Greener Curriculum Showcase Series: Bringing Real-World Industrial Skills to the Classroom
2026-01-15 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a FREE virtual workshop designed to help educators teach Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Techno-Economic Assessments (TEA)—two essential tools in the chemical industry. Participants will learn how to confidently implement the module, “Exploring Techno-Economic Assessments and Life Cycle Assessments: Environmental versus Economic Evaluations of Soy-based Processes and Products,” which is part of the new Soy Chemistry Curriculum. This module introduces students to these essential evaluation methods using open-access tools and laboratory-generated data.
Facilitator Dr. Julian Silverman, Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and a co-author of the Soy Chemistry Curriculum, will guide participants through the resources, offer practical strategies for adaptation and implementation, and create opportunities for educators to share insights. The workshop will include group-based learning, discussions, networking opportunities, and a Q&A session.
🌱 Don’t miss this chance to enhance your teaching toolkit, connect with peers, and inspire the next generation of green chemists! Space is limited—RSVP here.

2025-2026 Green Chemistry Connections
2026-01-21 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-15 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-20 12:00 - 14:00
From biomimicry to toxicology, green chemistry offers powerful solutions to some of the world’s most pressing crises. During the 2025-2026 Green Chemistry Connections webinar series, we will zero in on the powerfully adaptable principles of green chemistry and their role in forming connections between educators, industry, and advocates.
How? This season’s speakers are a host of changemakers from diverse professions—each working to apply green chemistry in unique and inventive ways. K-12 educators, higher education faculty, students, industry professionals, advocates, and all are welcome to join these interactive monthly conversations.
Sessions are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 12 to 2 p.m. ET. By signing up below, you will be registered for all events and have access to recordings!
Please share this webinar series with friends and colleagues of all disciplines and backgrounds. We know the true power of our green chemistry community is how we connect with the world—so come connect with us!

Ask Me Anything: Dr. Elizabeth Braun
2026-01-27 - 2026-01-30
Mark your calendar for the upcoming Ask Me Anything (AMA) interview with Dr. Elizabeth Braun, Director of Educational Content and Learning at the Lab Safety Institute. From January 27th to 30th, Elizabeth will answer questions from the community and share her expertise in the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) forums!
At the Lab Safety Institute, Elizabeth collaborates with educators, administrators, and district leaders to strengthen safety culture and promote green chemistry across STEM classrooms. She focuses on systems-level improvement—supporting schools as they rethink chemical management, instructional practices, and professional learning to align safety and sustainability. Her work bridges policy, pedagogy, and practice to make safer science accessible to every learning environment.

💬 This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Get your questions ready and meet us in the forums.
PS: If you missed previous AMA interviews or want to revisit the insights shared, you can explore them here.

Applications of Green Chemistry for a Healthier and More Sustainable Future
2026-01-31 11:30 - 14:00 | Fisk University, 1000 17th Ave, Nashville, TN, 37208, United States
This public, in-person workshop explores applications of green chemistry to support a healthier and more sustainable future. Led by Dr. Omar Villanueva of Beyond Benign, the session will highlight how green chemistry principles can be applied to design safer chemicals and materials using more environmentally responsible processes. The workshop will cover key aspects of the chemical life cycle—from design to disposal—and is intended for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, community environmental and health leaders, and other community members. Lunch will be provided, and time will be reserved for discussion and Q&A.

New York Green Chemistry Professional Learning Team
2026-02-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-18 19:00 - 20:30
Calling New York-based teachers in grades 6-12! Join us for our New York Green Chemistry Professional Learning Team, where your professional growth aligns with New York State learning standards for pedagogy and student performance. This collaborative initiative is designed to enhance your instructional skills through demonstrations, peer reviews, and a strong emphasis on lab safety. By exploring green chemistry principles and integrating them into your current labs, you will not only expand your knowledge but also help create a safer and more sustainable learning environment for your students.
Our monthly virtual meetings foster a supportive community of practice where educators can share their experiences and learn from one another. You will have the opportunity to analyze student work and refine your teaching strategies while building a collective repository of greener laboratory practices. Together, we will improve pedagogical skills and confidence, promote educational leadership, and enhance student achievement through real-world problem-solving experiences. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to collaborate and grow alongside fellow science educators!
💬 Led by Beyond Benign Certified Lead Teacher Scott Carlson
🗓️ Third Thursday of each month from February to June 2026
⏰ 7-8:30 p.m. ET
📍Online – Zoom link upon registration

