November 4–7, 2026 in Memphis, TN
Call for Abstracts: Southeastern Regional Meeting (SERMACS) 2026
Abstract submissions EXTENDED through August 10 at 11:59PM EST.
Submit your abstract today!
| Program Area— Title | Type | Invited or Contributed |
Organizers | Co-sponsored by |
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Accelerated Synthesis at Scale: High-Throughput Experimentation, Robotics, and Closed-Loop OptimizationThis symposium will focus on automated and high-throughput approaches to chemical synthesis—from parallel reaction scouting and flow/robotic platforms to closed-loop optimization using in-li… Read More
This symposium will focus on automated and high-throughput approaches to chemical synthesis—from parallel reaction scouting and flow/robotic platforms to closed-loop optimization using in-line analytics and data-driven decision making. Emphasis will be placed on reproducibility, reaction generality, and how automation can shorten the path from hit identification to scale-ready synthetic routes.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
AI for Materials and MoleculesThis symposium will host a collection of presentations emphasizing on the state-of-the-art progress of applications of AI for materials and molecules. It will cover foundational machine lear… Read More
This symposium will host a collection of presentations emphasizing on the state-of-the-art progress of applications of AI for materials and molecules. It will cover foundational machine learning models, generative AI, AI guided lab automation, as well as specialized AI/ML tools.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
AI, Computation, and the New Era of Enzyme DesignThis symposium will showcase advances at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computational chemistry, and biocatalyst engineering. The symposium will highlight emerging methods that… Read More
This symposium will showcase advances at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computational chemistry, and biocatalyst engineering. The symposium will highlight emerging methods that accelerate enzyme discovery, predict function with unprecedented accuracy, and enable the design of novel catalytic activities. We hope that researchers from academia and industry will present new and exciting experiments and data on topics reshaping our understanding of enzymes, their optimization, and their applications across chemistry and biotechnology.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
AI-Driven Advances in CatalysisArtificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly transforming catalysis by enabling new strategies for catalyst discovery, mechanistic understanding, and reaction optimizat… Read More
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly transforming catalysis by enabling new strategies for catalyst discovery, mechanistic understanding, and reaction optimization across experimental and theoretical domains. This symposium will highlight emerging AI-enabled approaches ranging from data-driven modeling and autonomous experimentation to generative design frameworks that are reshaping how catalytic systems are conceived, explored, and refined. By emphasizing the integration of domain knowledge, high-quality data, and chemical intuition, the session will examine how AI can act as a powerful partner in advancing catalytic science while preserving mechanistic insight and enabling serendipitous discovery.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Beakers, Bonds & Blues: Interdisciplinary Molecules from Analysis to MaterialsThis theme explores how molecular insights bridge analytical, organic, and polymer chemistry to drive innovation in materials design. By connecting precise measurement with synthetic strateg… Read More
This theme explores how molecular insights bridge analytical, organic, and polymer chemistry to drive innovation in materials design. By connecting precise measurement with synthetic strategy, we highlight how chemical bonds translate into functional, real-world materials. The session also emphasizes chemical education as a unifying thread, preparing scientists to think fluently across disciplines and beyond traditional boundaries
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Biocatalysis at the Interface of Chemistry and BiologyBiocatalysis plays a central role in modern chemical science, offering powerful approaches to access complex molecules with high selectivity and efficiency. This half-day symposium will high… Read More
Biocatalysis plays a central role in modern chemical science, offering powerful approaches to access complex molecules with high selectivity and efficiency. This half-day symposium will highlight cutting-edge research at the interface of chemistry and biology, focusing on the discovery, mechanistic understanding, and application of enzymatic transformations. Topics will include enzyme discovery, mechanistic enzymology, and biocatalytic process development. Speakers will also showcase emerging computational and AI-driven strategies that accelerate catalyst design and expand enzymatic reactivity. Emphasis will be placed on translating fundamental insights into practical applications in chemical synthesis, drug discovery, and sustainable manufacturing. By bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines, this symposium aims to foster collaboration and inspire new directions in biocatalysis.
