Hybrid

The 17th Green Chemistry Postgraduate Summer School (GCSS 2025) continues its tradition of fostering international collaboration and advancing Green Chemistry education. Building on past successes, this prestigious event will bring together leading scientists, industry experts, and top postgraduate students to explore key topics, including:

✅ Benign synthesis routes & green catalysis
✅ Alternative solvents & renewable materials
✅ Sustainable polymers & clean processes
✅ Green chemistry for energy & education

With support from sponsors, scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students from developing countries, covering both virtual and on-site participation. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their research in poster sessions, with awards for the best contributions.

Beyond learning, GCSS 2025 provides a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and global research collaboration. The event will take place both in-person in Venice and online.

🌱 Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the future of Green Chemistry!

Deadline for applications is April 30th, 2025.

Weston Roundtable

The Weston Roundtable is made possible by a generous donation from Roy F. Weston, a highly accomplished UW-Madison alumnus. Designed to promote a robust understanding of sustainability science, engineering, and policy, these interactive lectures are co-sponsored by the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Office of Sustainability.

Lectures are held 4:15–5:15 p.m. Thursdays in 1163 Mechanical Engineering. Some lectures will be presented online, which will require registration.

_____________________

Dr. Amy Cannon 

Amy received the world’s first Ph.D. in Green Chemistry. Holding an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Saint Anselm College (1997), Amy sought to use her chemistry degree within the field of sustainability. At the University of Massachusetts Boston, she met Dr. John Warner, who introduced her to green chemistry, a blossoming movement in the late 1990’s. It was there where they created a Ph.D. concentration in Green Chemistry, addressing the education gap in chemistry education – chemists were not being properly prepared with skills to design and create solutions to support the development and implementation of sustainable chemical products. After working in industry (Rohm and Haas, and Gillette Company) and academia (University of Massachusetts Lowell), Amy remained passionate about Green Chemistry education, recognizing the growing need for education systems to change to prepare scientists with Green Chemistry skills to address sustainability through chemistry. In 2007, Amy co-founded, Beyond Benign, a non-profit solely dedicated to advancing Green Chemistry education. Since inception, this organization has been leading Green Chemistry education initiatives in K-12 through higher education, focusing on empowering educators to make transformative change in their teaching and practice.  

Amy has been recognized for her work in research (Kenneth G. Hancock Memorial Award in Green Chemistry in 2004, for titanium dioxide semiconductors and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells) and also for her leadership in driving green chemistry education (2012 EPA New England Environmental Merit award). Beyond Benign’s work has also been recognized through the ACS NERM Partners for Progress and Prosperity (P3) Region Award (2016), and as a semi-finalist in the Buckminster Fuller Challenge (2013).  

Hear directly from Amy: 

• TEDx talk “The Promise of Green Chemistry“, TEDx Amoskeag Millyard, October 19, 2023
• On the central role that chemistry and chemistry education plays in addressing global sustainability challenges: Sustainable Innovation Through Green Chemistry Podcast (Innovation+ Talks hosted by Paul Heller)
• On the power of community to create transformative change in education

Key publications: 

• “A promise to a sustainable future: 10 years of the Green Chemistry Commitment at Beyond Benign“, Green Chemistry, 2024, Advance Article, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4GC00575A
• “Green Chemistry Teacher Professional Development in New York State High Schools: A Model for Advancing Green Chemistry“, J. Chem. Educ., 2023, 100, 6, 2224-2232.
• “Women in Green Chemistry and Engineering: Agents of Change Toward the Achievement of a Sustainable Future”, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng., 2022, 10, 9, 2859-2865.  
• “Safe and Sustainable Chemistry Activities: Fostering a Culture of Safety in K-12 and Community Outreach Programs”, Cannon, A.S., Keirstead, A.E., Hudson, R., Levy, I.J., MacKellar, J., Enright, M., Anderson, K.R., Howson, E.M., J. Chem. Educ., 2021, 98, 1, 71-77. 
• “A Systems Thinking Department: Fostering a Culture of Green Chemistry Practice among Students”, Dicks, A.P., D’eon, J.C., Morra, B., Chisu, C.K., Quinlan, K.B., Cannon, A.S., J. Chem. Educ., 2019, 96, 12, 2836-2844. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00287] 
• “Models for integrating toxicology concepts into chemistry courses and programs”, Cannon, Amy S., Finster, David, Raynie, Douglas, and Warner, John C., Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 10:4, 2017, 436-443. 
• “The Green Chemistry Commitment: Transforming chemistry education in higher education” Cannon, Amy S. and Levy, Irvin J. in The Promise of Chemical Education: Addressing our Students’ Needs, ACS Symposium Series, Vol. 1193, 2015, pp. 115-125.

