Product development and optimization require extensive experiments in almost all work phases. This generates large quantities of analytical raw data. Employees of research and development departments have to evaluate these mathematically and scientifically and at the same time with a view to economic factors.

With its multitude of methods, procedures and experimental plans, Design of Experiments (DoE) can reduce development times and save costs.

Section 11 of the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance regulates the proof of expertise required for persons who place certain hazardous substances, preparations or products on the market. This is important for anyone who supplies end customers with chemicals. This includes, for example, not only traditional companies in the chemical industry, but also DIY stores, drugstores and companies that supply painters. It should be noted that the expertise according to § 11 ChemVerbotsV ("poison certificate") can only be acquired by persons and is not issued to a company, as is often assumed.

Material and energy flows occur in virtually all industrial processes. Fluid dynamic properties are central to performance and efficiency in a wide range of products. By using CFD, great potential for improvement can be uncovered and realized, from planning and development to optimization of existing plants. With the freely available CFD software OpenFOAM® a powerful simulation tool exists that offers companies as well as research facilities a real alternative to commercial solutions.

At the latest when taking on a management function, interpersonal skills become just as important as technical skills in scientific career paths. The daily routine in a management function requires distinctive soft skills, knowledge of companies and their cultures, laboratory and project management, budget management, occupational safety and much more. How are natural scientists supposed to fill these knowledge gaps in the shortest possible time and have the required expertise at the ready?

Since its introduction to the EU chemicals regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) has had a massive impact on all manufacturers, importers, distributors and users of chemical substances. This has led to great uncertainty, especially for many downstream users:

• What needs to be considered in the long-term implementation of REACH, ChemG and GefStoffV?
• How are strategic forecasts on raw material availability to be made?
• Who plays the central role in the REACH, SVHC system?