November 16-19, 2026 in Fort Worth, TX
Call for Abstracts: Southwest Regional Meeting (SWRM) 2026
Abstract submissions close on Wednesday, August 19th at 11:59PM EST.
Submit your abstract today!
| Program Area— Title | Type | Invited or Contributed |
Organizers | Co-sponsored by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advances in Functional Polymers and Materials“Advances in Functional Polymers and Materials” will highlight emerging directions in polymer and soft materials research spanning molecular design, synthesis, characterization, processing, … Read More
“Advances in Functional Polymers and Materials” will highlight emerging directions in polymer and soft materials research spanning molecular design, synthesis, characterization, processing, and application-driven performance. The symposium will feature broadly themed sessions focused on polymer synthetic chemistry, sustainable and degradable polymers, functional polymers for organic electronics and bioelectronics, and emerging soft and hybrid materials with advanced optical, mechanical, and interfacial properties. By bringing together researchers from across the southwest region, the symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary discussion, strengthen connections across the regional polymer community, and showcase advances that bridge fundamental polymer science with next-generation materials technologies within the scope of ACS POLY/PMSE.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
POLY, PMSE |
Advancing Sustainable, Safer, and Responsible Chemistry: Innovations in Research & TeachingAdvances in sustainable, safe, resource-efficient and responsible chemistry are essential to transforming how we conduct research, educate future scientists, and address global challenges in… Read More
Advances in sustainable, safe, resource-efficient and responsible chemistry are essential to transforming how we conduct research, educate future scientists, and address global challenges in energy, advanced materials, environmental remediation, and human health. This symposium highlights these core values as guiding principles in modern chemical research, innovative teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, it showcases how these principles drive scientific discovery, curriculum development, and workforce preparation for a more sustainable future.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Biochemistry: Enzymes and Macromolecular ComplexesSymposia will cover biochemical studies of enzyme structure and function, as well as of multi-subunit macromolecular complexes. |
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
BIOL |
Bioinorganic Chemistry in Health, Energy, and EnvironmentBioinorganic chemistry lies at the interface of inorganic chemistry and biology, addressing fundamental questions about how metal ions and small molecules in biological environment mediate e… Read More
Bioinorganic chemistry lies at the interface of inorganic chemistry and biology, addressing fundamental questions about how metal ions and small molecules in biological environment mediate essential life processes. This symposium will highlight recent advances in understanding the roles of metal centers in biological systems, with particular emphasis on their impact across health, energy, and environmental applications. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the session aims to showcase how bioinorganic principles drive innovation in areas ranging from disease-related metal signaling and therapeutics to sustainable catalysis and environmental remediation.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
DIC |
Biotechnology Innovations at the Chemistry-Biology InterfaceThe proposed symposium is expected to cover the recent development of biotechnologies with chemical biology emphasis, covering new approaches in diagnostics and therapeutics. |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Colloids, Surfactants and InterfacesThis symposium will accept papers in all areas of colloids, surfactants and interfaces. Topics include surfactant, block copolymer, lipid and other amphiphilic materials and their self-assem… Read More
This symposium will accept papers in all areas of colloids, surfactants and interfaces. Topics include surfactant, block copolymer, lipid and other amphiphilic materials and their self-assembly, emulsions, foams, dispersions, interfacial phenomena including wetting, adhesion, colloidal glasses and gels, and colloidal and interfacial phenomena of interest to biological, environmental, material and medical technologies not covered by any of the thematic symposia.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
COLL |
Communication Skills in Preparing, Presenting, and Publishing PapersThis symposium will highlight essential practices that help chemists communicate their work clearly and effectively. It will cover the full communication arc—from writing well-structured man… Read More
This symposium will highlight essential practices that help chemists communicate their work clearly and effectively. It will cover the full communication arc—from writing well-structured manuscripts and designing strong visuals to delivering engaging presentations and navigating peer review. Key themes include historical developments, audience-focused writing, visual storytelling, and the growing role of digital and AI-based tools. The objective is to equip researchers, especially early career chemists and chemical engineers, with practical strategies that strengthen their communication skills and enhance the visibility and impact of their work.