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Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Building Connections: Activities that Foster Engagement Between Students and Faculty in the Chemistry DepartmentCreating meaningful connections between students and faculty is essential for cultivating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging academic environment. This symposium highlights a range of ac… Read More
Creating meaningful connections between students and faculty is essential for cultivating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging academic environment. This symposium highlights a range of activities, programs, and course‑embedded practices designed to strengthen community within the chemistry classroom and/or department. By sharing best practices, this session aims to highlight effective strategies for increasing student involvement, enhancing faculty–student relationships, and building a thriving departmental culture. Attendees will gain practical ideas for implementing connection‑building activities at their home institutions.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Chemical Approaches to Therapeutic Discovery in Infectious Disease and NeuroscienceThis symposium highlights recent advances in chemical approaches to therapeutic discovery in infectious disease and neuroscience. The session will feature investigators from the Southeast re… Read More
This symposium highlights recent advances in chemical approaches to therapeutic discovery in infectious disease and neuroscience. The session will feature investigators from the Southeast region, spanning early-career scientists to established leaders, and representing a range of institutions, gender, race, and scientific perspectives. Presentations will showcase molecular design strategies, target-driven discovery, and optimization approaches that enable progress across these high-impact therapeutic areas.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Chemical Biology - Enabling New Therapeutic TargetsChemical biology approaches are actively being applied to open the door to new and challenging drug targets. This symposium will showcase work that expands druggable space for hard targets u… Read More
Chemical biology approaches are actively being applied to open the door to new and challenging drug targets. This symposium will showcase work that expands druggable space for hard targets using advances in chemical biology.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Chemical Regulation of Drug ToxicitiesNuclear receptors and drug-metabolizing enzymes play important roles in drug-induced toxicity and resistance, the leading causes of treatment failure, for which no clinically safe and effect… Read More
Nuclear receptors and drug-metabolizing enzymes play important roles in drug-induced toxicity and resistance, the leading causes of treatment failure, for which no clinically safe and effective remedy is available. This symposium includes talks on chemical approaches to target nuclear receptors and drug-metabolizing enzymes to pharmacologically modulate drug-induced toxicities and resistance
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Chemistry Education Research in the Southeast RegionThe Southeast Region encompasses a vibrant community of scholars exploring how students learn and engage with chemistry across various educational contexts. By leveraging collaborations amon… Read More
The Southeast Region encompasses a vibrant community of scholars exploring how students learn and engage with chemistry across various educational contexts. By leveraging collaborations among institutions, educators, and local communities, researchers are advancing evidence-based practices that foster deeper conceptual understanding and broaden participation in the chemical sciences. This symposium is an opportunity for chemistry education researchers working on a variety of concepts to share their work and foster new collaborations.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Invited | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Circulating Biomarkers: Analysis and Biomedical ApplicationsThis symposium will focus on emerging analytical strategies for the detection, characterization, and functional interpretation of circulating biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, e… Read More
This symposium will focus on emerging analytical strategies for the detection, characterization, and functional interpretation of circulating biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles, and cell-free nucleic acids. Emphasis will be placed on innovative technologies and data-driven approaches that enable sensitive, multiplexed, and clinically actionable analysis, as well as their biomedical applications in early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and precision medicine.