Submit your abstract to the Symposium: Advancing Green Chemistry Education: The Process, Research and New Developments in Curricular Activities which will take place at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2025 meeting in CA& Hybrid.

Abstract

There is an increase in educational activities aimed at enhancing knowledge and use of Green Chemistry principles and applications. However, with demands in academia, this sometimes presents a barrier to wider adoption across the curriculum. This symposium explores the process of developing Green Chemistry activities, courses, and curricular changes, sharing how educators got started and progressed through development. The discussion will cover research, theory-based methodology, and pedagogical strategies used to revamp or develop activities, as well as chemical education research on this process. The session will also discuss the pivotal role of change agents—educators and researchers who drive the adoption of innovative practices and sustainable principles in education. By sharing the developmental journey and the theoretical underpinnings of our assessment strategies, the session aims to contribute to the broader discourse on advancing Green Chemistry education and to inspire ongoing research and implementation of effective teaching methodologies. Speakers from all sectors of the CHED community are invited to share how they are integrating green and sustainable chemistry, systems-thinking, toxicology, and social/environmental justice into their classrooms, laboratory curriculum, undergraduate research and outreach activities. Interdisciplinary and international perspectives are welcome, as are student speakers at the undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels, including those from minority-serving institutions.

Deadline for Submission is Monday, September 30.

The American Chemical Society invites your participation in the ACS Fall 2024 conference in Denver, Colorado August 18-22, 2024. The conference theme is Elevating Chemistry. Registration and housing open in May. 

Symposium:

The GCI is a student organization focused on raising awareness and promoting green chemistry practices within the chemistry community. In partnership with McGill University, we are currently organizing our 9th annual GCI Symposium, “Making Greener Choices: A more sustainable approach to chemistry”, that aims to encourage students to implement more sustainable practices in their research, teaching and careers. 

Our events are designed to connect students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members interested in Green Chemistry with current leaders in the field to discuss advances in chemical processes and the future of sustainable research practices.  This year we will be featuring speakers from academia and industry, as well as a student-led panel discussion and a workshop with ACS Green Chemistry Institute. 

Posters:

We will also be hosting a poster session which we encourage your students to submit an abstract for. Abstracts are limited to 200 characters. The inclusion or mention of Green Chemistry elements or aspects is not a prerequisite for the submission of poster abstracts. However, all presenters are invited to look for opportunities to talk about Green Chemistry within the context of their research. Posters from previous conferences are welcome!  

Travel Scholarships:

We are offering travel scholarships to contribute towards the commute and accommodation expenses. The amount awarded will depend on the total estimated expenditure of each attendee.

Speaker Lineup:

Additional Information:

• Free Lunch and Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary meals during the event.
• Interactive Sessions: Engage in discussions and activities to enhance your understanding.

Join us next spring at the ACS Spring 2024 Meeting & Expo from March 17th - March 21st in New Orleans, LA, USA & Hybrid. ACS Meetings & Expositions are where chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. By attracting thousands of chemical professionals, the meetings provide excellent opportunities for sharing your passion for chemistry, connecting with one of the world’s largest scientific societies, and advancing your career in this ever-changing global economy.

