Conference

Sustainable action begins with a conversation! Join CHEMRAWN, IUPAC, and Beyond Benign for a Global Conversation about Sustainability around e-waste management! During this 60 min event, you will hear from several approaches developed by the education community in Brazil to achieve a more sustainable future. Guest Speakers: - Cintia Milagre, Associate Professor, Institute of Chemistry - Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - Marcela Cordeiro Cavalcante de Oliveira, Graduate of the Professional Master's Degree in Chemistry on a National Network - PROFQUI - Chemistry Department - UFRPE - Karen Ouverney dos Santos, High School Chemistry Teacher and her students at Colégio Talentos Internacional Moderators: - Francesca Kerton, Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland - Juliana Vidal, Program Manager, Beyond Benign This meeting is free to attend wherever you are, and will be recorded and further shared with participants. We are looking forward to beginning and continuing this conversation with you! #GCSDay #Sustain4All

The Beyond Benign Team is happy to share that our members will be attending the 2024 Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition in Winnipeg! More information including featured talks is forthcoming. We hope to see you there! See the official conference description, sourced from the CSC 2024 website, quoted in part below:

"...Our conference theme, “The Central Science”, is inspired in part by our recognition that Chemistry touches upon all scientific disciplines, and we hope that scientists studying every aspect of chemistry and its applications will gather to share their knowledge and experiences. Appropriately, Winnipeg is situated near the longitudinal centre of Canada and the geographical centre of North America, thus we will draw scholars, industry experts and early career talents from all directions to enjoy this meeting.

We look forward to welcoming you to CSC 2024 next June!"

Professor David Palmer, Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan
Conference Chair

Join us in Auckland, New Zealand from November 29th to December 1st at the 8th Asia-Oceania Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry (AOC-GSC8)! Hear from our Co-Founders Dr. John Warner and Dr. Amy Canon in their talks. The official event description is listed below.

Following its postponement related to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are pleased to announce that the 8th Asia-Oceania Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry (AOC-GSC8) will be held at the University of Auckland, New Zealand from 29th November-1st December 2023. AOC-GSC is held every two years with the goal of advancing green and sustainable chemistry within the Asia-Oceania region. Past editions of this conference series have been held in cities across the region including Tokyo (2007), Beijing (2009),  Melbourne (2011), Taipei (2013), New Delhi (2015), Hong Kong (2016) and Singapore (2018).

AOC-GSC8 will encompass the latest advances across all aspects of Green and Sustainable Chemistry, broadly defined as the development of new processes that reduce the use or production of hazardous substances. Topics covered will include but are not limited to energy, green synthesis and catalysis, toxicology, waste remediation and valorisation, biobased products, green chemistry education and environmental policy and management focusing on stimulating innovation to tackle major global sustainability issues.

We look forward to welcoming you to Auckland in November 2023.

AOC-GSC8 Organising Committee

A one-day Youth Forum will be hosted in Bonn (Germany at the eagerly anticipated Fifth Session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5). Sessions will include four thematic panel presentations, a moderated intergenerational dialogue between youth and key decision-makers, and the official launch of the “Global Youth Declaration on Chemicals and Waste.”

The Youth Forum at ICCM5 will mark a historic moment for the UN and governments to hear directly from children and young people about their needs and priorities for the future of chemicals governance. Young people want to see targeted policies and programmes developed that will specifically address youth/children’s environmental health, rights, and justice in the context of chemical exposures, monitoring and risk assessments. Come join us at the Youth Forum!

Featured Panel

Educational Needs for the Transition to a Green and Sustainable Chemistry Revolution 

11:30AM-12:20PM CET

With Dr. Juliana Vidal, Higher Education Program Manager at Beyond Benign

Official Session Description:

“Remember, please remember reinforcements are on the way – they’re sitting in lecture halls now, venturing into the field for the very first time, writing theses, leading marches, organizing communities, learning to turn passion into progress, potential into power.” – Harrison Ford

With ambition high to complete the final stages of negotiations and deliver a new, effective global chemicals management framework at ICCM5, the imminent focus will soon shift to implementation. How do we couple the goals of SAICM Beyond 2020 with transformations in chemistry education already underway, that will empower current and future chemists with the skills to put sustainability and safety at the center of their work – from research, to industry, to start-up initiatives? Moreover, how can we strengthen the role of academia in capacity-building efforts for chemicals management across countries and regions?

In this session, a panel comprising young professionals/scientists, chemistry students, and representatives of institutions who are building resources and increasing access for students in green chemistry education, will reflect on the challenges and opportunities in educational systems “meeting the moment.”

Event Details

• Who: Youth, Governments, Industry, Scientists
• When: September 25th-29th
• Where:World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB)

The 40th Fall Conference will showcase innovative lessons, provide networking with fellow science teachers and a place check out the latest resources from our many exhibitors. The conference includes two 50-minute workshop sessions, a keynote speaker, exhibitors, dinner and door prizes.