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Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Colloids Surfactants, Interfaces and NanomaterialsThis symposium accepts papers highlighting the latest research in colloids, surfactants, interfacial phenomena, and nanomaterials. It invites experimental, theoretical, and computational sub… Read More
This symposium accepts papers highlighting the latest research in colloids, surfactants, interfacial phenomena, and nanomaterials. It invites experimental, theoretical, and computational submissions exploring self-assembly, emulsions, foams, and wetting behavior across biological, environmental, and medical applications. By bridging fundamental studies of amphiphilic materials with innovative technological solutions, the session aims to highlight the diverse impact of surface chemistry on modern nanomaterials.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
David A. Dixon Memorial Symposium: Advancing Computational Chemistry Through Theory, Collaboration, and EducationDr. David A Dixon was a central figure in the development of major advancements in electronic structure theory and scientific software infrastructures. He authored more than 900 scientific p… Read More
Dr. David A Dixon was a central figure in the development of major advancements in electronic structure theory and scientific software infrastructures. He authored more than 900 scientific publications, held multiple patents, delivered hundreds of invited lectures worldwide, and mentored generations of students and young researchers. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Dixon held senior academic and leadership positions at the University of Minnesota, DuPont Central Research, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and later at the University of Alabama, where he served from 2004 onwards. This symposium honors Dr. Dixon’s legacy - celebrating his profound impact on students and collaborators, as well as his pioneering contributions to computational and physical chemistry. His work advanced the understanding of complex problems in actinide, fluorine, environmental, and inorganic chemistry through the development and application of high-accuracy electronic structure methods
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Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Invited | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Developments in Organometallic Chemistry: Structure, Function, and CatalysisOrganometallic chemistry is central to addressing many societal and technological challenges, from the production of commodity and specialty chemicals to environmental remediation and energy… Read More
Organometallic chemistry is central to addressing many societal and technological challenges, from the production of commodity and specialty chemicals to environmental remediation and energy storage and conversion. This symposium will present current developments in organometallic chemistry and examine their impact on key chemical transformations.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Emerging Contaminants in the Environment: Detection, Fate, Risks, and RemediationEmerging contaminants (ECs) are a pressing and critical environmental issue that has garnered significant attention due to their potential threats to human health and the environment. These … Read More
Emerging contaminants (ECs) are a pressing and critical environmental issue that has garnered significant attention due to their potential threats to human health and the environment. These include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), tire wear particles (TWPs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), pathogenic bacteria, etc. They are persistent and widely spread in soil, water, air, and biota. This session aims to provide a platform for academic, industrial, governmental, consulting, and other-related communities to discuss recent advancements, challenges, opportunities, and frontiers in the sensing, detection, distribution, fate, transport, transformation, toxicity, and remediation of ECs. This multidisciplinary session welcomes lab- and field-scale research, modeling work, and data analysis on ECs:
· Sensing and detection techniques for ECs, including approaches beyond mass spectrometry
· Sampling, separation, and quantification methods for ECs in complex environmental matrices
· Occurrence, distribution, and source characterization of ECs in soil-water-plant systems
· Fate, transport, and co-transport of ECs across the vadose zone, critical zone, and saturated environments
· Abiotic and biotic transformation of ECs, including soil microbial and rhizosphere processes
· Impacts of ECs on plant health, nutrient cycling, soil microbial communities, and food safety
· In situ and ex situ remediation strategies, including soil- and plant-based remediation approaches
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
From Polymer Chemistry to Materials: Current and Future DirectionsPolymer materials play a major role in current commercial applications and will in future technologies. Interdisciplinary collaborations that harness new chemical methods to create new mater… Read More
Polymer materials play a major role in current commercial applications and will in future technologies. Interdisciplinary collaborations that harness new chemical methods to create new materials rely on chemists and engineers across different disciplines. The goal of this symposium is to bring researchers together from different areas of polymer science and engineering in the Southeast Region to highlight recent advances. Areas of interest include new polymerization and functionalization strategies, novel polymer materials, polymer physics, polymer recycling and upcycling, biomaterials and biopolymers, and computer simulation and modeling.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Frontiers in Bioinorganic Chemistry: Metalloproteins, Redox Networks, and Functional MaterialsThis symposium will highlight recent advances in bioinorganic chemistry, with a focus on metalloenzymes, redox-active cofactors, and bioinspired materials that enable challenging chemical tr… Read More
