10 January 2013
Sometimes in one’s career, an opportunity comes along that is irresistible. Perhaps you’ve been preparing for it, in one way or another, for much of your career. For me, such an opportunity has arrived.
I can’t tell you how delighted I am to have the opportunity to lead the ACS’s Green Chemistry Institute. As some of you may know, I have been working in Green Chemistry and Engineering since the beginning of 1996, including formative work with the ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable between 2005 and 2009. It is my hope to leverage the experience I’ve gained over the intervening years to the benefit of the sustainable and green chemistry community, the chemical enterprise, society, and the planet.
Over the years, many people have made significant and lasting contributions to the success of ACS GCI and I am deeply indebted to the legacy they have forged. Because of this hard work, the Institute has become a focal point for the collective expectations, hopes and ambitions of the sustainable and green chemistry community. I want to take this opportunity to share with you my initial thoughts about where I think the Institute will be heading.
- First and foremost, ACS GCI needs to facilitate the very best innovations in science, engineering, and policy in all parts of the chemical enterprise, academia, and government. Innovative research and development in sustainable and green chemistry and engineering is essential and imperative. Everyone has an important role to play.
- In 2012, the ACS GCI Governing Board approved a strategic plan for the next 3 years that is aligned with the ACS’s goals, and it has impressed me as a roadmap for continuing success.
- Education and development of scientists and engineers of many persuasions in the principles and practices of sustainable and green chemistry and engineering is of paramount importance. We need to continue to develop sufficient infrastructure that ensures life-long learning and development is readily available.
- The promise of sustainable and green chemistry is in its implementation throughout the chemical enterprise. We need to enhance, expand and promote the work and outcomes of the Industrial Roundtables. They play a vital role and I am committed to ensuring their continuation, effectiveness, outcomes, and impacts.
- I firmly believe that policy and regulation can and does promote the good of society. We need to ensure that the best policy results in the most advantageous regulations.
- Partnerships and collaborations with many like-minded non-governmental organizations are not only possible, but desirable. We can have greater impact working together rather than as individuals.
I firmly believe no community is better situated to have a more positive and sustainable impact on the world than the chemical and engineering communities. We touch all parts of life, commerce and society and your contributions are absolutely vital to the future of the world. I look forward to joining you in making a sustainable world a reality.
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