Greener Curriculum Showcase Series: Green Chemistry and Sustainability Case Studies in the Classroom
2026-02-25 15:00 - 16:30
Integrating case studies into the curriculum effectively provides context for chemical concepts and showcases real-world applications of green chemistry. If you are an educator in a higher ed setting, join a FREE virtual workshop on February 25th to learn how to develop case studies using a new template and instructional guide co-developed by Beyond Benign and the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with the case study framework and learn strategies for developing case studies that highlight how chemistry drives sustainable innovation. Facilitators Dr. Jennifer Tripp (University of San Francisco) and Dr. Tom Umile (Villanova University) will guide participants through these resources, offer practical strategies for adaptation and implementation, and create opportunities for educators to share insights.
🧪Don’t miss this chance to expand your teaching toolkit and inspire future green chemists. Reserve your spot today!

#RSCPoster 2026
2026-03-03 07:00 - 2026-03-04 07:00
The #RSCPoster conference is a free, 24-hour global online event hosted on LinkedIn. It brings together chemists from different disciplines and career stages to share research, connect with peers worldwide, and engage in scientific discussions. You can share posters on other platforms to expand the conversation, but be sure to post on LinkedIn so you are eligible for prizes!
Beyond Benign Senior Program Manager, Dr. Juliana Vidal is the subject chair of a brand new dedicated sustainability category (#RSCSustainability) for posters focused on sustainable science. (👏!) If your research centers on sustainability topics, we encourage you to submit your poster to showcase innovations advancing greener technologies, responsible resource use, and a more sustainable future. Learn more and register here.

2026 Eastern STANYS Spring Conference
2026-03-06 16:00 - 21:00 | Siena University in Siena, New York
Join science educators from across New York’s Capital Region for the 42nd Annual Eastern STANYS Spring Conference. This regional gathering returns to Siena University and brings together K-12 teachers, local experts, and science organizations to share effective classroom strategies and enhance science instruction across various disciplines.
All sessions are aligned with the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS). Attendees can participate in two 45-minute sessions, along with the keynote address, to earn 5 CTLE credits.
👋 If you attend, be sure to connect with Beyond Benign Certified Lead Teachers Stefanie Loomis and Annette Sebuyira.
🗓️ March 6, 2026
⏰ 4–9 p.m. ET
📍 Siena University
🔗 Learn more and register

American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting
2026-03-22 - 2026-03-26
Members of the Beyond Benign team and community will be at ACS Spring 2026 from March 22nd to 26th! This year’s hybrid event, taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, and online, will center on the theme “Collaborate. Innovate. Transform.” 👋 We look forward to connecting with you! Learn more and register here. If you are attending, stop by our kiosk (#1433) to connect, and be sure to attend our green chemistry sessions:

Bringing Green Chemistry to Life in K–12 Classrooms: Resources, Community, and Professional Development
Presented by Dr. Omar Villanueva, Beyond Benign Chief Program Officer, and Dr. Amy Cannon, Beyond Benign Co-Founder and Executive Director.
This session invites K-12 educators to explore practical strategies for integrating green chemistry into their classrooms. Participants will be introduced to Beyond Benign teaching resources, including the Soy Chemistry curriculum, classroom case studies, open-access hands-on activities, professional development opportunities, and the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community platform.
🗓️ March 22nd | 10:15-11 a.m.
📍 Room B403 — Georgia World Congress Center

Twelve Months of Green Chemistry at Georgia Gwinnett College
Presented by leaders from Georgia Gwinnett College, Veronica Sublet Breeden, Dr. Cynthia Woodbridge, Dr. Kathryn Zimmermann, Dr. Joseph Sloop, alongside Dr. Omar Villanueva, Beyond Benign Chief Program Officer and former Chemistry Department Chair at Georgia Gwinnett College.
This poster presentation highlights a year-long initiative engaging students and faculty with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. Supported by a Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Education Award, the program features monthly outreach events and faculty workshops to support curriculum integration and campus-wide engagement.
🗓️ March 22nd | 12-2 p.m.
📍 Poster Session — Exhibit Hall B/C

