2025 ChemLuminary Award Winners
ACS Strategic Planning Committee (SPC)
Best Activity or Program Highlighting ACS Change Driver(s) or Strategic Planning
Indiana Local Section
The Indiana Local Section received this award for hosting the first Juneteenth Celebration & Chemistry of Fireworks event. The activity supports the 2024 strategic goals of empowering members and member communities, and of embracing and advancing inclusion in chemistry.
Committee on Chemists with Disabilities (CWD)
Chemists with Disabilities Inclusion Award
Midland Local Section
The Midland Local Section made visits to special needs schools and classes to facilitate science activities. The events were planned with consideration for best practices in inclusivity.
Committee on Community Activities (CCA)
Most Creative NCW Celebration Using the Yearly Theme
Virginia Local Section
Held in partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia, the local section hosted an event exploring “Picture Perfect Chemistry” through hands-on activities that engaged participants in chemistry using imagery, light, color, and visual perception.
Outstanding Community Involvement in NCW
North Carolina Local Section
To celebrate National Chemistry Week, NC State’s Chemistry Graduate Student Association hosted a Science Festival at Dorothea Dix Park, engaging 300 attendees—especially children—through partnerships with 25 organizations including Buchi [Boo-Key] Incorporation and ThermoFisher Scientific.
Outstanding NCW Event for a Specific Audience
Richland Local Section
The highlight of the section’s NCW celebrations was the “Investigators of Science,” it was hosted at Eastern Oregon University. Over 80 students from grades 6-8 participated in activities, exploring chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science.
Outstanding Ongoing NCW Event
Dallas-Fort Worth Local Section
Chemistry Week 2024 at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, featured hands-on activities and demonstrations on chemistry's role in imaging sciences. The event engaged 2,065 attendees with 156 volunteers from 17 institutions.
Outstanding Ongoing CCEW Event
Georgia Local Section
Georgia's 2024 CCEW activities, themed "Get a Charge Out of Chemistry," featured outreach at K-12 schools, colleges, and a museum, enhancing public perception of chemistry through hands-on experiments, and an inventive approach using their new workshop format.
Most Creative & Innovative Use of the CCEW Theme
California Local Section
Cal ACS participated in four summer outreach events at West Contra Costa County Libraries, featuring hands-on chemistry activities like Build-a-Battery and Solar Powered Electrolysis. Volunteers engaged children with experiments and educational materials, fostering scientific curiosity.
Outstanding Community Involvement in CCEW
Nashville Local Sections
Nashville ACS hosted interactive Earth Day experiments at Centennial Park pertaining to circuits and chemistry, similarly Midland ACS organized CCEW events featuring battery demos and trivia, while engaging diverse audiences and highlighting chemistry’s everyday relevance.
Outstanding Public Outreach Event Organized by a Student Group
New York Local Section
For the third year, the New York Section hosted the “Chemistry of Love” event, featuring engaging presentations from Pace University STEM clubs on topics like dopamine, oxytocin, neuroscience, queer scientists, and Love in the Brain.
Committee on Corporation Associates (CA)
Outstanding Local Section Industry Event
Midland Local Section
The Midland section is recognized for the 2024 A Day in the Life of an Industrial Scientist event. The event was a day long workshop designed to highlight jobs in industry as a potential career pathway post-undergraduate for STEM students.
Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs (CEPA)
Outstanding Divisional Career Program Award
Division of Organic Chemistry
The Division of Organic Chemistry Graduate Research Symposium allowed graduate students to interact with leaders from academia, industry, funding agencies, and publishers at a single venue. Workshops provide these students with valuable advice and insights as they are about to embark on their post-PhD independent careers. The Symposium is held each year in late July at a location in the United States.
Division of Energy & Fuels and the Division of Professional Relations
This joint program provided members of the Division of Energy & Fuels an opportunity to gain career advancement through multiple individual development plans and professional development learnings. The program started with an individual development plan workshop specifically for members of Energy & Fuels. Second, the Division of Professional Relations held a webinar on developing a braggable brand. These well-received events each had over 30 attendees. Several participants in the individual development plan workshop were paired with Energy & Fuels leaders and attended a National Meeting to engage more with Division leaders.
Outstanding Local Section Career Program Award
Chemical Society of Washington
This Project SEED Career Panel event engaged more than 30 attendees, including high school students and panelists discussing future chemistry careers. Featuring undergraduate chemistry majors and career chemistry professionals, it emphasized pathways to college through Project SEED scholarships, fostering interest in chemistry among students. Snacks encouraged lively conversation.
Committee on Environment and Sustainability (CES)
Outstanding Sustainability Activities
New York Local Section
The New York Local Section hosted a hybrid environmental chemistry symposium on the impact of microplastics on the environment and people. Over 100 community members, undergraduate and graduate students, and local section members participated.