|
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
COMM, HIST |
Computational Chemistry In ActionReal-world chemical applications of molecular simulation, AI, machine learning, and related computational tools. The symposium welcomes work from experimental groups incorporating computatio… Read More
Real-world chemical applications of molecular simulation, AI, machine learning, and related computational tools. The symposium welcomes work from experimental groups incorporating computation and computational groups developing tools for nonspecialists.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
COMP |
Emerging Trends in Synthetic Inorganic ChemistryContributions covering transition-metal, main-group, coordination, organometallic compounds, and cluster chemistry along with interdisciplinary research at the interface of inorganic chemist… Read More
Contributions covering transition-metal, main-group, coordination, organometallic compounds, and cluster chemistry along with interdisciplinary research at the interface of inorganic chemistry and related fields, are welcome. This symposium will showcase recent progress in the preparation and study of molecular and materials-based inorganic systems with relevance to catalysis, electronic materials, energy conversion, environmental chemistry, and chemical transformations.
|
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
DIC |
Functional Solid State MaterialsThis symposium brings together chemists to advance the frontiers of solid-state chemistry, with an emphasis on the experimental and computational discovery and design of new functional mater… Read More
This symposium brings together chemists to advance the frontiers of solid-state chemistry, with an emphasis on the experimental and computational discovery and design of new functional materials for energy and sustainability applications. The scope encompasses the synthesis of novel inorganic, hybrid, and complex solid-state materials, alongside the determination and analysis of crystal structures using modern diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. One of the central objectives is to explore the mechanistic underpinnings of solid-state reactions — from thermodynamic driving forces to kinetic pathways and phase transformations. Equally important is elucidating structure–property relationships that govern the behavior of solid-state materials in applications such as energy storage and conversion, thermoelectrics, photocatalysis, ionic conductors, and sustainable chemical processes.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
DIC |
General Inorganic ChemistryThis symposium will provide a broad platform for researchers working across all areas of inorganic chemistry to present their latest research. Topics may include organometallic chemistry, co… Read More
This symposium will provide a broad platform for researchers working across all areas of inorganic chemistry to present their latest research. Topics may include organometallic chemistry, coordination chemistry, main-group chemistry, catalysis, solid-state chemistry, materials chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, energy-related inorganic chemistry, computational inorganic chemistry, and interdisciplinary applications. The objective of the symposium is to foster scientific discussion, collaboration, and networking among graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty members, and industry scientists within the inorganic chemistry community.
|
Type: Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
DIC |
General Organic ChemistryThis symposium will provide a general platform for researchers working across all areas of organic chemistry to present their latest advances. Topics may include, but are not limited to, syn… Read More
This symposium will provide a general platform for researchers working across all areas of organic chemistry to present their latest advances. Topics may include, but are not limited to, synthetic methodology, catalysis, physical organic chemistry, mechanistic studies, chemical biology, organometallic chemistry, and natural product synthesis. The symposium aims to highlight innovative approaches, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary applications that are shaping the future of organic chemistry.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
High School Research in Chemistry |
Type: Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance - from Chemistry and ApplicationsMagnetic resonance is a versatile method that has driven various research fields in analytical chemistry, structure determination of proteins and even biomedical imaging. Hyperpolarization i… Read More
Magnetic resonance is a versatile method that has driven various research fields in analytical chemistry, structure determination of proteins and even biomedical imaging. Hyperpolarization is an approach that overcomes the sensitivity limitations of magnetic resonance and amplifies signals by orders of magnitude. This enables to study chemical and biochemical questions in unprecedented ways. We are proposing to bring the hyperpolarization community together as part of the regional meeting and hold three sessions on the topics of hyperpolarization method development, developing molecular probes and imaging and studying biomolecules. The ACS meeting will serve as an ideal platform to inform and discuss developments in the field with a general chemistry oriented audience that can benefit from hyperpolarization approaches. The Dallas Fort Worth area has a particular large hyperpolarization community from which we can expect high attendance.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
PHYS |
Immune-Active Materials and Protein DeliveryInvited and open call for chemistry-driven approaches for integrating materials with immune function and biologic delivery, including immune-active biomaterials, protein and adjuvant deliver… Read More
Invited and open call for chemistry-driven approaches for integrating materials with immune function and biologic delivery, including immune-active biomaterials, protein and adjuvant delivery, vaccine platforms, antigen carriers, and materials that modulate innate and adaptive immunity. The session will bring together researchers in chemistry, materials science, immunology, and bioengineering focused on molecular and materials design for immune activation and therapeutic efficacy.