The Future of Chemistry: Designing Out Pollution
Featuring Dr. Juliana Vidal, Beyond Benign Senior Program Manager, and Ann Lee-Jeffs, Beyond Benign Board Member.
This panel, presented by the C&EN Future of Chemistry Series, explores chemistry’s role in mitigating pollution and waste across product life cycles. The discussion examines emerging technologies and design strategies that reduce hazardous inputs and advance sustainable materials innovation.
🗓️ March 23rd | 1:30-3:20 p.m.
📍 Georgia World Congress Center

Inspiring Students with Sustainable Plastics
Presented by Cassie Lydon, K-12 Educator and Beyond Benign Certified Lead Teacher.
This educator session showcases classroom approaches for teaching sustainable plastics through green chemistry principles. Participants will explore curriculum activities, materials design concepts, and strategies to engage students in real-world sustainability challenges.
🗓️ March 22nd | 2-5:10 p.m.
📍 ChemPod 10 — Exhibit Hall B5

Celebrating Innovations in Green and Sustainable Chemistry Education: Quality Education — Green Chemistry for a Sustainable Future
Featuring Dr. Amy Cannon, Beyond Benign Co-Founder and Executive Director.
As ACS marks 150 years of advancing science, this symposium, organized by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute, highlights the expanding role of green chemistry in shaping a sustainable future. Grounded in the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal #4, the session explores progress in curricular integration and priorities for chemistry education.
🗓️ March 22nd | 2-6 p.m.
📍 Room B401 — Georgia World Congress Center

Partnerships as a Pathway for Green Chemistry Adoption
Presented by Dr. Melissa Hill (Vernier), in collaboration with Beyond Benign and the Lab Safety Institute.
This presentation spotlights how Vernier, Beyond Benign, and the Lab Safety Institute collaborate to create green chemistry experiments, professional development opportunities, and lab safety resources. Participants will be introduced to various tools, educator communities, and training opportunities that arise from these partnerships and will learn how to access and engage with them. By directly connecting educators with practical resources, the session illustrates how these collaborations can enhance the impact of green chemistry and support instructors in implementing sustainable laboratory practices.
🗓️ March 22nd | 4:40–5:00 p.m.
📍 ChemPod 10 — Exhibit Hall B5 — Georgia World Congress Center

Partnerships as a Pathway for Green Chemistry Adoption
Presented by Dr. Melissa Hill (Vernier), in collaboration with Beyond Benign and the Lab Safety Institute.
This Sci-Mix poster presentation emphasizes the collaborative efforts among Vernier, Beyond Benign, and the Lab Safety Institute to promote the adoption of green chemistry in teaching laboratories. Attendees will discover how partnerships across different sectors are enhancing access to sustainable laboratory experiments, professional development programs, and safety-focused implementation strategies that make green chemistry more accessible and scalable.
🗓️ March 23rd | 8:00–10:00 p.m.
📍 Sci-Mix Poster Session — Exhibit Hall B3/B4 — Georgia World Congress Center

Global Approach for a Systemic Change in Chemistry Education: Beyond Benign and the Green Chemistry Commitment Program
Presented by Beyond Benign team members Dr. Juliana Vidal (Senior Program Manager), Dr. Omar Villanueva (Chief Program Officer), and Dr. Amy Cannon (Co-Founder and Executive Director).
This presentation highlights the Green Chemistry Commitment, Beyond Benign’s global program designed to catalyze systemic change in chemistry education. By embedding green chemistry across the education continuum, institutions prepare scientists to design safer products and processes that protect human health and the environment.
🗓️ March 24th | 2:05-2:30 p.m.
📍 ChemPod 9 — Exhibit Hall B5