Beyond Benign Presentations:

Sunday, March 17th

• Dr. Juliana Vidal, Presenter; Dr. Amy Cannon, Dr. Natalie J O’Neil, Dr. Nimrat Obhi
  • Green Chemistry Commitment: A pathway for achieving the new ACS Guidelines for Bachelor’s Degree Programs 
  • 10:00 AM (CST) – 10:20 AM (CST) Hall B, Room 6
• Dr. Jonathon Moir, Presenter; Dr. Amy Cannon
  • Using the newly launched Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) platform to address the updated ACS Guidelines for Bachelor’s Degree Programs
  • 4:55 PM (CST) – 5:15 PM (CST) Hall B, Room 6
• Dr. Amy Cannon, Presenter
  • Turning Passion for Sustainability into a Career in Green Chemistry Education
  • 2:20 PM (CST) – 2:35 PM (CST) Great Hall, B/C

Monday, March 18th

• Dr. Nimrat Obhi, Presenter; Dr. Natalie J O’Neil, Dr. Juliana Vidal, Dr. Amy Cannon
  • Green Chemistry Education: A Key Tool for Environmental Justice
  • 04:50 PM (CST) – 05:10 PM (CST)

Tuesday, March 19th

• Dr. Monica Nyansa, Prenter & Session Presider
  •  Student-led Community Engagement in Action
  • 3:20 PM (CST) – 3:40 PM (CST) Room 224

Beyond Benign Booth  #3231 Activities Schedule:

Come see us at booth #3231! Expo hours are 11 AM (CST) - 5 PM (CST) Monday (03/18) - Tuesday (03/19), and ends on Wednesday (03/20) at 2 PM.

Daily Raffle

(all day during expo hours)

When you come visit our booth and have your conference ID scanned, you will be entered into a raffle for a signed copy of Green Chemistry by John Warner and Paul Anastas. Winners will be announced daily during the final hour of the expo. If you are unable to retrieve your prize, it will be given to a runner up.

Meet the Expert with John Warner

(03/18 4-5 PM CST & 03/19; 12-1 PM CST)

Our co-founder, Dr. John Warner, will be visiting our booth to mingle with community members on Monday and Tuesday from 12 PM - 1 PM. Stop by to ask questions, or just to chat! See you there.

The ACS Campaign for a Sustainable Future and the Green Chemistry Institute, together with the ACS Division of Education and Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Education, invite you to attend the 2nd Annual ACS Sustainability Summit: Reimagining Chemistry Education. This summit will bring together educators and thought leaders from across the spectrum of stakeholders working to advance green chemistry and sustainability in undergraduate and graduate education as well as training for those already in the workforce.

The summit will consist of discussions among panelists and participants attending both in person and online. The focus will be on facilitating critical connections between academia and industry to catalyze the propagation of green chemistry and sustainability concepts throughout curricula while expanding educational opportunities for both students and professionals. We will also highlight urgent requirements for accessible training that can provide every chemist and engineer with opportunities to cultivate valuable skillsets that empower them to make significant contributions toward achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

In-Person Attendee - $200

Attend the 2nd Annual ACS Sustainability Summit: Reimagining Chemistry Education in person at the American Chemical Society building in Washington, DC on Thursday and Friday, December 7-8, 2023. Breakfasts and lunches on both days are included in the price, as well as a Networking Reception on Thursday night.

Virtual Attendee – Free

Attend the 2nd Annual ACS Sustainability Summit: Reimagining Chemistry Education as a virtual participant on Thursday and Friday, December 7-8, 2023. Virtual attendees will see a broadcast of the discussions and be able to comment via virtual chat. The event takes place in Eastern Standard Time, and you can join in at any point throughout the day.

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)

Official Event Description:

The Dwain L Ford Lecture Series is co-sponsored by the Chemistry Honors Society, Andrews University Office of Research & Creative Scholarship, and Andrews University Community Engagement Council. It seeks to bring community relevant science to professionals, nonprofessionals, scientists, nonscientists, students and the general public.

Green Chemistry: The Missing Elements

Join us on Thursday, October 12th, for a lecture given by Beyond Benign Co-Founder and Board Member, Dr. John Warner. More information about this free, hybrid event is forthcoming!

Event Details

• Who: Open/Entire Community
• When: October 12th at 4:30 PM
• How: Find Zoom information here, or attend in-person at Andrews University