This symposium will highlight recent advances in bioinorganic chemistry, with a focus on metalloenzymes, redox-active cofactors, and bioinspired materials that enable challenging chemical transformations. Topics will span mechanistic studies of metalloproteins and model complexes, design of artificial metalloenzymes, and integration of metal centers into functional materials for catalysis, energy conversion, sensing, and medicine. We aim to bring together researchers at all career stages to promote new collaborations across fundamental and applied bioinorganic science.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Frontiers in Nucleic AcidsThe Frontiers in Nucleic Acids symposium has been a longstanding feature of SERMACS for almost four decades. This symposium aims to bring together scientists from diverse backgrounds to disc… Read More
The Frontiers in Nucleic Acids symposium has been a longstanding feature of SERMACS for almost four decades. This symposium aims to bring together scientists from diverse backgrounds to discuss the latest biochemical and biophysical advances in nucleic acid chemistry. Topics have ranged from the cellular functions of nucleic acids to their structural polymorphisms to their use as nanomaterials and their roles in diagnostics and nanotechnology. The role of nucleic acid–protein interactions in the context of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription, and gene splicing and editing will be also discussed.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Games and Puzzles: How Can They Fit in the Chemical Education Landscape?This symposium explores the role of games and puzzles in the chemical education landscape, focusing on their power to enhance mathematical and general reasoning skills. Papers will examine h… Read More
This symposium explores the role of games and puzzles in the chemical education landscape, focusing on their power to enhance mathematical and general reasoning skills. Papers will examine how play-based strategies—ranging from logic puzzles to digital simulations—can serve as catalysts for developing critical thinking, spatial awareness, and deductive reasoning in students. We invite contributions that showcase how integrating these interactive tools can bridge the gap between abstract chemical theory and practical problem-solving across all levels of the curriculum.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
General Topics in Analytical Chemstry |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
General Topics in Inorganic Chemistry |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
General Topics in Medicinal and Biochemistry |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
General Topics in Organic Chemistry |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
General Topics in Physical Chemistry |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Industrial and Applied Chemistry: Molecular Innovations Driving Real-World SolutionsIndustrial and applied chemistry serves as the bridge between molecular science and practical innovation, transforming laboratory discoveries into technologies that shape everyday life. This… Read More
Industrial and applied chemistry serves as the bridge between molecular science and practical innovation, transforming laboratory discoveries into technologies that shape everyday life. This symposium will highlight advances across pharmaceuticals, polymers, agrochemicals, energy, and materials science, emphasizing how molecular design underpins industrial progress. The symposium will underscore the critical role of industrial chemistry in fostering economic growth, sustainability, and societal impact—aligning with the SERMACS 2026 theme “Molecules in Memphis.”
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Inside ACS Energy & Fuels: Research Directions and Career OpportunitiesThis symposium highlights research and career development opportunities that span both conventional energy systems and emerging pathways toward low-carbon and carbon-neutral solutions resear… Read More
This symposium highlights research and career development opportunities that span both conventional energy systems and emerging pathways toward low-carbon and carbon-neutral solutions research within the ACS Energy & Fuels Division. Speakers from academia, national laboratories, and industry will share cutting-edge advances and perspectives. The program also emphasizes diverse professional development opportunities across sectors and offer practical guidance and foster connections.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Machine Learning and Data-Driven Approaches in Polymer Synthesis, Characterization, and Structure-Property RelationshipsMachine learning (ML) and data-driven approaches are emerging as powerful tools for addressing the complexity of modern polymer systems, spanning synthesis, characterization, and structure–p… Read More
Machine learning (ML) and data-driven approaches are emerging as powerful tools for addressing the complexity of modern polymer systems, spanning synthesis, characterization, and structure–property relationships. As polymer architectures and functionalities continue to diversify, integrating data-centric methods with experimental and theoretical polymer science offers new opportunities for accelerating discovery, improving reproducibility, and extracting physical insight. This symposium will showcase recent advances in ML and data-driven methodologies applied to polymer synthesis optimization, analysis of characterization data (e.g., spectroscopic, chromatographic, and scattering techniques), and modeling of polymer structure–property relationships.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Mass Spectrometry Topics: Applications and New AdvancementsThere are many researchers in the Southeast doing research using mass spectrometry or developing new advances in mass spectrometry. This symposium would attract students and faculty from al… Read More
