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While the number of educational institutions prioritizing green and sustainable chemistry within their programs is growing, deficits remain. The ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable members, in collaboration with the ACS GCI, have been working to develop a resource to provide basic skills training in practical green chemistry to research chemists - the Green Chemistry and Engineering Learning Platform (GChELP). “Many postgraduate students and early career scientists throughout the world do not have ready access to high-quality training in green and sustainable chemistry and engineering,” says Alan Steven, a process scientist at Euroapi and development leader for GChELP. “The GChELP is a resource developed to help address this deficit.”
The GChELP is a completely free, asynchronous online resource for effective training in practical green chemistry and engineering. “If you are a graduate student, an advanced undergraduate, or an early career scientist with an interest in the principles and practice of green and sustainable chemistry and engineering, this platform has something for you,” Steven says.
From Concept to Reality: The Evolution of GChELP
GChELP has a history of development rooted in collaborative efforts between industry leaders, academia, and public-private partnerships. Initially conceived as part of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)-Chem21 project in 2012, GChELP was later donated to the ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable (GCIPR), where it was prepped for a much-needed revamp.
The ACS GCIPR has been evolving GChELP to encompass a wider range of sustainable biological and chemical methodologies, catalytic chemistry, enzymatic chemistry, and synthetic biology.
“After finalizing the transfer of the website to ACS GCIPR, we collaborated to update the content and make the website more attractive and accessible as a learning platform for green chemistry and engineering implementation,” says Isamir Martínez, the Scientific Alliances and Business Engagement Sr. Portfolio Manager at ACS GCI.
The GChELP Experience
Today’s GChELP users will discover a wealth of valuable resources designed to enhance their understanding and application of green chemistry principles. The platform offers a diverse range of 35 multimedia modules, each carefully curated to provide training in advanced green chemistry tools. From solvent selection strategies to life cycle assessment techniques, GChELP covers key areas essential for developing less environmentally impactful chemical processes.
One of the standout features of GChELP is its self-paced, asynchronous learning approach, which allows users to tailor their learning experience to fit their schedule and learning style. Whether you're a graduate student, a seasoned researcher, or a professional chemist, GChELP offers a flexible learning environment that adapts to your needs. This accessibility ensures that individuals at various stages of their careers can benefit from the platform's wealth of knowledge and practical insights.
The value derived from GChELP extends beyond theoretical concepts; it empowers chemists to make informed decisions that align with industry demands and green chemistry principles. Through structured instruction, self-assessment questions, and access to additional resources, GChELP equips users with the skills and expertise needed to drive sustainable innovation in their respective fields.
Evolutionary Trajectory: Advancing GChELP
As the landscape of green chemistry and sustainable practices evolves, GChELP is poised to adapt and expand its offerings to meet the emerging needs of the chemistry community.
“Science is constantly evolving, and the GCIPR is committed to providing members expertise by continually updating the website to make an impact,” Martínez says. “We envision it being used in academic departments as well as by companies training new hires.”
The GCIPR’s plans for GChELP include incorporating feedback from users and industry stakeholders to iteratively improve the platform's coverage of key topics and tools. By staying abreast of the latest advancements in green chemistry, GChELP can continue to provide cutting-edge training and resources to its users.
Furthermore, GChELP aims to broaden its reach and accessibility to a global audience. By expanding partnerships and collaborations with organizations, universities, and industry stakeholders, GChELP can ensure its valuable resources are available to diverse learners. This global approach promotes knowledge sharing and fosters a collaborative community focused on advancing sustainable practices in chemistry and engineering.
In addition to content updates and global outreach, GChELP envisions leveraging technology to enhance the user experience and engagement. This may include incorporating interactive simulations, virtual laboratories, and gamification elements to create an immersive and dynamic learning environment.
Get Involved
GChELP exists for anybody looking to expand their knowledge of green and sustainable chemistry practices. If you’re looking to improve your fluency in these areas, we welcome you to join the platform for free and learn at your own pace.
Organizations looking to provide this essential training to their employees, educators, students, or other stakeholders are invited to disseminate GChELP as a resource and communicate all feedback to our team.