|
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
BIOT |
Insight and Numbers in Quantum ChemistryInspired by Charles Coulson’s famous call to “give us insight, not numbers,” and the modern reinterpretation by Frank Neese emphasizing the importance of “insight and numbers,” this symposiu… Read More
Inspired by Charles Coulson’s famous call to “give us insight, not numbers,” and the modern reinterpretation by Frank Neese emphasizing the importance of “insight and numbers,” this symposium will explore the evolving relationship between predictive accuracy and chemical understanding in quantum chemistry. Topics will include electronic structure theory, bonding and reaction mechanisms, machine learning, and molecular simulation, with particular emphasis on efforts to connect quantitative computation with chemical and physical interpretation. Contributions from researchers developing new theoretical frameworks, interpretable computational approaches, or applications of quantum chemistry to challenging chemical problems are welcome.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
COMP |
Lessons and Inspiration from the Past |
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
HIST |
MacrocyclesThe design, synthesis, characterization and applications of macrocycles are the focus of this symposium with special emphasis on the use of these molecules for therapeutic/diagnostic/therano… Read More
The design, synthesis, characterization and applications of macrocycles are the focus of this symposium with special emphasis on the use of these molecules for therapeutic/diagnostic/theranostic applications.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Make It Make Sense: Innovative Teaching PracticesThis symposium explores a range of pedagogical innovations including active learning, integration of digital tools, laboratory redesigns, and assessment strategies that support student succe… Read More
This symposium explores a range of pedagogical innovations including active learning, integration of digital tools, laboratory redesigns, and assessment strategies that support student success. The use of learning assistants and peer-led team learning programs that improve performance, increase retention, and foster belongingness will also be highlighted. This session specifically focuses on actionable ideas and practical instructional experience in the classroom.
|
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
Catalyst Education |
Materials Chemistry: Emerging Contaminant Remediation in Impacted EnvironmentsInvited and open call for oral and poster presentations highlighting recent advances in materials chemistry focused on the discovery, design, and characterization of materials for the remedi… Read More
Invited and open call for oral and poster presentations highlighting recent advances in materials chemistry focused on the discovery, design, and characterization of materials for the remediation of emerging contaminants in impacted environments.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
ENVR |
Metastable, Defect-Rich, and Nanostructured Materials for Sustainable EnergyThis symposium will highlight emerging chemical approaches to sustainable energy materials in which metastability, defects, dopants, nanoscale interfaces, and non-equilibrium synthesis play … Read More
This symposium will highlight emerging chemical approaches to sustainable energy materials in which metastability, defects, dopants, nanoscale interfaces, and non-equilibrium synthesis play central roles in determining function. Topics will include materials for batteries, solid electrolytes, thermoelectrics, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, solar fuels, and related energy-conversion and storage platforms. Particular emphasis will be placed on how synthetic control, compositional disorder, nanostructuring, interfacial chemistry, and advanced characterization can be used to tune charge and ion transport. The symposium will also welcome contributions that combine experimental materials chemistry with data-driven, machine-learning, high-throughput, or operando methods to understand structure–property relationships. By bringing together inorganic, materials, physical, analytical, and computational chemists, the session will provide a forum for discussing how chemically complex and defect-rich materials can be designed for next-generation sustainable energy technologies.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
New Instrumention and Methods of AnalysisInvited and open call for new and emerging analytical instrumentation, automated sample processing, and data analysis including artificial intelligence that solve critical problems in enviro… Read More
Invited and open call for new and emerging analytical instrumentation, automated sample processing, and data analysis including artificial intelligence that solve critical problems in environmental, industrial, and health related applications. Advances in spectroscopic, electrochemical, and mass spectrometric detection and and separation technologies are encouraged. The application of computational tools such as machine learning and artificial intelligence for analyte detection, deconvolution, sample preparation and separations optimization, etc. are welcome.