There are many researchers in the Southeast doing research using mass spectrometry or developing new advances in mass spectrometry. This symposium would attract students and faculty from all over the Southeast to present their work.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Modern Strategies for Organic SynthesisThe symposium will highlight state-of-the-art strategies for organic synthesis, emphasizing how innovative catalytic concepts, data-driven discovery, and mechanistic insights revolutionize t… Read More
The symposium will highlight state-of-the-art strategies for organic synthesis, emphasizing how innovative catalytic concepts, data-driven discovery, and mechanistic insights revolutionize the way complex molecules are synthesized.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Molecular Catalysis of Small Molecule ActivationMolecular catalysts for the activation of small molecules such as H2, H2O, CO2, and N2 etc. will be discussed, with a particular focus on catalysts based on earth abundant metals. |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Molecules in Space and the SoutheastThis symposium will focus on the broad and interdisciplinary field of astrochemistry and will highlight the work in this area being done in the southeastern region. Spectroscopists, theoris… Read More
This symposium will focus on the broad and interdisciplinary field of astrochemistry and will highlight the work in this area being done in the southeastern region. Spectroscopists, theorists, modelers, obersvationalists, synthetic chemists, and all who find inspiration in their chemistry from beyond the Earth’s terrestrial veil are invited to join in the discussion.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Molecules to Medicines: Advances in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug DiscoveryThe symposium Molecules to Medicines: Advances in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery will highlight recent innovations in molecular design, synthetic chemistry, and structure–activity re… Read More
The symposium Molecules to Medicines: Advances in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery will highlight recent innovations in molecular design, synthetic chemistry, and structure–activity relationships that drive therapeutic discovery. It will bring together academic and industry scientists to discuss cutting-edge strategies spanning target identification, lead optimization, and translational development. Through invited talks and discussions, the symposium aims to foster collaboration and inspire new approaches in chemistry-driven drug discovery.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Multiscale Modeling of Protein/Ligand Binding: Methods and ApplicationsThis symposium will explore the integration of diverse computational methods from atomistic molecular dynamics to continuum-based modeling with the goal of characterize protein-ligand recogn… Read More
This symposium will explore the integration of diverse computational methods from atomistic molecular dynamics to continuum-based modeling with the goal of characterize protein-ligand recognition and binding kinetics. By bridging these spatial and temporal scales, the session would showcase how multiscale frameworks can improve our predictions of protein/ligand binding phenomena in complex chemical environments.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
New Electrode Materials and Electrolytes for Alternatives to Li-Ion BatteriesEmerging battery technologies that move away from traditional Li-ion systems are critical for the future of sustainable energy storage. This symposium will invite researchers across the Sout… Read More
Emerging battery technologies that move away from traditional Li-ion systems are critical for the future of sustainable energy storage. This symposium will invite researchers across the Southeast to present their research focused on developing new electrode materials and electrolytes (both aqueous and nonaqueous) for alternative battery architectures employing e.g. Na-ion, K-ion, or multivalent ion charge carriers. Research can focus on any component or stage of technology, from individual components, to nascent architectures, to full proof-of-concept designs.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Non-Covalent Interactions: Theory, Experiment, and ApplicationsFrom fundamental forces to functional systems, this symposium examines how non-covalent interactions shape structure, dynamics, and reactivity across chemistry, integrating insights from the… Read More
From fundamental forces to functional systems, this symposium examines how non-covalent interactions shape structure, dynamics, and reactivity across chemistry, integrating insights from theory, experiment, and applications.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Novel Bioconjugation Techniques - A Melting-pot for Nanomedicine, Organic Chemistry, and Chemical BiologyBioconjugation or chemical modification of biomolecules has become fundamental chemical technologies for various applications such as therapeutics, diagnosis, biochemical analysis, and mater… Read More
Bioconjugation or chemical modification of biomolecules has become fundamental chemical technologies for various applications such as therapeutics, diagnosis, biochemical analysis, and material preparation. This symposium will bring a range of bioconjugation research programs from basic method development to clinical research. The inclusion of a diversity of bioconjugation research would facilitate the growth of the multifaceted research area, initiate potential collaborations, and foster the research network of the Southern ACS community.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Physical Organic Chemistry: Structure Activity Relationships and Mechanism in Organic and Organometallic ReactionsIn the spirit of JOC’s recent special issue “Physical Organic Chemistry:Never Out of Style” this symposium would focus on advances in mechanistic chemistry as it pertains to organic and/or o… Read More
