The Dream Chemistry Award –
a competition like no other.

We recognize young chemists who dream of solving fundamental problems with bold ideas.
About DCA

Dream Chemistry Award

The Dream Chemistry Award is a unique competition recognizing young scientists who aspire to fulfil their dream of solving fundamental problems in chemistry or chemistry-related disciplines with bold ideas.
Projects submitted to the competition should address major or global challenges but are not required to have immediate implementation potential. Each project is assessed according to the boldness of its core idea and the novel approaches it takes to solving the given problem.

The Dream Chemistry Award was established in 2013 by the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF-PAN) with the aim of supporting young talents in pursuing their scientific dreams. Since 2017, the contest has been co-organized by the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague), with the final alternating between Prague and Warsaw.

Organizers

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)

IOCB Prague is a leading internationally recognized scientific institution in the Czech Republic. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material-oriented chemistry, the chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. The institute has extensive expertise in medicinal chemistry and drug development underpinned by a long tradition of collaboration with the pharma industry. Antivirals discovered at the institute by Antonín Holý and further developed by Gilead Sciences revolutionized the treatment of AIDS and hepatitis B and have significantly improved the lives of millions of people around the globe.

Logo of IChF Institute

Institute of Physical Chemistry
of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF-PAN)

The institute’s scientific profile is closely tied to the latest global trends in the development of physical chemistry and chemical physics. Scientific research is conducted across 30 research groups, including a bioimaging group, led by ERA chair Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski, and a microfluidics group, led by ERC Starting Grant holder Prof. Piotr Garstecki, together with groups specializing in catalysis, surface science, soft and living matter, biological chemistry, electrochemistry, molecular recognition, sensors, and biosensors. Operating as part of the institute, CHEMIPAN R&D Laboratories implement, produce, and commercialize specialist chemicals for use in the agriculture and pharmaceutical industries.