Committee on International Activities (IAC)
Global Engagement Award
Nigeria International Chapter
Nigerian International Chapter collaborated with multiple ACS groups in the region to host the first ACS Africa Regional Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry. The event included over 500 participants.
Outstanding Global Partnership Award
Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering
The goal of this project was to build an international bridge between two organizations with a deep history in polymer science and engineering – the Polymer Society of Korea (PSK) and the Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering (PMSE) Division of ACS.
Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC)
Best Activity or Program Stimulating Member Involvement
Hampton Roads Local Section
Hampton Roads ACS’s Reign in Science Day engaged over 600 K–12 students with hands-on demos, tie-dye chemistry, and STEM activities—showcasing strong member involvement and community impact through 120 dedicated volunteers.
Local Section Partnership/Marinda Li Wu Award
Hampton Roads Local Section
The Hampton Roads Local Section and Old Dominion University united for a dynamic student poster symposium, drawing 75 attendees from across the region and fostering collaboration, mentorship, and recognition of outstanding undergraduate and graduate research.
Most Innovative New Activity or Program
Brazosport Local Section
Brazosport ACS’s *Dia De Los Muertos* celebration united students, scientists, and the community to honor Latino chemists through vibrant altars, STEM demos, and cultural performances—engaging more than 150 attendees in a powerful blend of science and heritage.
Outstanding Performance by a Local Section in the Small Size Category
Brazosport Local Section
In 2024, Brazosport Local Section hosted over 25 impactful events, grew membership by 15%, supported students and educators, and earned regional recognition for outstanding outreach, leadership, and dedication to advancing chemistry in the community.
Outstanding Performance by a Local Section in the Medium Small Size Category
Midland Local Section
In 2024, the Midland Local Section hosted over 100 events with more than 5000 volunteer hours, welcomed 50 new members, expanded inclusion efforts, and inspired thousands through impactful outreach, student engagement, and partnerships across the community.
Outstanding Performance by a Local Section in the Medium Size Category
Nashville Local Section
In 2024, the Nashville Local Section championed chemistry statewide through career events, student-led initiatives, HBCU outreach, and STEAM engagement—celebrating women in chemistry and connecting the public to science in creative and meaningful ways.
Outstanding Performance by a Local Section in the Medium Large Size Category
Indiana Local Section
In 2024, the Indiana Local Section hosted a wide array of events, engaged over 70 volunteers, welcomed new student members, expanded inclusive programming, and strengthened partnerships to promote chemistry education, sustainability, and inclusion across Indiana communities.
Outstanding Performance by a Local Section in the Large Size Category
Greater Houston Local Section
In 2024, the Greater Houston Local Section hosted over a dozen outreach and professional events, awarded 9 student scholarships, advanced 13 students to the US National Chemistry Olympiad Nationals, partnered with local organizations for inclusive programming, and reached more than 500 people through hands-on public science activities.
Outstanding Performance by a Local Section in the Very Large Size category
New York Local Section
In 2024, the New York Local Section organized over 100 events, inspired more than 1,200 students through research and competitions, connected more than 1,300 community members via outreach, and advanced scientific excellence through symposia, awards, and educational programming.
Committee on Meetings & Expositions (M&E)
Outstanding Regional Meeting with Greater than 1000 Attendees
2024 Southeastern Regional Meeting (SERMACS)
The 75th Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS 2024), themed "Advancing and Transforming Lives Through Chemistry," was held October 23 to 26, 2024, at Americas Mart Atlanta Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting was hosted by the Georgia Local Section. There were 2,232 registered attendees, exceeding typical attendance for such events. Participants represented a large range of institutions and sectors, including 229 academic institutions, 74 industries, and 14 state/government agencies, encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students, as well as high school teachers and students.
Outstanding Regional Meeting Award with Fewer than 1000 Attendees
Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM) 2024
The 52nd Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM 2024), hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Local Section at Penn State University, embraced the theme “Celebrating Discovery” in recognition of the 250th anniversary of Joseph Priestley’s discovery of oxygen. The meeting exemplified the mission and vision of the American Chemical Society by advancing scientific knowledge to the 599 attendees through 397 oral presentations, posters, workshops, and plenary sessions. The meeting strongly aligned with all core strategies of the ACS Strategic Plan.
Outstanding Regional Meeting for the Most Innovative Programming
Northeast Regional Meeting (NERM) 2023
This is the inaugural year for the Most Innovative Programming at a Regional Meeting Award, which recognizes the most creative and forward-thinking programming at a Regional Meeting. It honors initiatives that introduce novel concepts and enhance the impact of chemistry through unique approaches. NERM 2023 was hosted by the Northeastern Section and fully embraced innovation in programming through sessions focused on Inclusion, Interdisciplinary Symposia, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Panels, Lightening Talk, Hands-On Workshops, and Celebrating Women in Chemistry.