In the spirit of JOC’s recent special issue “Physical Organic Chemistry:Never Out of Style” this symposium would focus on advances in mechanistic chemistry as it pertains to organic and/or organometallic reactions. It would aim to highlight studies that incorporate mechanism probes, kinetics, catalyst design, and reactive intermediates. Contributions to the symposium would reinforce the importance of and enthusiasm around expanding foundational understanding as a driver for the advancement of synthetic methods.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Polymer Chemistry Driving Materials InnovationPolymer chemistry plays a central role in materials innovation by enabling molecular-level control over structure, connectivity, and function. This symposium will highlight advances in polym… Read More
Polymer chemistry plays a central role in materials innovation by enabling molecular-level control over structure, connectivity, and function. This symposium will highlight advances in polymer chemistry that translate fundamental chemical insights into scalable materials concepts, including systems that leverage molecular design to control macromolecular architecture, connectivity, hierarchical organization, and programmable functionality. Emphasis will be placed on chemistry-enabled approaches to performance differentiation, manufacturability, and reliability that support intellectual property development, licensing, startup formation, and industrial adoption. The session will also include a tutorial-style presentation aimed at students and early-career researchers, providing an overview of how polymer chemistry innovations progress from laboratory discovery through intellectual property processes toward commercialization.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Polymers in MedicineThis symposium will explore cutting-edge research and emerging trends in polymer science with a focus on pharmaceutical, biomedical and regenerative medicine fields. Topics will include poly… Read More
This symposium will explore cutting-edge research and emerging trends in polymer science with a focus on pharmaceutical, biomedical and regenerative medicine fields. Topics will include polymer synthesis and characterization, polymer interaction chromatography, drug delivery systems, biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, smart materials, nanostructured systems, and polymer-based scaffolds for tissue engineering. The goal is to foster collaboration among chemists, material scientists, and pharmaceutical researchers from the Southeast and Southwest ACS regions, creating a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Project SEED |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Second-Coordination Sphere Effects in Molecular CatalysisThis symposium will feature presentations on the incorporation and mechanistic understanding of functionality in the second-coordination sphere of molecular catalysts. Applications may inclu… Read More
This symposium will feature presentations on the incorporation and mechanistic understanding of functionality in the second-coordination sphere of molecular catalysts. Applications may include small molecule activation and conversion, proton-coupled electron transfer, or other reactions of interest.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
State of the Art in Electrocatalysis: How Chemistry-Informed Approaches Guide AI/ML-Driven Catalyst Discovery In Silico and in the LaboratoryThis symposium will bring together a cohort of theoretical and experimental experts in electrocatalysis, with a focus on how chemistry-informed frameworks can be integrated with modern AI an… Read More
This symposium will bring together a cohort of theoretical and experimental experts in electrocatalysis, with a focus on how chemistry-informed frameworks can be integrated with modern AI and machine learning (ML) tools for catalyst discovery. The program will highlight advances in electrocatalytic transformations and include a panel discussion to identify opportunities for synergy between complex experimental electrocatalysis datasets and AI/ML methodologies to guide future research efforts.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Supercomputing in the Undergraduate CurriculumBecause computational power has grown to such an extent, and computational modeling has become so commonplace, should supercomputing be regarded as a core technique that undergraduates in th… Read More
Because computational power has grown to such an extent, and computational modeling has become so commonplace, should supercomputing be regarded as a core technique that undergraduates in the chemical sciences should learn? This symposium will feature presentations that discuss the incorporation of supercomputing into the undergraduate chemistry or biochemistry curriculum, either in the classroom or in a research setting.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Supramolecular Design and FunctionThis symposium highlights how non-covalent interactions are harnessed to control structure, dynamics, and function in modern chemical systems, from molecular recognition to responsive materi… Read More
This symposium highlights how non-covalent interactions are harnessed to control structure, dynamics, and function in modern chemical systems, from molecular recognition to responsive materials
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Symposium in honor of Sue Richardson, the 2020 ACS Southern Chemist AwardeeSusan D. Richardson, the Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, is the recipient of the 2020 Southern Chemist Award, presented by the American Chem… Read More
Susan D. Richardson, the Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, is the recipient of the 2020 Southern Chemist Award, presented by the American Chemical Society Memphis Local Section. The award honors outstanding researchers who have brought recognition to the southern part of the US through their research and accomplishments. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Memphis Local Section had not yet been able to honor Sue in person. This symposium will celebrate her influence and achievements in the field of analytical chemistry via her research on chemical characterization of disinfection by-products in drinking water.