Green Chemistry Professional Mentoring Networks (GCPMNs): A New NSF-Funded Mechanism for Building Professional Development and Communities of Practice in Chemistry Education
Presented by Beyond Benign team members Dr. Jonathon Moir (Director of the GCTLC), Dr. Omar Villanueva (Chief Program Officer), Dr. Monica Soma Hensley (Instruction & Research Manager), Dr. Amy Cannon (Co-Founder & Executive Director) and community member Dr. Nikita Burrows (Associate Professor at Monmouth University).
This presentation introduces the Green Chemistry Professional Mentoring Networks, a multi-year initiative funded by the National Science Foundation to expand national capacity in green chemistry education through mentoring networks, curricular integration, and community-building research.
🗓️ March 24th | 3:35–3:55 p.m.
📍 Room B314 — Georgia World Congress Center

37th Annual Bioneers Conference
2026-03-26 - 2026-03-28
Now in its 37th year, the Bioneers Conference convenes activists, scientists, educators, artists, Indigenous leaders, and community organizers to share solutions and foster connections across social and environmental movements. Bioneers 2026 will offer main-stage talks, performances, in-depth discussions, hands-on workshops, an Indigenous Forum, youth programs, and collaborative opportunities over three days in Berkeley, California.
Each conference day includes a morning plenary at Zellerbach Hall beginning at 9 a.m., followed by afternoon and evening panels, interactive sessions, films, performances, and networking events at various downtown Berkeley venues.
If you are attending, don’t miss presentations from Beyond Benign Co-Founders Dr. John Warner and Dr. Amy Cannon on Saturday, March 28th:

Keynote: Dr. John Warner – “Biomimicry at the Molecular Level—Inventing a Sustainable Future” (March 28th, 9:40–10:02 a.m., Zellerbach Hall) | In this talk, John will share his vision of how we can draw from the molecular design genius of nature, which has been running countless rigorous chemistry experiments for nearly 4 billion years, to create benign products and technologies that provide for human needs without contaminating the biosphere and endangering our health.
Panel: Green Chemistry Innovation and Education featuring Dr. John Warner and Dr. Amy Cannon (March 28th, 4:45–6 p.m.) | Our educational systems need to be transformed to prepare chemists and scientists to design more sustainable products. In this panel, John and Amy will share their work on key initiatives, such as the Green Chemistry Commitment, which equips universities to integrate green chemistry across curricula, research, and training. These initiatives and more are enabling a new generation of scientists to create breakthrough technologies that will enable a more sustainable, circular, and regenerative economy and society.

🐢 Learn more and register!

Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition (x2026)
2026-05-24 - 2026-05-28 | Toronto, Toronto, Canada
The Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition (x2026), hosted by the CSC and CSChE will provide access to an expanded array of technical sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations, while promoting multidisciplinarity and offering diverse viewpoints on the opportunities and challenges facing those working in the chemical sciences, technologists, and engineering fields. The distinct identities and independence of CSC and CSChE will be maintained.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER COURSE: Sustainable Science: Contextualizing Chemistry Through Safer Hand-On Labs
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-29 | Online
If you’re a science teacher looking to create a safer, more engaging learning environment for your students, this is the course for you!

ABOUT THIS COURSE
Are you a science teacher looking to create a safer, more engaging learning environment for your students? Learn how to weave Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) sustainability content into your classrooms in this remote learning course for middle school and high school science teachers.
Beyond Benign Lead Teacher Erin Mayer will teach this course through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Participants will leave with a toolkit of resources and access to a network of other like-minded educators in the region.

**Free for NY teachers, select other states, and Environmental Justice Communities, with discount code (limited numbers of free spots for each state)

THIS COURSE IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
• You’re interested in engaging strategies for NGSS-aligned chemistry labs
• You want to foster a safe and engaging classroom environment
• You’re interested in how problem-solving with chemistry helps create solutions for sustainability challenges

BY ENROLLING YOU’LL LEARN:
• How to weave NGSS sustainability content into your classroom
• How to spark student interest and increase self-efficacy in your classroom

COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:
• NGSS aligned labs featuring easily accessible and safe materials
• Plug and play lessons for physical science in chemistry classrooms
• Lessons based on real-world innovations

Funding provided by the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute through a grant from the Environmental Fund as administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER COURSE: Introducing Green Chemistry in the High School Classroom
2026-06-08 - 2026-08-03 | Online
If you’re looking to integrate green chemistry principles and practices into your teaching through real-world sustainable inventions, this is the course for you!

