European chemists gathered recently in the former home of late, disgraced RSC fellow Elena Ceausescu to launch the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS).

EuCheMS replaces the Federation of European Chemical Societies with the aim of promoting and encouraging chemistry and chemists across Europe.

Officials at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, built by Nicolai Ceausescu for himself and his parliament, claim that this is the largest palace in the world. The spectacular building, long released from its grisly past, provided an ideal setting for the EuCheMS launch hosted by the Romanian Chemical Society.

'It is seriously hoped that the spirit of Elena was not with us on this occasion,' said Roger Fenwick, chairman of the  EuCheMS Food Chemistry Division.

Bea Perks