|
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
ANYL |
Organic and Chemical Biology Young Investigator SymposiumThis symposium will highlight assistant professors in organic and chemical biology from throughout the Southwest. |
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Invited | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
ORGN, BIOL |
Polymers and Sustainability ChallengesThe goal of “Polymer and Sustainability Challenges” symposium is to emphasize the pivotal role of polymers in confronting sustainability challenges and to explore methods of engineering and … Read More
The goal of “Polymer and Sustainability Challenges” symposium is to emphasize the pivotal role of polymers in confronting sustainability challenges and to explore methods of engineering and design that enable these materials to effectively tackle such issues. This symposium will cover the spectrum of research on bio-based polymers, biodegradability, and polymers aimed at mitigating the carbon footprint across various processes and industrial applications.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Invited | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
PMSE, POLY |
Supramolecular Chemistry and Functional Molecular MaterialsThis symposium will bring together researchers developing supramolecular systems that enable new functions through molecular recognition, self-assembly, and noncovalent interactions. Present… Read More
This symposium will bring together researchers developing supramolecular systems that enable new functions through molecular recognition, self-assembly, and noncovalent interactions. Presentations will span macrocyclic chemistry, host–guest systems, supramolecular polymers, crystal engineering, charge-transfer materials, molecular machines, biomolecular assemblies, and functional organic materials for applications in energy, sustainability, catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. The symposium seeks to promote interactions across traditionally separate research areas while highlighting emerging directions in functional supramolecular materials.
|
Type: Oral and Poster | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
ORGN |
The Sweet Chemistry of Life: The Chemistry and Biology of CarbohydratesA symposium that describes the synthesis, biology, and material properties of carbohydrates ranging from monosaccharides to polymeric materials. Abstracts discussing probe synthesis, novel c… Read More
A symposium that describes the synthesis, biology, and material properties of carbohydrates ranging from monosaccharides to polymeric materials. Abstracts discussing probe synthesis, novel carbohydrate materials, and applications of carbohydrate probes of fundamental and translatable biological function will be welcome. Ideally, all oral presentations relate to the biological function of carbohydrates present in primary and secondary metabolism, as signaling modalities, and as parts of biomacromolecules including glycolipids, glycoproteins, and glycans.
|
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Both | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
BIOL, CARB, ORGN |
Transformative Research at Primarily Undergraduate InstitutionsSymposium focused on how programs at PUI's are creating undergraduate research opportunities despite limited infrastructure and heavy teaching loads. Contributions can include (1) Course-bas… Read More
Symposium focused on how programs at PUI's are creating undergraduate research opportunities despite limited infrastructure and heavy teaching loads. Contributions can include (1) Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) (2) Research mentoring at teaching-focused institutions (3) Supporting first-generation and commuter students (4) Building instrumentation capacity at smaller institutions and (5) Partnerships between PUIs and R1 universities
|
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
CHED |
Undergraduate Research in Chemistry |
Type: Poster | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: | Sponsor: |
Women in Energy and SustainabilityA blended symposium with faculty from organic or inorganic chemistry or catalysis doing research that supports new advances in energy or sustainable chemistry |
Type: Oral | Invited / Contributed: Contributed | Organizers: |
Sponsor:
WCC, INOR, CATL |