ABOUT THIS COURSE

High school chemistry teachers and middle/high school physical science teachers: Join us for a course that will support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) integration in your classes!
In this course, Beyond Benign Certified Lead Teacher Cassidy Javner will help prepare you to integrate green chemistry principles and practices into your teaching through real-world sustainable inventions. You’ll also learn how to develop safer labs and lessons aligned to your local standards in an interactive online environment.
This course features forum discussions, lesson plan development, and 3 synchronous zoom classes. Discussions will focus on how to prepare for effective remote learning in this time of an ever-changing educational landscape.

*Free for NY teachers, some other states, and Environmental Justice Communities, with discount code (contact info@beyondbenign to find out if your state has a discount available and if you teach in NYS and haven’t received your code)

THIS COURSE IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
• You want to create a safer, more engaging learning environment
• You’re interested in how problem solving with chemistry helps create solutions for sustainability challenges

BY ENROLLING YOU’LL LEARN:
• How to integrate green chemistry practices and principles into your teaching
• How to infuse NGSS learning into your classrooms by developing safer labs and lessons

COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:
• Developing safer labs and lessons
• Preparing for effective student driven learning
• Integrating green chemistry into your teaching

WANT MENTORSHIP SUPPORT?
New York teachers have an opportunity to pair the Advance Green Chemistry course with a new Fellowship opportunity for teachers interested in receiving mentorship support while integrating Green Chemistry into their curriculum.

Funding provided by the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute through a grant from the Environmental Fund as administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Advanced Green Chemistry: Connections to Our World
2026-06-08 - 2026-08-03 | Online
If you’re looking to expand your students’ horizons and support their project-based learning and invention in the classroom, this is the course for you.

ABOUT THIS COURSE
Ready to take green chemistry to the next level in your classroom? Have you already started replacing your labs with safer materials?
Join Beyond Benign Certified Lead Teacher Annette Sebuyira as you expand your knowledge of green chemistry principles and practices by analyzing Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award technologies. In this course, you’ll dive into toxicology for chemistry basics and investigate the pedagogy for effective guidance of student-based research projects and inquiry-based projects.

**Free for NY teachers, some other states, and Environmental Justice Communities, with discount code (contact info@beyondbenign to find out if your state has a discount available and if you teach in NYS and haven’t received your code)
THIS COURSE IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF:
• You want to support your students’ project-based learning and invention in the classroom.
• You have completed Intro to Green Chemistry and are ready to advance to the next level.
• You are curious about how to foster student engagement.

BY ENROLLING YOU’LL LEARN:
• How to expand your knowledge of green chemistry principles and practices.
• How to infuse student-driven projects and research into your curriculum.
• How to develop deeper real-world chemistry connections for your students.

COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:
• Analyzing Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award technologies.
• Introduction to Toxicology for chemistry basics.
• Integration of science research into your chemistry course.

Funding provided by the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute through a grant from the Environmental Fund as administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

2026 Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) Summit – Virtual
2026-06-10 10:00 - 14:00
Attention academic leaders, students, and industry partners from Green Chemistry Commitment institutions! Join Beyond Benign and the green chemistry community at the 2026 GCC Summit to explore how to implement and scale green chemistry in higher education. Our global community can participate virtually on June 10th or in person on June 14th at the Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Now in its 9th year, the GCC Summit aims to foster deeper engagement with green chemistry across curricula, laboratories, and workforce development. The program will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, working groups, and case studies that highlight the systems, partnerships, and strategies needed to embed green chemistry at scale.

GCC Signers: Check your email for an invitation from our team and register to join us for one (or both!) of these gatherings:

🧑‍💻 Virtual: June 10th, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. UTC
📍 In person: June 14th, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT | Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas

2026 Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) Summit – In Person
2026-06-14 12:00 - 18:30 | San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk, 101 Bowie St, San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