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Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Invited | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
The Molecular Sciences Software Institute: Celebrating a Decade of Service to the Molecular Sciences CommunityThis symposium will celebrate the numerous contributions of the Molecular Sciences Software Institute (MolSSI) to the global computational molecular sciences community, including software in… Read More
This symposium will celebrate the numerous contributions of the Molecular Sciences Software Institute (MolSSI) to the global computational molecular sciences community, including software infrastructure such as the Basis Set Exchange, QCArchive, and SEAMM; its Education Initiative, which has reached tens of thousands of students in both face-to-face and online instruction; its Software Fellowship program, which provided support and mentorship to nearly 130 Ph.D. students and postdocs across the U.S.; and its leadership in the development of new software and data standards. The symposium will feature multiple speakers directly associated with the MolSSI, as well as members of the community whose work has benefited from the MolSSI's success.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
The Story of You: A Guide to Advocating for Yourself through Written MediaGraduate programs and fellowship applications often require the applicant to write a personal statement. This workshop will go into the differences between the types of statements required, … Read More
Graduate programs and fellowship applications often require the applicant to write a personal statement. This workshop will go into the differences between the types of statements required, i.e., personal statements and statements of purpose, and go into techniques and advice for making your statement tell a cohesive story that will be memorable to the readers.
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Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Invited | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Theoretical Methods in Polaritonic ChemistryHybrid light-matter particles known as “polaritons” are formed when molecules are coupled to the photonic modes of an optical cavity, significantly modifying chemical properties and reactivi… Read More
Hybrid light-matter particles known as “polaritons” are formed when molecules are coupled to the photonic modes of an optical cavity, significantly modifying chemical properties and reactivity. New theoretical methods for explaining these phenomena are rapidly being developed by coupling molecular and photonic degrees of freedom to investigate opportunities in directed synthesis, quantum control, and quantum information technologies. This symposium will cover advances in the simulation of cavity-modified collective strong coupling, dynamics, strongly-correlated systems, materials, and other exciting developments.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Theory and Simulation of Light‑Induced ProcessesLight‑induced processes underpin advances in modern photochemistry, photophysics, and materials science. This symposium will highlight recent developments in theoretical methods and computat… Read More
Light‑induced processes underpin advances in modern photochemistry, photophysics, and materials science. This symposium will highlight recent developments in theoretical methods and computational modeling for understanding excited‑state dynamics, nonadiabatic effects, photoreactivity, and energy‑transfer phenomena in molecular and materials systems. Emphasis will be placed on linking fundamental theory to practical applications in spectroscopy, catalysis, solar energy conversion, and biological light‑activated processes.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Theory, Computation, and Molecular Insight in Chemistry: A Symposium Honoring Henry Fritz Schaefer III, the 2019 ACS Southern Chemist AwardeeProfessor Henry F. Schaefer (Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at UGA) was the recipient of the 2019 Southern Chemist Award. The award honors outstanding researchers… Read More
Professor Henry F. Schaefer (Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at UGA) was the recipient of the 2019 Southern Chemist Award. The award honors outstanding researchers who have brought recognition to the southern part of the US through their research and accomplishments. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Memphis Local Section had not yet been able to honor Fritz in person. This symposium will celebrate his influence and achievements in the field of quantum chemistry.
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Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Invited | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Ultrafast and Nonlinear SpectroscopyUltrafast lasers allow researchers to follow photochemical and photophysical processes on the timescales where they naturally occur, opening a direct window into how light interacts with mol… Read More
Ultrafast lasers allow researchers to follow photochemical and photophysical processes on the timescales where they naturally occur, opening a direct window into how light interacts with molecules and materials. The high peak intensities of ultrashort laser pulses also make it possible to probe nonlinear optical responses, providing powerful ways to study complex systems, including surfaces and interfaces The techniques now span an exceptionally broad spectral range, from the far infrared and terahertz to hard X rays, and ultrafast microscopy adds spatial detail that reveals variations in light driven behavior. Together, these advances are expanding the reach of modern spectroscopy, driving discoveries in fundamental science, and enabling new technologies. This symposium will highlight recent progress in ultrafast and nonlinear spectroscopy and microscopy, along with applications across the chemical, physical, biological, and materials sciences. The goal is to bring researchers together to share new ideas, discuss current challenges, and explore emerging opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.
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Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Undergrad Research at SERMACS |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
