Green Chemistry Connections
2024-12-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-19 05:00 - 07:00, 2025-04-16 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
From biomimicry to toxicology, green chemistry offers powerful solutions to some of the world’s most pressing crises. This year, we want to zero-in on the powerfully adaptable principles of green chemistry, and their role in forming connections between educators, industry, and advocates.
How? This year’s speakers are a host of change makers from diverse professions— each working to apply green chemistry in unique and inventive ways. K-12 educators, higher education faculty, industry professionals, advocates, and all are welcome to join these interactive, monthly conversations.
In order to accommodate a growing global community, we are approaching connections differently this year. Still on the third Wednesday of the month, we will be rotating through three alternating times. Can’t make it to a webinar, or need a reminder? Don’t stress! When you register, you will have access to recordings, calendar invites, and reminders– all sent directly to your inbox.
Please feel free to share these webinars 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!

April 2025 Webinar

Join our April Green Chemistry Connections session to explore systems thinking, sustainability, and circularity teaching tools with changemakers from Texas Woman’s University, The King’s University, Carleton University, and My Green Lab.
• John Beatty | Assistant Professor, Texas Woman’s University
• Peter Mahaffy | Professor of Chemistry, The King’s University
• Alisha Szozda | Postdoctoral Fellow, Carleton Univeristy & Chief Moderator, Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community
• Christina Greever-Wilson | Director of Communities, My Green Lab
March 2025 Webinar

This Green Chemistry Connections session focuses on health and pollutants, covering topics including air quality, PFAS, and toxicology.
You’ll here from:
• Charles Grimison, Technical Director, Ventia
• Xiao Tan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Zhang Group, The University of Queensland
• Amanda Wheeler, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Environmental Research Unit
• Paul Wright, Associate Professor of Immunotoxicology and Unit Leader of Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences at RMIT University

February 2025 Webinar

Green Chemistry Outreach and the Student Journey
Explore how educators and current graduate students are promoting a sustainable future by inspiring the next generation of green chemists. Discover methods to engage students through green chemistry concepts, motivating them to tackle our current environmental challenges and gain the skills needed to drive innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Featured speakers are:

Adele Mastroyannis, ARC Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing
EJ Broker, Texas A&M University
Julian Silverman, Fashion Institute of Technology
Janie Butler, Science Done Sustainably

Whether you’re a student, educator, or industry professional, this webinar will provide valuable perspectives on how the current generation of chemists is preparing the next toward contributing to a healthier and greener future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the transformation!

January 2025 Webinar

Biomimicry and Nanotechnology for Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Speakers explore nanoscale and nanotechnology for green and sustainable chemistry, alongside the brilliance of biomimicry. These topics showcase how Green Chemistry principles can be applied in innovative ways to solve global challenges.
Our featured speakers include:

Sally Fierenzi, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Prof. Terry Turney, Sonic Essentials
Olivia Faye Dickinson, University of Bath

December 2024 Webinar

Presentations from the 2024 LatinXChem Green Chemistry Poster Winners
Beyond Benign was proud to sponsor the 2024 Green Chemistry awards at this year’s LatinXChem virtual poster conference, and we are thrilled to welcome the winners to our December 2024 Green Chemistry Connections session. Hear from the following speakers on our YouTube channel:
• Vinicius Madriaga | @Universidade Federal Fluminense
• Karen Michelle Coutiño Melchor | @National Technological Institute of Mexico
• Dr. Gustavo Mondragón-Solórzano | @Northeastern University
November 2024 Webinar

Lab Safety: Not-So-Scary Alternatives
Our organizers and featured speakers will discuss greener alternatives for building a healthy and safe environment in your lab (and beyond!). This session will cover applications of #GreenChemistry to create safer labs for K-12 and Higher Education audiences.
Meet the featured speakers:
• Dr. Elizabeth Braun | Lab Safety Institute
• Cassie Lydon | White Bear Lake High School
• Cassie Javner | Shakopee High School
• Dr. Jane Wissinger | University of Minnesota

October 2024 Webinar

Green Chemistry Toward A Circular Economy
During our October session, we heard from interdisciplinary leaders in industry, research, and education as they discussed the vital applications of green chemistry in fostering a Circular Economy.
October 16th, 2024 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM AET
Talk Recordings:
Prof Colin Barrow | Deakin University
Prof Edward Buckingham | Monash Business School
Prof Peter Ralph | University of Technology Sydney
Prof Qin Li | Griffith University

September 2024 Webinar

Introducing our 2024-2025 Connections Organizers and Ambassadors, with Guest Speaker Dr. John Warner!
September 18th, 2024 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM EDT
Join us this September to kick off the 2024-2025 Green Chemistry Connections webinar series! Hosted with intersectionality and accessibility in mind, this year’s series will be operating between the AUS and EDT timezones. At this session, you will hear from the team working to bring together this international community, attend a talk from Dr. John Warner, and of course enjoy networking in the breakout rooms with your fellow green chemistry and sustainability community members. Read more about our amazing team of organizers and ambassadors on our people page, linked here.

