Version of 06 May 2025

The Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker e.V., which was formed in 1949 through the merger of regional sub-societies founded in 1946 for the former territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, is the successor organisation to the Deutsche Chemische Gesellschaft (founded in Berlin in 1867) and the Verein Deutscher Chemiker (founded in Frankfurt am Main in 1887). After the dissolution of the Chemical Society (formerly CG of the GDR), its members were able to join the GDCh from the end of 1990. The name Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker has historical roots and we are aware of its contradictory nature. Of course, the GDCh represents the interests of all those interested in chemistry, regardless of their gender, profession, nationality or other criteria.

The GDCh commits itself and its members to stand up for freedom, tolerance and truthfulness in science, in particular to preserve and increase the reputation of chemistry as well as chemical knowledge and expertise. All GDCh members are aware that, as natural scientists, they are particularly responsible for the impact of their professional activities on people and nature.

The GDCh and its members support and promote sustainable and lasting development in society, the economy and the environment and are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion in all their activities. They always act in awareness of their responsibility towards future generations and recognise the importance of chemistry for climate protection and future-proof and sustainable global development. They observe the laws and international conventions applicable to their work and its results and effects and oppose the misuse of chemistry, e.g. for the manufacture of chemical weapons, addictive substances or the ecologically irresponsible use of chemical products or their production. In the development, application and dissemination of chemical knowledge, they are committed to the truth, observe the rules of good scientific practice in accordance with the guidelines of the German Research Foundation and do not use unfair methods.

Members who violate these principles damage the reputation of science and the profession. They can be expelled from the GDCh.

1. The name of the organisation is "Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker e.V." with the abbreviation "GDCh". The association is hereinafter referred to as the Society.
2. The Society's registered office is in Frankfurt am Main.
3. The Society's financial year is the calendar year.

1. The Society is committed to science and the general public.
2. The purposes and objectives of the Society are in particular:
   
   1. Promoting science in the field of chemistry and related areas;
   2. Promoting and fostering the scientific exchange of information and opinions among all persons working in the field of chemistry and those interested in chemistry within the framework of the applicable laws and regulations;
   3. Promoting knowledge and understanding of chemistry and chemical interrelationships;
   4. Cooperation between scientists and teachers working at universities, other research institutions, public authorities, schools and in industry and business;
   5. Promoting young scientists;
   6. Promoting chemistry-oriented scientific education, training and further education;
   7. Awarding outstanding scientific achievements;
   8. Promoting scientific work and research projects;
   9. Promoting scientific publications and information;
   10. Cooperation with domestic and foreign organisations with comparable scientific tasks;
   11. Advising legislative and administrative bodies as well as other public institutions or institutions committed to the common good in the sense of
   12. Promoting equal opportunities for men and women in chemistry and related fields.
       
3. The GDCh supports needy members and their relatives or survivors within the meaning of Section 53 of the German Fiscal Code (AO) who are dependent on the help of others due to their physical, mental or psychological condition or who are in need of economic assistance. The GDCh can also appeal for donations for this charitable purpose.

1. The statutory purposes for the promotion of science and the general public are realised in particular through:
   
   1. the cooperation of members from science, industry and state institutions in specialist groups, local associations, the JCF (JungesChemieForum) and other branches of the society;
   2. the organisation and implementation of scientific events;
   3. the provision of information to politics, public administration and the media;
   4. the publication of an association publication in a suitable form (print, online, etc.) and
   5. the publication of an association publication in a suitable form (print, online, etc.).and scientific publications, publications, reports, books in a suitable form (print, online, etc.) alone or in co-operation with other organisations.) alone or in cooperation with other organisations;
   6. the implementation and evaluation of projects to promote research, specialist information and education;
   7. the provision and promotion of digital information systems in particular;
   8. the organisation of scientific information events for professional development;
   9. the awarding of prizes for outstanding achievements in research, application and teaching and in publishing;
   10. the professional and financial support of young scientists by granting scholarships;
   11. Trusteeship of dependent foundations whose purposes are also purposes of the organisation;
   12. Collection and evaluation of data on studies and fields of scientific activity;
   13. Promoting measures for the development and quality assurance of study programmes in chemistry and related fields of chemistry;
   14. Conducting public events for education and information;
   15. Conducting measures to promote chemistry-oriented education, training and further education.
       
2. These activities are only pursued as statutory purposes as long as they can be attributed to the non-material sector or special-purpose enterprises for tax purposes.

