Stichting PAC (PAC Foundation) is the driving force behind the annual PAC-Symposium. The foundation was founded in 1991 by the organizing assocations Proton, ACD, and CDL. Over time, the VCSVU also joined.
The PAC-Symposium itself is a unique event organized by and for chemistry students. It is the largest symposium of its kind in the Netherlands. Each year, the location of the Symposium shifts among the cities of the four organizing study associations. This year, the symposium will take place at the University of Amsterdam.
Get to know the study associations:
Since July 14, 1986, the Utrecht Chemical Student Association "PROTON" has been the student association for chemistry students at Utrecht University. It originated from two separate groups: one organizing book markets and parties, and the other publishing the "De Chemograaph", a magazine updating students and staff on developments within the then sub-faculty of Chemistry. At the urging of the Royal Dutch Chemistry Society (KNCV), the sub-faculty proposed merging these initiatives into one student association, the U.S.S. Proton.
Today, Proton thrives with strong ties to the university. It largely orchestrates the study's orientation and actively contributes to outreach for high school students.
With approximately 800 members, almost all chemistry and Molecular Life Sciences students at Utrecht University are Proton members, with the majority participating in our activities. In recent years, as the number of chemistry students has grown, so has the number of committee members, who increasingly organize activities attracting a broad student audience.
For more information, you can visit the U.S.S. Proton website.
The Amsterdam Chemical Association (ACD) is the study association for chemistry students and chemistry master's students in Amsterdam. It was founded on November 7, 1945 and represents the interests of students in the field. Originally located on Roeterseiland, the ACD moved to the Science Park in 2010 with the relocation of the science faculties. Since 2016, both the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Chemistry are joint degrees offered by both the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Vrije Universiteit (VU).
With more than 500 members, including eleven Honorary Members and fifteen Members of Merit, the ACD supports students from both the UvA and the VU with a variety of activities and services, from educational events such as symposia and lectures to social gatherings such as monthly events and parties.
The ACD consists of several committees and provides a range of engaging events and efficient services, open to participation by all members.
For more information, you can visit the ACD website.
The CDL is the study association for the students of the Bachelor Molecular Science and Technology (MST) at Leiden University and the TU Delft, and the Master Chemistry at Leiden University. This study association has been founded on the 20th of May 1926. In 2023, the association had around 800 members and 6 honourary members. Every year, the CDL organises a multitude of activities such as the labcoat-try-on-day (labjas-pasdag), excursions, guest lectures, parties, drinks, and study trips. All these activities create a close bond between our members and help in job orientation in the chemical sector. On top of that, first year students have extra activities dedicated to them.
For more information, you can visit the CDL website
Translated as the "Association of Chemistry Students at the Vrije Universiteit" (Amsterdam), VCSVU was founded in 1964. While initially supporting chemistry students, the association now predominantly caters to pharmaceutical science students at the VU. This shift occurred in 2014 when chemistry students redirected their affiliation to ACD. The VCSVU organizes many activities where both members and non-members can attend. They have lectures, excursions and fun activitities such as the Christmas diner and of course the drinks that are organized.
for more information, you can visit the VCSVU website.