Observe, Wonder, Think
2024-12-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-01-16 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
This year we are focusing on K-12 teacher peer collaboration. You are our best resource. There will be space for teachers to bring the resources, labs, lessons, articles that they are seeking to implement. What are the things you are learning as you implement? What challenges are you facing as you implement green chemistry in your classroom and lab? What has really worked well for you? Are there elements of your lessons/labs that you really need help with before implementation? Come and talk with your K-12 peers in the Green Chemistry Community of Practice. We are here to support, accompany, encourage and learn together. We will have speakers periodically to share what has worked in their classrooms, or to share lab safety tips. Register to attend. Only speaker sessions will be recorded, included with registration.
Esther Hines, retired chemistry teacher, ACS mentor and coach, adjunct chemistry faculty, will facilitate Observe Wonder Think monthly, third Thursdays, at alternating evening times.

Observe, Wonder, Think: April 2025

Educators in applied sciences! Watch this recording of our April 2025 Observe, Wonder, Think webinar. In this video, experienced educator Annette Sebuyira, will share an introduction to green chemistry through the lens of toxicology. During this virtual session, we’ll dive into an NGSS/NYSSLS-aligned lesson, expanding content knowledge and the knowledge and skills necessary to provide developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and assess student progress. We’ll also explore challenges, as students would, using the Olin Chemical Superfund Site as a case study. The lens of toxicology will guide decisions of how and why certain reagents are chosen for our lab performances.

Observe, Wonder, Think: March 2025

In this session, Sarah shares her expertise in chemical management and disposal, gained from her experience as a high school science teacher, college laboratory instructor, and institutional laboratory safety specialist at a large university. She dives into essential topics like common safety concerns with chemical storage and disposal, effective chemical inventory management strategies, and best practices for working in shared stock rooms. Additionally, she explorse how the principles of green chemistry can be used to address these challenges, providing practical solutions for safer and more sustainable lab environments.

Observe, Wonder, Think: February 2025

More and more educators are pursuing equitable grading practices as they realize the numerous inequities that exist within education. Beyond Benign is calling in educators, who care deeply about serving their students, to explore the best learning environment for their development in a chemistry classroom.
Watch this Observe, Wonder, Think session and explore what grading for equity in a chemistry class can look like. In this webinar, we are joined by special guest Raksmey Derival, a high school science teacher, science ambassador, and program director at Innovation Academy Charter School.

Observe, Wonder, Think: January 2025

K-12 teachers: watch this special webinar on social justice science issues featuring Nina Hike, a leader in chemistry education and a 2021 Illinois finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.
This interactive webinar explores the intersection of environmental justice and green chemistry, providing insights into the future of green chemistry education.

Observe, Wonder, Think: December 2024

K-12 teachers: watch this special webinar with Dr. Elizabeth Braun of the Labratory Safety Institute! During this virtual session, Dr. Braun shares the Safer Science Framework, designed to empower educators with the tools they need to create hazard-free, sustainable lab environments.
By addressing outdated chemicals and integrating holistic safety practices, this framework enables teachers to confidently explore Green Chemistry, fostering safer, greener classrooms that align with national standards like NGSS.

2025 ASE Annual Conference at the University of Nottingham
2025-01-09 08:00 - 16:00 | University of Nottingham
Unbeatable expertise in science teaching and learning professional development…..
The UK’s largest event focussing on science education professional teaching and learning, the ASE Annual Conference, takes place at the University of Nottingham’s University Park Campus from Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th January 2025

Choose from over 250 sessions from the best science education speakers and practitioners – all in one place.
Focus on your school’s specific priorities, develop your own subject knowledge and learn from other teachers and science education experts.
Enjoy fantastic networking opportunities to gain exciting new ideas, approaches and resources that you can share with your whole team.
Explore an unmissable exhibition of more than 50 science education organisations, full of activities, equipment and resources with exclusive competitions and giveaways.