The following funds in particular are available to the organisation for its statutory purposes:

1. The association pursues exclusively and directly non-profit and charitable purposes within the meaning of the section "Tax-privileged purposes" of the German Tax Code.
2. The association is selflessly active and does not primarily pursue its own economic purposes.
3. The association's funds may only be used for the purposes set out in the articles of association.
4. The members of the Association shall not receive any benefits or shares from the Association's funds or assets in their capacity as members.
5. In addition, no person may benefit from expenses that are alien to the purposes of the association or from disproportionately high remuneration.
6. The officers of the association generally work on an honorary basis, but are entitled to reimbursement of expenses.

1. Membership of the Society is open to anyone who wishes to support its aims and objectives and has a scientific interest in chemistry. Membership is voluntary. There is no entitlement to admission to the Society.
2. The Society endeavours to achieve its statutory purpose in the scientific field of chemistry through the broadest possible membership from all specialist areas of chemistry.
3. The Society has personal and supporting members.
4. The personal members are divided into:
   
   1. Ordinary members;
   2. Honourary members;
   3. Associate members.
      
   Ordinary members are:
   
   
   People working in chemistry and related fields as well as other persons interested in the chemical and molecular sciences in Germany and abroad, including students and persons undergoing professional or academic training.
   
   The General Assembly may appoint honourary members on the recommendation of the Executive Board as outstanding supporters of chemistry and the aims of the Society. Honorary members have the rights of ordinary members without their obligations. Honorary membership is the highest honour that the Society can bestow.
   
   Associate members are persons from Germany and abroad whose training is not in the field of chemistry and related areas and/or who do not work in this field and who are only interested in working in one of the specialist groups and/or sections of the Society. They only have the right to vote in these. Further details are regulated by the membership fee regulations.
   
5. Supporting members of the society can be companies, legal entities, societies, corporations and public law institutions, associations, interest groups and authorities that are able and willing to support the purpose of the society both ideally and materially.

1. The application for admission as a member must be submitted in writing to the office. It must be accompanied by written acknowledgement of the Association's Code of Conduct.
2. The application will be announced to members via the Association's publication. If there is no objection within four weeks of the announcement, the admission is approved, otherwise the Board of Directors decides.
3. The new member will be notified of admission by the office, enclosing the Articles of Association.
4. The rights of membership are suspended if the annual membership fee is not paid until payment has been made.
5. The Executive Board decides on the admission of a supporting member.

1. Any member can terminate their membership by giving notice. Everything else is governed by the Membership Fee Regulations.
2. Membership expires upon the death of a member or, in the case of legal entities, upon their dissolution.
3. Members can be excluded:
   
   1. in the event of a breach of the Articles of Association or the Society's Code of Conduct;
   2. in the event of dishonourable behaviour that is detrimental to the Society;
   3. in the event of non-payment of the membership fee despite a reminder.
      
4. In cases a) and b), expulsion shall be pronounced by the Court of Honour and confirmed by the President of the Association.
5. In case c), expulsion shall be pronounced by the Executive Board.
6. The rights arising from membership shall expire upon termination of membership. Termination of membership shall not release the member from the fulfilment of any remaining obligations to the association.

1. All members pursuant to § 6 para. 4a - b and para. 5 have the same voting rights in the General Assembly or in written votes, the right of initiative pursuant to § 13.2 and are entitled to submit motions to the General Assembly. These motions must be submitted to the office with a brief justification at least six weeks before the General Assembly is held.
2. Every member is entitled to advice and information from the Society and participation in its events within the framework of these Articles of Association in the clarification of non-profit issues in the field of chemical science, provided that the Society does not come into conflict with the tax regulations of the Tax Code for non-profit organisations as a result of such support. The Association may demand reasonable remuneration for special services requested and utilised.
3. All members are required to support the Association in the fulfilment of its statutory duties. The Articles of Association and the resolutions of the Association are binding.
4. All members are obliged to pay the contributions set by the General Assembly on time and free of charge.
5. Members are also obliged to inform the office immediately of any change of postal and electronic addresses.
6. The officers of the Association must be full members of the Association.

1. Each member must pay an annual membership fee.
2. The amount of the annual membership fee for personal members is governed by the membership fee regulations and the membership fee categories specified therein. The membership fee regulations must be approved annually by the General Assembly.
3. The amount of the minimum annual contribution of supporting members shall be determined by the Executive Board, as shall the adjustment of the annual contributions in agreement with these members.
4. The annual membership fee is payable free of charge upon receipt of the membership fee invoice by 31 March at the latest.
5. Honourary members are exempt from paying the membership fee.
6. The rights of a member for the current financial year shall be suspended if the member has not paid their annual membership fee within a grace period of two months, calculated from the due date.
7. To cover extraordinary expenses, the General Assembly may decide to levy contributions on the recommendation of the Executive Board.

1. the General Assembly;
2. the Board of Directors;
3. the Executive Committee;
4. the Management Board;
5. the Court of Honour.

