2026 NESACS–GDCh Student Exchange Program to Cologne, Germany
March 7-15th, 2026

Overview : 2026 will mark the 25th year of a chemistry student exchange program sponsored by the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society (NESACS) and the German Chemical Society ( Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh). A team of graduate and undergraduate students from colleges and universities in the Northeastern Section will present the results of their research at the 2026 Spring Symposium of the GDCh Jungchemikerforum (JCF) in Cologne (all presentations are in English). Delegates will also visit industrial and academic research facilities and engage in a variety of social events with students from across Germany and around the world.

In addition to the exchange, delegates are expected to present their research at the Northeast Student Chemistry Research Conference (NSCRC) on a weekend in April 2026 organized and hosted by the NESACS Younger Chemists Committee. NESACS/GDCh sponsorship covers conference cost, airfare, ground transportation, and accommodations while in Germany. For additional information about the exchange program, please go to www.nesacs.org/gex.html . Additionally, students are allowed to extend their stay if they decide, as long as the difference in airfare is covered.

Application Process : Applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025, and will be accepted by undergraduate and graduate students who are currently engaged in original research in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields. Applicants must be enrolled at colleges and universities in the Northeastern Local Section, which includes the state of New Hampshire and the counties in Massachusetts east of Worcester.

Beginning in 2025, the German Exchange Steering Committee will be prioritizing applicants that are able to contribute funds (target $500) to offset the travel cost. This change in our policy and recruiting processes helps ensure the continuation of the German Exchange Program for years to come and the NESACS vision to promote and elevate students who wish to further advance their scientific career through this experience.

Applications must be submitted to: German Exchange Program Application Form .

Applications must contain:

1. A completed applicant profile including a scan of your passport photo page.
2. A one-page abstract of the presentation you would make at the JCF Spring Symposium in Cologne and at the NSCRC after your return. The abstract must be formatted in 12 pt font, no more than one page in length, and must include your presentation title and associated co-authors.
3. A brief essay (no more than one page in length) on the relevance of the exchange program to your professional goals.
4. A letter of recommendation from your supervisor or adviser in which they certify that you are currently engaged in original research under their supervision, and they express support for your participation in the trip to Cologne.
5. A letter from the chair/head of your department, certifying that they approve your absence from your academic responsibilities for the period March 7 -15th, 2026.

Completed applications must be received by FRIDAY, October 24, 2025, at 11:59PM.

Notification : After an initial review of all applications, program finalists will be asked to make brief presentations of their research as part of in-person interviews to be conducted by the GEX selection committee on Saturday November 8th . The results of the selection process will be e-mailed to all applicants on Monday November 24. Written confirmation and detailed information about travel preparations will be sent to the delegates selected for the trip to Cologne.

Travel Documents Delegates’ passports must be valid through November 2026. If you hold an F-1 visa, it must be current and valid through your return date to the United States. Documentation of visa status will be required by mid-December if you are selected for the program. Send any questions about these travel document requirements to GEX@nesacs.org .