This is an amazing opportunity to engage in cost-effective, subject-specific professional learning and is perfect for all primary science educators, secondary and further education teachers, technicians, trainees and multi-academy trust science teams.
How much does it cost to attend? One day registration starts from only £99 for ASE teacher-members and even less for trainees-members and technician-members.
Our most affordable Early Bird tickets will be on sale until 23:45 on Sunday 3rd November.
Please note that registration will stay open for the duration of the conference but participants will need to check-in at registration desks upon arrival each day before entry to the main conference sessions.
Where can I find our more information about the Conference? The most up-to-date information can be found by exploring the Conference Webpage, within which you will find the link to the live digital timetable Sched – why not create your own personal agenda to suit your own professional development needs in Sched?
Where can I find my membership number? Your new membership ID number can be found in the top righthand corner on your My Account page of the ASE website after logging in (the numbers issued from the old system that start with an M are no longer valid). If you’re not yet a member and would like to get the best conference rates, you can join online or over the phone on 01707 283000.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Please email conferences@ase.org.uk with any enquiries or call us on 01707 283000.
Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event? Students accompanying teachers as part of Saturday’s Schools Exhibition are also permitted entry. Unfortunately children are not permitted to attend other events throughout Conference.
When will I receive my ticket/delegate badge? All delegate badges will be provided daily at the registration desks at Conference, within Pope Building in Room A15. Please ensure you provide evidence of your Eventbrite booking with your order number at registration. Registration will open at 08:00 on each day.
What’s the refund policy? Cancellation of registration before 26th November 2024 will incur a 5% cancellation charge (30 working days before the event). After this date no refunds can be made.
Should you have any queries, please view the FAQs on the Conference webpage and should you not find the answer to your questions please email conferences@ase.org.uk and one of the events team will respond as soon as they are able. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at Nottingham in January 2025.

Green Chemistry Connections
2025-01-15 04:00 - 06:00
From biomimicry to toxicology, green chemistry offers powerful solutions to some of the world’s most pressing crises. This year, we want to zero-in on the powerfully adaptable principles of green chemistry, and their role in forming connections between educators, industry, and advocates.
How? This year’s speakers are a host of change makers from diverse professions— each working to apply green chemistry in unique and inventive ways. K-12 educators, higher education faculty, industry professionals, advocates, and all are welcome to join these interactive, monthly conversations.
In order to accommodate a growing global community, we are approaching connections differently this year. Still on the third Wednesday of the month, we will be rotating through three alternating times. Can’t make it to a webinar, or need a reminder? Don’t stress! When you register, you will have access to recordings, calendar invites, and reminders– all sent directly to your inbox.
Please feel free to share these webinars 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!

November 2024 Webinar

Lab Safety: Not-So-Scary Alternatives
Our organizers and featured speakers will discuss greener alternatives for building a healthy and safe environment in your lab (and beyond!). This session will cover applications of #GreenChemistry to create safer labs for K-12 and Higher Education audiences.
Meet the featured speakers:
• Dr. Elizabeth Braun | Lab Safety Institute
• Cassie Lydon | White Bear Lake High School
• Cassie Javner | Shakopee High School
• Dr. Jane Wissinger | University of Minnesota

October 2024 Webinar

Green Chemistry Toward A Circular Economy
October 16th, 2024 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM AET
Talk Recordings:
Prof Colin Barrow | Deakin University
Prof Edward Buckingham | Monash Business School
Prof Peter Ralph | University of Technology Sydney
Prof Qin Li | Griffith University

September 2024 Webinar

Introducing our 2024-2025 Connections Organizers and Ambassadors, with Guest Speaker Dr. John Warner!
September 18th, 2024 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM EDT
Join us this September to kick off the 2024-2025 Green Chemistry Connections webinar series! Hosted with intersectionality and accessibility in mind, this year’s series will be operating between the AUS and EDT timezones. At this session, you will hear from the team working to bring together this international community, attend a talk from Dr. John Warner, and of course enjoy networking in the breakout rooms with your fellow green chemistry and sustainability community members. Read more about our amazing team of organizers and ambassadors on our people page, linked here.

Greener Curriculum Showcase Series: Exploring Sustainable Practices and the Drive for Greener Innovations - A case study in Metal Plating
2025-01-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
This free, virtual workshop is designed to help educators effectively adapt and implement a new case study that examines the various considerations and factors driving greener innovations in the metal plating industry. One of the primary chemicals used in this sector is PFAS, which acts as a fume suppressant to control chromic acid mist during the chrome plating process. While PFAS reduces exposure to the known health hazard of hexavalent chromium, its health and environmental impacts raise significant concerns, underscoring the need for greener alternatives.
The case study focuses on the design of a new non-PFAS, non-PFOS fume suppressant, applying the 12 principles of green chemistry. It explores the implementation of this greener product in real-world applications within the metal plating industry.
This resource is ideal for educators seeking to enhance their curriculum with real-world applications that align with the academic and professional guidelines for undergraduate programs, such as those set by the American Chemical Society. Participants will learn effective strategies for using the case study to illustrate to their students the critical interplay of chemical, environmental health, regulatory, and business considerations in the design of chemical products and processes, fostering a deeper understanding of the factors influencing greener innovations.
During the 1.5-hour session, facilitators will guide participants through the resources, offer practical strategies for adaptation and implementation, and create opportunities for educators to share insights. The workshop will feature group-based learning, discussions, networking opportunities, and a Q&A session. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your teaching toolkit, engage with peers, and inspire the next generation of green chemists.
Workshop Goals:

Educate participants on the interplay of the different factors influencing greener innovations including chemical, environmental health, business and regulatory considerations
Guide participants on practical approaches to effectively incorporate the case study materials into their curriculum.
Empower participants to adapt and implement the case study resources and expand their professional network.

Promoting Chemistry Applied to World Needs
2025-01-24 09:00 - 10:00
Are you an aspiring chemist, a passionate climate advocate, or an interested member of the public? Do you want to change the world through science? Join the IUPAC CHEMRAWN and Beyond Benign throughout 2025 to learn from experts in the field who are leading the charge to solve existential, world needs through chemistry. Speakers will orient their presentations around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), as well as the IUPAC Top 10 Emerging Technologies, to demonstrate the power that chemists hold in shaping, and preserving, the future.
Each talk will be accompanied by 2-3 minute videos on the topic, for chemistry students in high school, university, and for the general public.

January Webinar
“From Detoxifying Chemical Warfare Agents to Treating Nuclear Wastewater: Adventures in the Synthesis of Metal–Organic Frameworks”
Ashlee Howarth, Concordia University
01/24/2025 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM EST
Webinar Description:
Named by IUPAC as one of the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies in Chemistry” in 2019, what can metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) really do? IUPAC CHEMRAWN Committee and Beyond Benign invite you to learn more about MOFs and join the discussion with Prof. Ashlee Howarth from Concordia University! Prof. Howarth is dedicated to using green chemistry principles and practices to design and synthesize rare-earth cluster-based MOFs which can then be applied to clean up wastewater from coal and nuclear power plants, as well as decontaminate military equipment. Other applications investigated by Ashlee also include catalysis, drug delivery, X-ray detection, and chemical sensing applications to solve our current environmental challenges.
More About Professor Ashlee Howarth:
Ashlee J. Howarth is an Associate Professor and Concordia University Research Chair at Concordia University in Montréal. She was born and raised in London, Ontario. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2009, and then went on to do her PhD in inorganic materials chemistry at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Michael O. Wolf. Before joining the faculty at Concordia, she completed an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at Northwestern University with Joseph T. Hupp and Omar K. Farha. At Concordia, the Howarth group is focused on the design and synthesis of rare-earth cluster-based metal–organic frameworks targeting applications in pollution remediation, catalysis, drug delivery, X-ray detection, and chemical sensing. Ashlee is also the contact point for the Green Chemistry Commitment at Concordia University.

Weston Roundtable with Amy Cannon, University of WI, Madison
2025-01-30 16:15 - 17:15
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.

"Ask me Anything" with Megan Arnett
2025-02-04 - 2025-02-07
Join the conversation, live in the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community. Bring questions about all things green chemistry and receive expert answers from Berkley Center for Green Chemistry Executive Director, Dr. Megan Arnett!
With a PhD in neuroscience, Megan is one of many in the Green Chemistry community who comes from an interdisciplinary background. As such, Megan is constantly learning new aspects of green chemistry as the executive director of the Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry at UC Berkeley, where she works directly with industry partners to identify safer alternatives to chemicals in their products or processes. Megan is lead instructor for several green chemistry courses at UC Berkeley, and runs an internship program and research center in collaboration with the USDA Bioproducts Research Institute.
Join the Conversation Here.

A Personal Change Towards a Systemic Impact: Embracing the Power of Green Chemistry
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:30
Abstract
Quality education is a central aspect of our society, and it plays a fundamental role in achieving all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). By integrating the principles of green chemistry in education, we can promote the development of a scientific workforce and an informed public, both equipped with the skills to choose, design, evaluate, and implement more benign processes for human health and the environment. This presentation will feature the benefits and challenges of transitioning from academia to a non-profit organization focused on promoting green chemistry education. What began as research on carbon-based materials and CO2 has shifted into work with Beyond Benign, a non-profit dedicated to empowering the global chemistry community to embrace sustainability at the molecular level through green chemistry.
Bio
Juliana Vidal (she/her) is a Senior Program Manager at Beyond Benign. At Beyond Benign, Juliana works in the Higher Education team to support the incorporation of green chemistry in higher education institutions through the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program. She earned her Ph.D. at Memorial University of Newfoundland under the supervision of Prof. Francesca Kerton and the co-supervision of Prof. Stephanie MacQuarrie. During her Ph.D., Juliana investigated new applications for biochar, a sustainable material obtained from wood waste. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at McGill University, Juliana worked under the supervision of Prof. Audrey Moores on developing greener methods for implementing a biorefinery using crustacean shell waste and mechanochemistry. Juliana is an Associate Editor for Thieme’s journal Sustainability & Circularity NOW and the Co-Chair of the Global Conversation on Sustainability (GCS). She is also a National Representative of IUPAC’s Committee on Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN), a Coordination Member of the UNEP Major Group for Children and Youth’s Chemicals & Waste Youth Platform, and was selected as a 2020 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Future Leader.

What is Carbon Neutrality, and How to Achieve It?
2025-02-06 18:00 - 19:00
Reducing total CO₂ emissions to zero is called #CarbonNeutrality. To achieve this, industrial and energy reforms must be undertaken within the next decade. However, the specific measures are not generally known…
Join us for a special webinar with Junji Nakamura, a Research Professor at the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research, Kyushu University, to explore what the path to carbon neutrality looks like.
🗓️ When: February 6th from 6-7 p.m. EST / February 7th from 8-9 a.m. JST.
🧪 Register: This is the second installment of the webinar series, “Promoting Chemistry Applied to World Needs” presented by Beyond Benign and IUPAC CHEMRAWN. If you haven’t already registered for this free series, RSVP here!

Invitation Women's Breakfast Amsterdam IUPAC
2025-02-11 16:00 - 17:00
Dear colleagues and friends,
We are delighted to invite you to the first ZDHC Morning Reunion for women in Science Leadership. A unique and inspiring event dedicated to fostering connections and closing the gender gap. As part of the initiative of IUPAC GWB and our work with the Gender & Chemicals Partnership we are initiating this event offering an exceptional opportunity for our local community to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share valuable insights, and strengthen support for diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
What to Expect:
Addressing the challenges and opportunities for women in science
A welcoming and collaborative environment to inspire action
Presentations from exceptional guest speakers, each representing a vital demographic within the scientific disciplines and sharing their dedication to empowering women in chemistry.
We hope you will be able to join us in creating an event which sustains open discussion and further contributes to the global effort to support women in science.Your presence will play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable future in
STEM.
We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting initiative and we invite you to share this invitation with any relevant other connections!

February Green Chemistry Commitment Info Session
2025-02-28 12:00
Higher education faculty, students, and staff—shape the future of chemistry education and innovation with us! Learn how the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program can help integrate green chemistry at your institution during this info session from 12-1 p.m. EST. We’ll be joined by Victor Sánchez, Associate Professor at Northern Arizona University, who will share how the GCC supports Northern Arizona University’s green chemistry goals. RSVP today and spread the word!
About Victor:
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ramossanchezlabatnau/
Prof. Ramos Sánchez joined the Northern Arizona University in 2023 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry before he was appointed Tenured Professor in the Faculty of Chemical Sciences (Facultad de Ciencias Químicas in Spanish) at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua (Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua in Spanish) from 2011 to 2022. During his sabbatical, he was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of California, San Diego, in 2019. Previously, he was a Lecturer at the Polytechnic University of Chiapas (Universidad Politécnica de Chiapas in Spanish) from 2009 to 2011. Prof. Ramos Sánchez holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom and a bachelor’s degree in industrial chemistry from the Autonomous University of Chihuahua. His main area of research focuses on the design and implementation of sustainable materials and processes for hydrogen production and fuel cells, which has led him to accumulate extensive expertise in the development of green routes of synthesis and analysis. Additionally, he collaborates enthusiastically with other fellow researchers in exciting areas such as food technology and environmental science, offering strategies of instrumental analysis for different scientific challenges.
Prof. Ramos Sánchez has received research grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Mexican Council of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Higher Education and contracts from local industrial partners (plastics, aerospace, and agroindustry). His publications have appeared in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Chemical Education, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Material Chemistry A, ACS Environmental Science & Technology, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Catalysis Today, and Carbon, among others. As a result of his research, Professor Ramos Sánchez was granted one patent in Mexico.
Prof. Ramos Sanchez has contributed to the development of human resources both as a research advisor/mentor and as an instructor, teaching courses in instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, general chemistry and sustainable chemistry. He has served as an academic advisor in the elaboration and evaluation of the Mexican Standardized National Assessment of BSc in Chemistry (EGEL-Q/CENEVAL, A.C.)

American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting
2025-03-23 - 2025-03-27 | San Diego, California
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.

Mechanisms to Move the Oil and Gas Business to Green Chemistry
Presented by Dr. John Warner, Co-Founder of Beyond Benign; Co-Author of Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice; CEO of the Technology Greenhouse
Sunday, March 23rd from 8:00 – 11:00 AM PST | Marriot Grand Ballroom Section 11

To many people the oil and gas business represents one of the most unsustainable aspects of the chemical enterprises. In many ways this perception is deserved. But in some ways this perspective misses some important social implications. Because our global economy is currently dependent on this industry, we can’t simply decide to just stop overnight. It is going to take a very long time to create alternative technologies that meet the current global demands that the oil and gas business. In parallel to creating alternatives, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to take as many steps as possible to improve the sustainability performance of the myriad integrated processes to this business.. This presentation will discuss the challenges and opportunities that must be addressed as soon as possible.

Green Chemistry and Circular Economy Opportunities for Soft Materials
Presented by Dr. John Warner, Co-Founder of Beyond Benign; Co-Author of Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice; CEO of the Technology Greenhouse
Sunday, March 23rd from 4:20 – 4:25 PM PST | Ballroom 6D

Soft materials provide molecular mechanisms that allow the design of products capable of achieving sustainability goals (green chemistry and circular economy). Unique reversible and irreversible interactions that create flexible molecular architectures provide structural resilience and adaptation in various environments. These systems under dynamic equilibria offer customized product performance and enable circular economic models of reuse. This presentation will discuss examples of noncovalent derivatization and photo crosslinked polymer matrices as bioinspired illustrations of commercially relevant technologies that are consistent with the 12 principles of green chemistry.

Advancing Green Chemistry Education: The Process, Research and New Developments in Curricular Activities
Organized by: Dr. Deborah Bromfield-Lee, Dr. Monica Soma Hensley, & Dr. Jane Wissinger
Wednesday, March 26th from 8:00– 11:00 AM PST | Room 5B

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.

Fostering Green Chemistry Education: Enhancing Curricula and Faculty Development through Industry Collaboration and Open-Access Curriculum Development
Presented by Dr. Monica Soma Hensley
Wednesday, March 26th from 10:25 – 10:45 AM PST | Room 5B

The incorporation of green chemistry principles as a decision-making framework into academic curricula is essential for preparing students for sustainable careers in chemistry and related fields. This process requires the development of curricular materials that are both relevant and accessible, as well as a professional development infrastructure to support educators in this endeavor. Beyond Benign, a nonprofit organization focused on green chemistry education, has created a comprehensive framework that fosters faculty development through open-access resource creation and collaborative opportunities with industry experts. One key initiative is the faculty-led, faculty-developed approach to curriculum design, which incorporates industrial expertise to ensure real-world relevance. This partnership exemplifies how industrial collaboration can enhance curricular content, making it more applicable to current industry standards while supporting faculty in their professional growth.

In this presentation, notable case studies will be highlighted to showcase how Beyond Benign promotes collaboration for developing open-access curricular activities, and the impact of these initiatives on faculty development, resource creation, and the broader adoption of green chemistry education across academic institutions. Additionally, findings from a faculty survey highlighting the professional development needs of educators in green chemistry will be shared.

Emerald Isle Conference on Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
2025-04-09 - 2025-04-11 | Europa Hotel Belfast
We are delighted to announce the inaugural Emerald Isle Conference on Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, which will be held in Belfast from 9th to 11th April 2025.

International green chemists, engineers, and educators will meet to share best practice and strengthen collaboration. A line up of global thought leaders will offer insights to help shape the future direction of green chemistry and engineering education, research, and industry.

We have an exciting list of invited speakers, who will also participate in a panel discussion. Pioneers of green chemistry and engineering will be there from both sides of the pond, including John Warner, Paul Anastas, Julie Zimmerman, Roger Sheldon, Walter Leitner and Martyn Poliakoff.

Atomic-Scale Insights into Energy Materials (Batteries Included)
2025-04-09 08:00 - 09:00
The supply of low carbon energy is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Major breakthroughs in green energy technologies require advances in new materials and underpinning science. Learn more about this topic during a special webinar with Dr. Saiful Islam, Professor of Materials Science at the University of Oxford.
During this webinar, Dr. Islam will describe the materials science of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and novel perovskite-type compounds for next-generation solar cells. He will also highlight the use of advanced materials modeling to gain deeper insights on the atomic scale.
April 9th from 8-9 a.m. EDT / 12-1 p.m. GMT
This is the third installment of the webinar series, “Promoting Chemistry Applied to World Needs” presented by Beyond Benign and IUPAC CHEMRAWN.

Professor Saiful Islam, University of Oxford
Saiful is Professor of Materials Science at the University of Oxford. He grew up in north London and obtained his Chemistry degree and PhD from University College London. He then worked at the Eastman Kodak Labs, New York, and the Universities of Surrey and Bath.
His research focuses on understanding atomic-scale processes in new materials for lithium batteries, sodium batteries and perovskite solar cells. Saiful has received several awards including from the Royal Society, American Chemical Society and Royal Society of Chemistry.
He presented the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures (2016) on BBC TV, which included a lemon battery world record. He is a Patron of Humanists UK and when not exploring new materials, he enjoys family breaks (as a dad of two), films and indie music.(Research website: https://bit.ly/327BgQr )

About the series:
During this webinar series, speakers will orient their presentations around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Top 10 Emerging Technologies to demonstrate the power that chemists hold in shaping and preserving the future. Each talk will be accompanied by short videos on the topic geared toward high school and university chemistry students as well as the general public.
This series is hosted by Beyond Benign and the IUPAC Committee on Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN).
Previous webinars:

Navigating Career Paths & Career Opportunities in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
2025-04-17 17:00 - 19:00
This free, virtual event is designed to empower undergraduate and graduate students with insights and connections to pursue meaningful and impactful careers in green chemistry and sustainability. Participants will hear from and interact directly with industry leaders and academics about career pathways, internship opportunities, and co-ops while building their professional networks.
Why Should You Attend?

Gain valuable insight into green chemistry and sustainability career paths.
Connect with professionals across industry, academia, government, and NGOs.
Discover specific opportunities and resources to support your career journey.
Network with peers and professionals committed to advancing diversity and sustainability in STEM fields.

Full program information can be found here.
At the end of the panel discussion, there will be “Career Speed Dating” breakout rooms with different professionals from academia, industries, and government organizations. When registering -please select the top 2 breakout rooms you would like to attend- see descriptions below:
Breakout Room 1: Career Paths in the Pharma Industry– If you are interested in learning more about the pharma industry, hearing from a biocatalysis expert, and potential co-ops. Internships and more, join this room.
Breakout Room 2: Career Paths in the Beauty Industry–If you are interested in the cosmetic industry and innovations in sustainable beauty, join this room.
Breakout Room 3: Career Paths in Academia– If you are interested in becoming a professor and the steps to leading a research lab as an associate professor, join this room.
Breakout Room 4: Career Paths in Tech – If you want to understand how to use your chemistry skills to advance in the tech space and potential job opportunities, join this room.
Breakout Room 5: Career Paths in Non-Profit –If you want to learn how to use your chemistry background to have a successful and impactful career in the non-profit sector, join this room.
Note: If you don’t receive a confirmation email soon, check your spam folder in case it landed there. Upon registration, you will be added to the Beyond Benign email newsletter list—you can update your preferences at any time.

Moving to Renewable Feedstocks: Soy Research, Innovation, and Curriculum
2025-04-23 12:30 - 13:30
Recording Live on Youtube:

Join us for a conversation on how green chemistry is advancing bio-based materials and driving sustainable solutions. This webinar will highlight emerging technologies, the role of renewable feedstocks like soy, and how educators can bring these innovations into their classrooms. Whether you teach chemistry, materials science, or sustainability, this session will offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of biorenewable chemistry.
Attend to Explore:
Applications of soy in industrial materials and sustainable innovation
Strategies for integrating bio-based chemistry into academic curricula
Opportunities for collaboration between industry and education
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for higher education faculty, researchers, industry professionals, and sustainability advocates interested in the real-world applications of green chemistry. Whether you’re looking to enhance your curriculum, explore new research directions, or understand industry trends, this session will provide valuable knowledge and practical applications.
At-a-Glance Agenda:
Introduction & Overview – Green chemistry & soy industry/chemistry
Sustainability & Industry Applications – Exploring soy research and innovations
Education & Collaboration – Bringing renewable research and innovations into classrooms
Q&A Discussions – Live conversations with experts

This event was made possible with support from the United Soybean Board (USB). Any opinions, findings, and/or interpretations of data contained herein are the responsibility of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of USB and Beyond Benign.

International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) featuring Dr. Amy Cannon
2025-05-06
I2SL offers a series of webinars intended to educate, connect, and diversify the sustainable laboratory and high-tech facility community. Webinars encourage interaction among the presenter and the audience by allowing you to ask questions of the experts and/or share your own expertise with an interested audience.
Attendees are given the exclusive opportunity to discover new tools, innovations, and technologies being utilized in the sustainable laboratory community. Attendees also have the opportunity to learn about I2SL’s new and updated Best Practice Guides through presentations from the authors. Attendees may be eligible for continuing education credits through the American Institute of Architects or other professional organizations.
I2SL members can attend all live webinars and access the recording archive free of charge. For non-members, the cost is $100 to attend a live webinar or view a recorded webinar.

GCC Signing Ceremony: Queen's University
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:00
Beyond Benign and Dr. John Warner are thrilled to attend the upcoming Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) Signing Celebration for Queen’s University! If you are located near Kinston, Ontario, please join us!
The GCC is a framework that unites the higher education community around a common vision to affect systemic and lasting change in chemistry education. Learn more and join the growing community! https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-green-chemistry-commitment/

10 Years of the GCI Symposium: Thinking Green(er) in Daily Life
2025-05-07 - 2025-05-09 | University of Toronto
During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Travel scholarship opportunities available for students
Networking and Toronto excursion event
Research poster session (with awards to be given out)
All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, refreshments and coffee
Seminar talks by academic and industrial experts in green chemistry and sustainability
An excellent chance to network with current sustainability experts for future job opportunities

Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a greener future. Come and discover how green chemistry can be integrated in every day chemistry practices, furthering the effort to create a sustainable world!
Check out our website for more!

Cost and Registration
Early Bird Registration: Closes April 4th, 2024 at 11:59 pm EDT
The cost of the symposium is $45 CAD for early bird registration.
Regular Registration: until April 25th, 2024
Regular registration cost is $55 CAD.
The registration fee includes all symposium events, as well as lunch, refreshments and coffee that will be provided as part of the symposium program on the full-schedule days (May 8th and 9th, 2025). Registration does not include accommodation and travel fees. We are offering a limited number of travel scholarships. More information can be found on our website.
Want to present a poster? Visit here to do so.

Educación en Química Verde: Hacia un Futuro Sostenible
2025-05-07 14:00 - 15:00
La educación en química verde nos permite imaginar y construir un futuro donde la ciencia protege tanto a las personas como al planeta. Cada educador y estudiante tiene un papel clave en esta transformación.

Durante el webinar gratuito el Dr. Omar Villanueva compartirá estrategias educativas y ejemplos prácticos para integrar sus principios en distintos niveles académicos, destacando el trabajo de Beyond Benign, organización dedicada a empoderar a docentes para transformar la enseñanza de la química hacia un futuro sostenible. Inspirada por una visión en la que los componentes químicos de los productos cotidianos sean seguros para las personas y el medio ambiente, Beyond Benign impulsa una comunidad global que promueve una química más responsable y saludable.

Lo Que El Público Aprenderá

Qué es la química verde y por qué es esencial para construir un futuro más sostenible
Estrategias prácticas para integrar los principios de la química verde en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje
Cómo el trabajo de Beyond Benign apoya a docentes y comunidades educativas para transformar la educación química a nivel global

Detalles del Evento

Fecha: Miercoles, 7 de Mayo 2-3pm ET / 12-1pm CT
Coste: Asistencia gratuita
Las diapositivas estarán disponibles para descargar el día del evento

Coproducido con Society of Chemistry of Mexico,

3rd Commonwealth Chemistry Congress
2025-05-11 - 2025-05-14
Commonwealth Chemistry, the Federation of Commonwealth Chemical Sciences Societies, is delighted to announce that the third Commonwealth Chemistry Congress (CCC2025) will take place at the Protea by Marriott Hotel Stellenbosch, South Africa, 11-14 May 2025.
The Commonwealth is a uniquely diverse group of nations with shared values and a powerful voice. It represents all corners of the globe with a population of 2.5 billion and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. It is home to 12% of the world’s researchers and accounts for around 10% of global research and development expenditure. With 1 in 3 people aged between 15 and 29 living in Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth is set to play an ever more important role in the world’s future – a future that will present many challenges where science can identify solutions.
Bringing together chemists from across the Commonwealth under the banner of equality for all, the Commonwealth Chemistry Congress will promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthen scientific capacity, inspire and elevate the role of the chemical sciences to society and policy makers, and celebrate achievements in chemistry. Representatives from chemical societies across the Commonwealth will join high level stakeholders from academia, industry and government in South Africa.
The Congress will have a strong focus on early career chemists across the Commonwealth, with the aim of furthering their career development, enabling joint research and education activities, and providing networking opportunities to share research outputs.
All participants will be expected to abide by the Commonwealth Chemistry Code of Conduct.

ISGC 2025
2025-05-12 - 2025-05-16 | Espace Encan. Quai Louis Prunier – 17033, La Rochelle.
Why Attend?
Scientific program
Be part of the +320 speakers panel
–> Invited speakers and +280 oral communications selected. A special issue in Green Chemistry Journal.
Access to cutting edge research in the fields of green chemistry
–>ISGC is the largest concentration of green chemistry researchers and chemical companies available in one place during 4 days!
Exhibition & Green chemistry open research & innovation
–>Exhibit your innovation
–>3,500 sqm exhibition area and innovation sessions organised for startup, SMEs to present their technologies, engineering solutions…
“Get in touch ! Get into business”
–>Green Chemistry Open Research & Innovation is a unique opportunity to set up meetings and present your innovations & research projects to major companies.

Towards Sustainability Through Education: The Green Chemistry Commitment Program at Beyond Benign
Juliana L. Vidal, Amy Cannon, Natalie O’Neil, and Monica Hensley
Quality education is central to creating long-lasting and impactful change in our society, thus playing a fundamental role in catalyzing the achievement of all other United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and their associated targets. Therefore, the inclusion of green chemistry in educational systems allows the development of citizens and scientists with the required skills to assess, design, and choose more benign processes for human health and the environment.
To empower and support the chemistry community to practice sustainability at the molecular level throughout the education continuum, a non-profit organization known as Beyond Benign was founded in 2007. One of its initiatives, the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program, was created to catalyze the incorporation of green chemistry into science courses at higher education institutions globally, with their needs at the center.
Over 200 institutions globally have committed to integrating green chemistry in their curricula on their own timelines and ways, thus building upon unique campus environments, strengths, cultures and resources. In this presentation, the adoption of green chemistry education around the world through the GCC program will be discussed, as well as the impactful and intrinsic benefits of integrating green chemistry principles and practices in chemistry education towards the achievement of a sustainable future.

Cannon, A. S. et al., Green Chem., 2014, 26, 6983 – 6993.
Anastas, P. T. and Warner, J. C., Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press, England, 1998.
Cannon, A. S. et al., J. Chem. Ed., 2021, 98, 71 – 77.
Dicks, A. P. et al., J. Chem. Ed., 2019, 96 – 2836 – 2844.