1. The Members' Assembly is the supreme body of all members of the company who have appeared.
2. An ordinary Members' Assembly must be convened once a year. In order to enable as many members as possible to participate in the General Meeting without barriers, the General Meeting should generally be held by means of electronic communication (e.g. by telephone or video conference). In the case of online participation, members' rights (voting rights, participation in discussions, right to submit motions, etc.) can be exercised by means of electronic communication. The date of the General Meeting shall be announced in writing, electronically or via the Association's publication at least eight weeks before the General Meeting, stating the provisional agenda. It is convened by the President. The meeting shall be convened in writing, electronically or via the Association's publication at least four weeks before the meeting, stating the final agenda. The President chairs the meeting. He/she may appoint another person to chair the meeting. Every duly convened general meeting constitutes a quorum.
3. The General Assembly of Members is responsible for the following tasks in particular, taking into account Section 13 (8) of these Articles of Association:
   
   1. Receiving and approving the annual report and annual accounts for the past financial year with discussion;
   2. Receiving and approving the auditors' report with discussion;
   3. Discharge of the Board of Directors and the management;
   4. Resolution on the budget for the coming year;
   5. Approval of the membership fee regulations;
   6. Decision on a levy for one-off special expenses on the recommendation of the Executive Board;
   7. Electing the members of the election committee for the Board of Directors election;
   8. Electing the members of the Court of Honour on the recommendation of the Board of Directors;
   9. Electing the auditors. of the auditors. These must be ordinary members of the company and may neither belong to a body of the company nor be in an employment relationship with it;
   10. Resolution on the appointment of honorary members on the proposal of the Executive Board;
       
   11. Each member may be represented by another member at the General Assembly or may represent one and only one other member there. This requires a power of attorney in text form. The authorisation must be issued separately for each general meeting.
   12. Resolutions of the general meeting are passed by a simple majority of the votes cast by the members present, unless otherwise stipulated by law or the articles of association. A tie vote is considered a rejection.
   13. A report must be drawn up on the General Assembly, which must be signed by the President or the President's deputy and the person taking the minutes.
   14. The General Assembly is not open to the public. The chair of the meeting may admit guests.
   15. Extraordinary general meetings are convened:
       
       1. if the Executive Board deems it necessary;
       2. if at least one tenth of the members request it in writing.
          
   16. The extraordinary general meeting must be held within eight weeks of receipt of the request. The members must be invited in writing at least 10 days in advance, stating the agenda.

1. The Board should be composed of persons who have distinguished themselves through their commitment in the field of chemistry and should reflect the diversity of the members of the GDCh in its composition. It consists of 15 full members, whereby at the time of election:
   
   1. seven should come from the scientific sector (university, research institutions, authorities);
   2. seven should come from the business sector and the liberal professions.
   3. One member is delegated by the chairs of the specialised groups for a period of two years. One direct re-delegation is possible.
      
2. For the election of members of the Executive Board, the Executive Board submits a proposal to all eligible members that reflects the diversity of the membership as far as possible and includes at least one representative of the JCF (JungesChemieForum). Further proposals can be made by the members. Each proposal from the membership must be signed by at least 50 members entitled to vote. The members shall vote by secret postal ballot or by comparable secure electronic voting methods. Further details are set out in the election regulations.
3. The Executive Board is elected by the members for a term of office of four years. The term of office begins on 1 January of the financial year following the election. The elected members remain in office until the new Board of Directors takes office. Direct re-election is possible once.
4. If a member of the Executive Board resigns during a term of office, the person with the next highest number of votes in the corresponding area a) or b) shall take their place; if the list of candidates is exhausted, the remaining Executive Board shall elect a replacement member for the remaining term of office.
5. The Executive Board shall constitute a quorum if more than half of its members are present.
6. The Executive Board shall decide by majority vote. In the event of a tie, the President shall have the casting vote.
7. The Executive Board may grant other persons guest status (without voting rights) on the Executive Board during all or part of their term of office. If the Executive Board member is not an elected member of the Executive Board in accordance with Section 14 (1d) of these Articles of Association, this person shall be granted guest status on the Executive Board (without voting rights) during their term of office.
8. The Executive Board is responsible for all matters of the company unless they are reserved or transferred to other bodies or institutions of the company by mandatory statutory provisions, provisions of the Articles of Association or the rules of procedure of the Executive Board. The Executive Board executes the resolutions of the General Meeting.
9. All other matters are governed by the Executive Board's rules of procedure.

1. The Board of Directors of the company includes:
   
   1. the President,
   2. two Deputy Presidents,
   3. two Vice Presidents,
   4. the President,
   5. the Treasurer,
   6. the immediate predecessor in the office of President in the first year of the new President's term of office.
      
