Málaga in Spain and Rome in Italy will share the new global headquarters of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
The IUPAC Secretariat, serving as the administrative and technical center of the Union, is relocating after nearly 30 years at the Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. The selection process began in June 2024, with proposals submitted by a dozen countries from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. After evaluating multiple bids, the Council decided on a joint headquarters in Europe, citing strong local infrastructure and opportunities to enhance connections with international chemistry communities. Both CNR Italy and the University and City of Malaga are offering office space, seconded staff, and general corporate support.
Since its inception in 1919, the IUPAC Secretariat has rotated among member states, reflecting the organization’s global character. After being based in Paris, France, before and after World War II, it moved to Zurich and Basel, Switzerland, in the 1950s and 60s, then to Oxford, UK, in the mid-1960s, and finally to the US in 1997.
IUPAC has already begun the relocation process and will complete the move in the coming months to the new shared headquarters at the University of Málaga (UMA) and the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy. The organization hopes for potential annual savings of up to $ 700,000 compared to the current headquarter model.
- Meeting of the IUPAC Executive Board, IUPAC August 7, 2025. (accessed January 29, 2026)
- IUPAC Announces Establishment of European-Based Secretariat in Malaga and Rome, IUPAC January 29, 2026. (accessed January 29, 2026)
