Every year, starting in 1996, the ACS Green Chemistry Institute® hosts the Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, bringing together scientists, engineers, government and business leaders from around the world under a common vision of a brighter, smarter, and more sustainable future. The men and women who attend the conference are asking the right questions, and sharing their progress towards answering them through research presentations, case studies, and discussions.
Each conference is shaped by a dedicated group of volunteers who put together the technical program and inform the overarching theme. This year’s conference co-chairs are Jim Hutchison, University of Oregon; John Frazier, Nike, Inc.; and Tina Bahadori, U.S. EPA. They are working closely with the organizing committee on a program that explores the theme, “Advancing Chemistry, Innovating for Sustainability”.
What is New This Year
The 18th annual conference will explore new areas as well continue to develop important themes. As Professor Jim Hutchison explains, “This year we are planning multisession tracks or themes that tackle the tough issues in green chemistry and engineering. These tracks will span the range from the big picture challenges and opportunities to detailed technical presentations. Each track is being carefully crafted to address major societal and industrial opportunities and challenges, including critical materials, alternative feedstocks and sustainable molecular-level design. In addition to high-quality technical content, panels and events are being planned to ensure that the conference is highly interactive."
Themes to be explored include:
- Greening chemical processes, products, and supply chains
- Rational chemical design and alternatives assessment
- Critical materials in research and development
- Integrating green chemistry into the classroom, and beyond
- Materials innovation for sustainable apparel and footwear
- Green chemistry policy initiatives
- And more
The Call for Papers is now open, and submissions will be accepted through February 28, 2014.
If you are interested in contributing your part to GC&E by presenting a paper, or would like to see a full description of topics to be covered, visit the technical track program page at this year’s conference website.
Workshops, Events, and Special Sessions
- GC&E Business Plan Competition: We will be holding a business plan competition for green chemistry/engineering entrepreneurs, with finalists presenting their business plans at the conference. The application process will be announced soon. Find out more.
- GC&E Student Workshop: Not to be missed by any student attending the conference, this full-day free workshop will be held June 16, 2014 at the ACS headquarters in Washington, DC. Find out more.
- LAUNCH Workshop: A partnership between NASA, Nike, the U.S. Department of State, and USAID, brings us the LAUNCH System Challenge which will focus on green chemistry in 2014. Explore why a systems innovation approach is key to accelerating funding for and adoption of green chemistry and why green chemistry is critical to innovating the systems of materials and manufacturing that we rely on.
- ACS Summer School on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Energy: A special track will showcase the research and education innovations of 10 years of graduates of the Summer School from all over North and South America.
- Monday Night Special Event on Critical Elements: All conference attendees are invited to join us on Monday night, June 16, 2014 for a look into the life cycle of critical elements mixing science, art, and society. Stay tuned for more details.
- ACS Careers Workshop: A special four-hour workshop presented by the ACS Careers team will explore career pathways and job trends, and practical information to propel one’s job search. Find out more.
“We invite you to join us in a transformative discussion about reimagining chemistry and building the foundation for our future!”—Tina Bahadori, 2014 GC&E co-chair.
Take advantage of early registration and save up to fifteen percent. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at gceconferences@acs.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
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