2. The President and his/her two deputies are elected from among the members of the Executive Board. Their term of office is two years. Direct re-election to the same office is not possible.
3. The treasurer should be elected from among the current members of the Executive Board if possible. In view of the special duties of the office, the Executive Board may also nominate a person who is not a member of the Executive Board. In this case, this person shall be an ex officio member of the Executive Board. The term of office of the Treasurer is four years. He/she may be re-elected.
4. The members of the Executive Committee pursuant to para. 1 a. to c. form the Executive Board within the meaning of Section 26 BGB. Each is authorised to represent the company alone.
5. The member of the Executive Committee pursuant to paragraph 1 d. is an ex officio member of the Executive Committee and the Board without further election. They have an advisory function but no voting rights. If the person is one of the deputy presidents or declines the office, the position remains vacant.

1. For the administration of its business, the company shall set up an office headed by a managing director and, if necessary, other managing directors. The managing director or managing directors represent the company in and out of court in all matters of day-to-day administration as special representatives within the meaning of Section 30 of the German Civil Code (BGB).
2. The tasks are defined in rules of procedure, which are an appendix to the respective service contract.
3. The managing director or managing directors are appointed by the Supervisory Board. The managing director(s) shall be appointed by the Executive Board of the company and may be dismissed by it at any time.
4. The type of representation and, if applicable, an exemption from the restrictions of Section 181 of the German Civil Code (BGB)
5. The managing director(s) shall be registered for entry in the register of associations. The type of representation must be stated in the registration.
6. The managing director is entitled to appropriate remuneration and reimbursement of actual expenses. The Executive Board shall decide on the amount of remuneration.

1. The members of the Court of Honour are reappointed by the General Assembly every four years. Reappointment is permitted twice.
2. The Court of Honour decides on exclusion matters in accordance with Section 8 (3) and (4) on the basis of the Articles of Association and the Code of Conduct.

1. Specialist groups can be formed from the members of the society to carry out and deepen work in certain areas of chemistry or to deal with interdisciplinary topics . The Executive Board decides on the establishment, dissolution or renaming of specialist groups. Specialist groups work in accordance with rules of procedure, which must be agreed with the Executive Board.
2. The specialist groups have the task of supporting the Society and the Society's objectives in their field and promoting the scientific exchange of ideas in their subject area.
3. The members of a specialist group elect a board in accordance with the rules of procedure.
4. Minutes shall be taken of each board meeting and general meeting of a specialist group and approved by the chairperson. The office receives a copy of the minutes.
5. The chairs of the specialist groups meet at least once a year at the invitation of the President to discuss and coordinate the scientific perspectives and focal points of the GDCh's work. The President may invite other persons as guests to this meeting.

1. The local associations are regional organisations of the Society. They promote the purposes of the Society in their region. The local chapters work in accordance with rules of procedure.
2. The members of a local chapter elect a chairperson and a deputy chairperson at a local meeting or by secret postal vote or by comparable secure electronic voting methods. Their term of office is a maximum of four years; one re-election is possible. Minutes of the election must be sent to the office.
3. New organisations of local associations and other regional branches must be approved by the Executive Board. The Board shall also decide on the closure of regional branches after hearing the members concerned.
4. Other GDCh structures may also form regional branches.

1. The JungesChemieForum (JCF) is the organisation of the young members of the Society. In it, they coordinate and organise their activities and represent their interests within the society at regional and national level.
2. All other matters are regulated by a Bylaws.

1. Motions to amend the Articles of Association shall be voted on in writing or by comparable secure electronic formats so that all members can participate.
2. The motions shall be communicated to all members with a statement from the Executive Board on how to vote.
3. An amendment to the Articles of Association is adopted if at least three quarters of the responses received are in favour of the motion.
4. The Executive Board is authorised to make amendments to the Articles of Association if and insofar as the non-profit status of the association or entry in the register of associations depends on this or if the amendments are editorial changes that serve the understanding of the Articles of Association. The amendments must be communicated to the members as soon as possible.
5. The annexes to the Articles of Association are not part of the Articles of Association themselves. They are adopted by a simple majority vote of the members, the General Assembly or by the Executive Board.

1. The General Assembly of Members shall decide on the dissolution of the Association.
2. The dissolution of the Association can only take place if it is first proposed by the Executive Board with at least a three-quarter majority of its members in office and a General Assembly of Members convened exclusively for this purpose has also approved it with at least a three-quarter majority.
3. In the event of the dissolution or cancellation of the Association or the cessation of all tax-privileged purposes, the assets shall be transferred to the German Research Foundation or its successor organisation, which shall use them directly and exclusively for non-profit research purposes in the statutory areas of the Association.

1. The new Articles of Association shall take effect following approval by the members and entry in the register of associations.
2. At the same time, the Articles of Association in the version dated 18 June 2024 shall cease to be in force.