Using Green Chemistry to Implement NYSSLS Based Labs

Lead Teachers Annette Sebuyira and Stefanie Loomis

Session 1 5:00-5:50

In this activity, we are going to capitalize on it being Halloween season and sticking with the conference theme of scary. These green labs have been tweaked so as to include a storyline. That has a link to forensics and a murder mystery and poisonous lemonade... Participants will be able to use their investigative skills as chemistry practitioners to explore how to implement the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry through these two fun activities!

This session is designed to empower Educators with green chemistry practices which will aid in acquiring the knowledge, skills and opportunity to engage and collaborate with parents, families and other community members. Educators will learn how to practice more sustainable methods to improve instruction and student achievement in a respectful, trusting and safe environment.

• Who: K-12 Educators,:Elementary, Intermediate, High School Chemistry, General Science, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Engineering, Forensics Etc. 
• When: October 13th, 2023
• Where: Schenectady Community College
• How: Registration here.

Join us at this year's online Commonwealth Chemistry Posters!

A unique opportunity awaits you at this year’s online 4th Commonwealth Chemistry Posters, the only virtual chemistry posters event that is delivered by and for Commonwealth countries, to bring together chemists from across the Commonwealth working on similar and complementary challenges to tackle the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Do you want to connect with other chemists working in similar areas and facing similar challenges? Would you like to grow your networks and seek new connections and collaborations? Then join us for our 4th annual online poster event.

If you are an early career chemist, you will also have the opportunity to present a poster of your work to a wider audience – a potential springboard to new opportunities and collaborations. If you want to present a poster, submit your abstract by 14 September.

Early career chemists:

• Present a poster of your work to scientists from across the Commonwealth and reach a wider audience. You could also win a ‘best poster’ prize and be featured the commonwealth chemistry website
• Discuss your work with those who may be addressing the same sustainable development goals, share methodologies and challenges
• Grow your network and the potential for new collaborations at a critical time in your career

For established chemists:

• Expand your networks and discover new talent in your field
• Find out about research taking place around the Commonwealth, related to your area of interest
• Seek out potential new collaborations
• Help guide early career chemists by sharing your knowledge and experience

This event is free to attend and will take place in three two-hour sessions over 36 hours. All participants should attend two of the three sessions in order to maximise their networking opportunities with chemists from different countries. There will also be an opening ceremony.

Please note that Commonwealth Chemistry Posters is only open to those currently residing in a Commonwealth country, or those who are Commonwealth nationals.

For more information and registration, visit the official event site, linked here.

A Systemic Change for Addressing the UN SDGs: The Green Chemistry Commitment.

Dr. Juliana Vidal, Program Manager, Higher Education

Dr. Vidal's poster will present the ways in which Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Commitment connects to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From the abstract: In this poster, insights into the GCC program and green chemistry adoption around the world will be discussed, as well as the benefits of implementing green chemistry principles and practices in chemistry education towards the achievement of a sustainable future. 

The Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC): Fostering transformative change in STEM education for a sustainable future

Dr. Jonathon Moir, Senior Program Manager, Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community and Dr. Amy Canon, Co-Founder and Executive Director

From the abstract: Developed in partnership with the ACS Green Chemistry Institute, the GCTLC is a new online community platform where teachers and faculty educators at all levels (from elementary school through to university/college) can collaborate and share their knowledge and best practices around bringing green chemistry into the classroom. Community members can access a searchable library of community-contributed green chemistry educational materials on the GCTLC (including alternative greener lab experiments, in-class activities, lecture slides, and more). The platform also includes forum spaces to discuss the latest resources, give and receive mentorship, and discuss challenges and opportunities in reforming chemistry education with a focus on sustainability and green chemistry. This presentation will highlight work over the past two and a half years in developing the site as well as some of the principal features of the platform. 

Join us on November 14th - November 16th at the 2023 US Innovators Roundtable in St. Louis, MO & Virtually. Hosted by Change Chemistry, formerly the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3), in collaboration with MilliporeSigma, the 2023 Innovators Roundtable will be an opportunity for green chemistry community members to engage in conversation with leading innovators, investors, and government officials in the green and sustainable chemistry space. Hear from Beyond Benign co-founder and board member,  John Warner in his joint keynote presentation with Paul Anastas-- which will be a reflection by these fathers of green chemistry on the growth of their efforts 25 years after the seminal work on green chemistry theory and practice.

Structured as a series of dialogues exploring topics, the roundtable will provide attendees with opportunities to meet and engage with key players from across the globe.

Why attend?

• Leverage the trusted industry, government, and NGO relationships that Change Chemistry has built over the past 17 years to accelerate the transition to sustainable chemistry.
• Learn about challenges and best practices across sectors and the value chain in responding to regulatory, market, and investor drivers to design and adopt safer, more sustainable chemicals and materials.
• Network with colleagues and across sectors and stakeholder groups to build understanding and identify collaborative opportunities to grow green and sustainable chemistry.
• Join the growing Change Chemistry collaborative community focused on accelerating the growth of green and sustainable chemistry solutions in the marketplace.

For more information, visit the official event site, linked here.

• Who: Scientists, Industry, NGOs, Governments
• When: November 14th- 16th
• Where: St. Louis, MO
• How: Register here.

