDCh.