Beyond Benign

Use This Not That: Safer Substitutions for Methylene Chloride
2024-09-27 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
From the Lab Safety Institute:
Join our webinar on September 27th at 11:00 AM EST to explore the latest TSCA regulations on methylene chloride and their impact on lab practices. Learn practical strategies for substituting methylene chloride in research and school labs and discover effective methods for finding safer, green chemistry alternatives with our expert partners, Beyond Benign.

More about the Lab Safety Initiative’s Methylene Chloride Webinar Series:
This webinar series will focus on actionable steps to comply with the EPA TSCA final rule on methylene chloride. Walking through the hierarchy of controls, each installment will focus on a hazard control method (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative, PPE) applicable to laboratory handling of this common reagent.
The webinar series will help participants:

Meet the EPA TSCA regulatory requirements
Provide guidance on selecting safer alternatives to methylene chloride
Update processes to promote safety and minimize exposure by developing exposure control plans (ECPs)
Offer practical strategies for managing exposure, implementing safety controls, and maintaining compliance documentation

Designed for anyone in academia or industry who uses methylene chloride, this webinar series offers essential strategies to navigate new regulatory landscapes and enhance laboratory safety culture.

Sustainable Momentum: Building Connections from Lab to Life, hosted by NOBCChE
2024-09-30 - 2024-10-03 | Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Florida
Official Event Description
It is our pleasure to invite you to attend NOBCChE’s 51st Annual Meeting, September 30-October 3, 2024 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. Each year, the Annual Conference provides opportunities for networking and mentorship between students of all levels and professionals. In addition, the conference creates a venue for scientific dialogue through technical programming, as well as personal and professional development for students and early/mid-career professionals. Some of our signature events include the Winifred Burks-Houck Luncheon, the Percy Julian Luncheon, and the NOBCChE Awards Ceremony!

Green and Sustainable Chemistry for the Improvement of Life- Supporting the Incorporation of Green Chemistry in the Undergraduate Curriculum
By Dr. Deborah Bromfield-Lee and Dr. Monica Nyansa
October 1st, 2024 | Gatlin E5, Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando FL
Beyond Benign, a global nonprofit, recognized for its advocacy in green chemistry education, champions the integration of green chemistry and sustainable practices into chemistry curricula through collaborative development and dissemination of resources through its flagship programs, the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) and the newly launched online Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) platform. Both the GCC and GCTLC aim to empower educators to cultivate a generation of scientists adept at addressing global challenges, including those from underrepresented communities, through sustainable chemistry practices. The goal of this session is to empower professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate green chemistry and sustainability principles into their chemistry curriculum, aligning with the 2023 American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Guidelines for Bachelor’s Degree Program, which state as a critical requirement that, to maintain or obtain ACS approval, the curriculum must provide students with a working knowledge of the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry. Furthermore, this session serves as a call to action for professionals to become agents of change in training scientists from underrepresented communities and invites them into the creation process. During the session, attendees will gain insights into practical approaches for integrating green chemistry into undergraduate chemistry programs. The discussion will also address common barriers to implementation and highlight available resources from Beyond Benign to support educators on their green chemistry and sustainability journey, including the newly launched online Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) platform.
This session is intended for young professionals, Mid-Career professionals, Distinguished professionals and senior graduate students.

The Relevance of Sustainable Laboratory Practices and Green Labs
2024-10-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join IUPAC CHEMRAWN and Beyond Benign in a webinar featuring Thomas Freese (University of Groningen, Netherlands) to discuss sustainable laboratory practices. In this event, guidelines and hands-on advice on how to make your laboratory greener at research institutions and industry will be presented, as well as examples of achieving systemic change for a sustainable future. If you have any questions in advance for Thomas, feel free to add them in below! We are looking forward to seeing you there!

(GCC SIGNERS ONLY) Greener Curriculum Showcase Series: Introduction of a Superfund Site Case Study Workshop to Supplement the Teaching of Toxicology
2024-10-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
GCC Signer Exclusive Event
This free, virtual workshop is designed to help educators effectively adapt and implement the Superfund Site Case Study, which focuses on the historical and toxicological impact of the chemical industry and the opportunities that green chemistry provides to reduce hazards and avoid unintended consequences.
The Case Study will help instructors introduce students to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Program, enabling them to better understand the history of the chemical industry. Additionally, the resource will delve into the toxicology associated with chemicals released into the environment, teaching students how to avoid the use of certain types of chemicals through greener innovations and green chemistry. Educators will receive guidance on creating their own resources based on Superfund sites within their regions, adding relevance for students and connecting them with their local communities.
During the session, facilitators will guide participants through the resources, offer practical strategies for adaptation and implementation, and provide opportunities for educators to share insights. The 1.5-hour virtual workshop will include group-based learning, discussions, networking opportunities, and a Q&A session.

The goals for the workshop include:

Educate participants on the U.S. EPA Superfund Program and its importance.
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.

We hope you’ll join us for this workshop! Limited seats are available, so registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register in advance by signing up below so we can save you a spot. We’ll send the Zoom link and more details closer to the event date.

#LatinXChem24
2024-10-14 - 2024-10-15
What is #LatinXChem?
@LatinXChem is a virtual forum through which the community of Latin American chemists located anywhere in the world can share and discuss their research results and advances.
​More than 1200 posters from 43 countries were received in its first version, with 20 million impacts on Twitter.
​The fifth event organized by @LatinXChem will be the #LatinXChem23 Conference (October 14 and 15, 2024).

Advantages

​You can participate whether you work at home or in the laboratory.
​Being a virtual event, you do not need to travel, the costs decrease substantially, without demerit to the quality of the work or to the scientific discussion they will generate. Additionally, its environmental footprint is lower.
For each category, the best works will be selected for an award. Our sponsors will deliver prizes (book vouchers) for 100-200 USD. The best poster overall for the event will be awarded a special prize (150 USD) and one prize for the most popular work (150 USD).

Follow-up Steps

Posters can be presented in Spanish, Portuguese, or English.​​
Tweet your poster. Include the title, abstract, your category hashtag, and the main event hashtag (#LatinXChem24) at 12:00 pm (UTC) on October 14, 2024; The event will last 48 hours.​
Discuss and share your work on any social media. Make sure to respond to questions from the community and juries.
Choose any dimension or format for your poster: the important point is that the text and figures are legible. We strongly recommend visualizing it on Twitter before the conference.

Green Chemistry Connections
2024-10-16 05:00 - 07:00, 2024-11-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-19 05:00 - 07:00
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!

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
2024-10-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-11-21 19:00 - 20:00, 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 | 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.

2024 Innovators' Roundtable
2024-10-28 - 2024-10-30 | Beaverton, Oregon
The 2024 Innovators Roundtable will be an opportunity for Change Chemistry members and non-members to engage with leading innovators, investors, and government officials in the green and sustainable chemistry space.
Structured as a series of dialogues exploring topics, the gathering will provide attendees with opportunities to meet and engage with key players from across the globe. This will be a hybrid event so both virtual and in-personregistration tickets are available.
The 2024 Innovators Roundtable will be hosted by Nike in Beaverton, Oregon and will consist of participants from companies across sectors and the value chain as well as consultants, academics, government, and non-profits.

Please contact info@changechemistry.org for more information.

Green Chemistry Commitment Info Session
2024-10-30 12:00 - 13:00
Green Chemistry Commitment Info Session

October 30th | 12 – 1 p.m. EDT

Beyond Benign is excited to invite all educators, students, and staff from higher education institutions to a Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) Info Session on October 30th, 2024. At this virtual session, we will hear from Glenn Hurst, a Professor of Green Chemistry Education at the University of York. Glenn will share how collaborating with students can foster sustainable change, how the GCC supports the University of York’s green chemistry goals, and more.
Why Green Chemistry Education Now:
Green chemistry offers educators and students the chance to practice chemistry in ways that benefit society and the planet, but transitioning to these methodologies can be challenging. Join us for this Info Session to connect with peers, explore strategies for integrating green chemistry at your institution, and contribute to a global movement toward molecular and sustainable chemical design. Shape the future of chemistry education and innovation with us.

Meet Professor Glenn Hurst:
Glenn Hurst is a professor of green chemistry education at the University of York, where he specializes in applying systems thinking-based approaches for green chemistry instruction at all levels. He has made several important contributions to engaging students with green chemistry through the development of resources, modules, and programs that have been adopted internationally. In recognition of these achievements, he has been the recipient of multiple honors and is regularly invited to present his work internationally. Read his article “Student partnerships for sustainable change” here.

U.S. Institutions, Join Us in Our 25×25 Initiative:
Beyond Benign aims to ensure that 25% of graduating chemists in the United States have a background in green chemistry by 2025, and the involvement of our U.S. community is vital to reaching this target. Join us for this Info Session to discover how you can contribute to transforming chemistry education and expanding access to green chemistry resources for all students and institutions. (Non-U.S. institutions are still encouraged to join us!).

About the Green Chemistry Commitment:The GCC serves as a unifying framework for the higher education community, fostering the expansion of green chemists, enhancing departmental resources, facilitating connections to job opportunities, and driving systemic and enduring change in chemistry education. Learn more here.

Who: Higher education faculty, students, staff, and their peers (GCC signer status not required!).
What: A chance for you to learn more about the GCC and hear from a GCC champion.
When: October 30th, 2024, from 12 to 1 p.m. EDT
Where: Online—register below! Meeting details will be sent after registration.

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.