This premier conference is convened by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute to advance green chemistry and engineering through scientific exchange, professional development opportunities, and community networking. The conference starts with a day of workshops on Sunday, June 2 and the GC&E Awards Ceremony Dinner on Sunday night. The technical sessions kick off Monday morning. 

The Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (GC&E) holds around 42 technical sessions covering a wide variety of research areas and industrial applications. This year, the conference explores the forefront of technology with its theme, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Enabled Green Chemistry.

Chemistry education sessions and workshops are a central part of the conference.

Key Dates:

• Call for Abstracts is open through February 12. 
• Early registration opens February 14 and runs through April 30. 

Beyond Benign Talks:

Teaching Green Chemistry: Systems Thinking, Assessments, and Curricular Design

Use of ChemForward for Chemical hazard evaluation and assessment in academic settings (30 mins) during the Teaching Green Chemistry: Systems Thinking, Assessments, and Curricular Design

8:00am - 5:00opm - June 2, 2024 | Room: Maplewood Room (A&B)

Monica Mame Soma Nyansa, Cynthia Woodbridge

Exploring and championing professional education in Green Chemistry and Toxicology

04:25pm - 04:45pm EDT - June 4, 2024 | Room: Ravinia Ballroom (DEFG) (Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia)
Monica Mame Soma Nyansa, Presenter; Natalie O'Neil; Amy Cannon

Reimagining chemistry education: The green chemistry commitment at Beyond Benign

05:05pm - 07:05pm EDT - June 4, 2024 | Room: Ravinia Ballroom (ABC)

Juliana Vidal, Presenter; Natalie O'Neil; Amy Cannon

Utilizing Drupal and CiviCRM to optimize an open-access database of green chemistry educational materials on the new GCTLC platform

10:15am - 10:35am EDT - June 5, 2024 | Room: Camellia (Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia)

Jonathon Moir, Presenter; Sarah Prescott; Nimrat Obhi; Amy Cannon

Uniting and engaging a diverse, global community of green chemistry educators and practitioners through a virtual open-access platform

10:35am - 10:55am EDT - June 5, 2024 | Room: Camellia (Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia)

Nimrat Obhi, Presenter; Jonathon Moir; Sarah Prescott; Amy Cannon

Since the release of the Statewide Strategic Plan for Science, we have made enormous strides implementing best practices shifting towards sensemaking. The materials, lessons, activities, storylines, performance tasks (matter) we have collected and developed over time, through professional learning/sharing, and networking (energy) has transformed our pedagogy.

More general information about the conference is forthcoming. Visit the STANYS official site for registration and updates.

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Lead Teachers Stefanie Loomis and Scott Carlson

Time and Date TBD

Are you teaching science and looking to create a safer, more engaging learning environment for your students? Learn how to weave NYSP12SLS suitability content into your classrooms. Participants will learn about the 12 green chemistry principles, as they immerse in hands on activities/labs, which will guide them into safer practices in the lab and classroom. Participants will be introduced to the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) and the book: Green Chemistry And Sustainable Science – A Green Approach to Sustainable STEM authored by Beyond Benign’s New York Lead Teachers.

Sustainable chemistry offers solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing society. This event celebrates the enormous strides made towards using chemistry to ensure a safe and healthy world for tomorrow and the launch of the School of Chemistry’s MSci in Chemistry with Sustainability.

Join us in Birmingham to hear from leading experts in diverse areas of Sustainable Chemistry and about recent breakthroughs in this world-changing field. The symposium includes a range of leading speakers from UK and abroad, alongside opportunities for PhD and postdoctoral researchers to present their work through oral and poster presentations.  The symposium will be based at the University of Birmingham Edgbaston Campus, which is well on its way to becoming a Smart and Net Zero Campus by 2035, and already filled with thousands of trees, a botanic garden and schemes to protect wildlife such as hedgehogs on campus.

Learn more about the event and register here.

Dr. Juliana Vidal, Program Manager, Higher Education

Join us in Birmingham for Dr. Juliana Vidal’s talk, A Systemic Change for a Sustainable Future: The Green Chemistry Commitment.

Education is central to creating lasting change, and a background in sustainability allows the development of a scientific workforce and a knowledgeable citizenry prepared to design and choose more benign processes for human health and the environment. In this context, green chemistry education plays a fundamental role in achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the targets stated due to its capacity to reach and interconnect distinct aspects of our society. 

Beyond Benign is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a systemic change in chemistry education and empowering the chemistry community to practice sustainability at the molecular level through green chemistry. Its Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program was created in 2013 and aims to catalyze the incorporation of green chemistry into science courses at higher education institutions globally. 

Over 130 institutions are part of the GCC community and are integrating green chemistry on their own timelines and building upon unique campus environments and strengths. In this presentation, insights into the GCC program adoption around the world and in the UK will be discussed, as well as the GCC implementation in a wide range of higher education institutions.

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• Who: Open/Entire Community
• When: September 7th-September 8th
• Where: Birmingham, UK
• How: Register here.