Committee on Minority Affairs (CMA)
Best Overall Local Section Minority Affairs
Midland Local Section
The Midland section hosted six student-focused events, including Girl Scout STEM and Summer Jam, reaching K-12 to professionals. They promoted heritage months via social media and partnered with committees like WCC and YCC for broader impact.
Committee on Project SEED (SEED)
Outstanding Project SEED Small Site Program
Midland Local Section
The Midland section hosted 10 in-person and 2 virtual SEED students at three colleges in 2024. SEED students enjoyed guest speakers, industrial tours, volunteer opportunities, attendance at the NOBCCHE Regional Symposium, and a culminating banquet.
Outstanding Project SEED Large Site Program
New York Local Section
The New York section hosted 61 SEED students at 13 different locations in 2024. Students participated in a variety of competitions, winning numerous awards. Additionally, six students earned SEED scholarships and three became ACS Scholars.
Committee on Public Relations and Communications (CPRC)
Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach
Ayanna Shoulds
Ayanna Shoulds is an R&D Group Lead and volunteer Science Ambassador at Corteva Agrisciences. She has helped teachers enrich their STEM programming, led hands-on scientific activities, and introduced college students to agricultural careers.
Best New Communications Program
Midland Local Section.
Through the monthly publication, The Midland Chemist, the Midland section featured interviews from 12 scientists, including R&D leaders, doctors, teachers and technical professionals, reflecting on the “why” behind each person’s work.
Outstanding Continuing Communications Program
Division of Organic Chemistry.
The Organic Division strives to effectively communicate information relevant to the organic chemistry community by maintaining an up-to-date website and several social media channels. Their efforts have reached thousands of people across the globe.
Committee on Chemical Technical Professionals (CTP)
Best Event or Activity Organized by, or Benefiting, the Applied Chemical Technology Professional Community
Indiana Local Section
The Indiana Section was selected for this Award due to their outstanding Promote Yourself program. This initiative offers a platform for students and professionals at the Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree levels to discuss resources, navigate the professional landscape effectively, network, and uncover career opportunities. The program perfectly aligns with the mission of the Committee on Chemical Technical Professionals.
Divisional Activities Committee (DAC)
Most Unique Project funded by a Division Innovative Project Grant
Division of Polymer Chemistry
The Division of Polymer Chemistry was selected for advancing equity and inclusion in polymer science. The project blended research, career storytelling, and networking to empower women and gender minorities through inclusive programming, professional development, and community building.
Recognition of Innovation and Outstanding Service to Members of a Division
Division of Chemical Health & Safety
The Chemical Health & Safety Division was recognized for its innovative and sustainable support of Laboratory Safety Teams, led by graduate researchers and mentored by alumni. Their initiatives foster long-term engagement, with volunteers continuing to advocate for lab safety beyond academia bridging academic practices into industry and other sectors.
Joint CCS & YCC AWARD
Outstanding Activity Promoting Research Safety
Michigan State University
To enhance discussions at monthly group laboratory safety meetings, graduate students in the chemistry Research Safety Team at Michigan State University worked with their campus safety professionals to create “Safety Moments” slides on important topics.
Joint IAC & CCA Award
Outstanding Public Outreach Event by an International Chapter
Universidad Icesi Student Chapter Colombia
The ACS Student Chapter at Universidad Icesi [ee-seh-see] organized various 2024 activities, promoting chemistry education, research, outreach, and community service, including conferences, workshops, science fairs, and initiatives to enhance students' scientific and leadership skills.
Joint IAC & SOCED Award
Fostering Interactions between International Chapters & International Student Chapters
Malaysia International Chapter.
The ACS Malaysia Chapter hosted a 10th-year anniversary celebration. The festivities included a series of community initiatives, including a school engagement project, mangrove planting activities, and a family day for its members.
Joint LSAC & DAC Award
Outstanding Local Section-Division Collaboration
Division of Analytical Chemistry and the Indiana Local Section
The Analytical Chemistry Division with the Indiana Local Section and three divisions (Division of Professional Relations, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, and Division of Agrochemicals) hosted a dual-track conference blending leadership training and technical talks, attracting 89 attendees and fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional growth in Indianapolis.
Joint SOCED & AACT Governing Board Award
Outstanding American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT) Support Award
Nashville Local Section
The Nashville Section organized a successful chemistry teacher recognition program and corresponding event. It also provided resources to teachers through various community events.
Membership Affairs Committee (MAC)
MAC Industry Engagement & Outreach
Brazil International Chapter
ACS Brazil Chapter partnered with ACS Student Chapters in organizing a year-long outreach program, Bridging Academia and Industry Needs (ACADEMIND), to connect academia with industry to inform and enhance the professional qualifications of students and early-career professionals.
Senior Chemists Committee (SCC)
Best Continuing Senior Chemists Activity within a Local Section
Indiana Local Section
"Once Upon a Green Classroom" promotes sustainability education in Indiana elementary schools through storytelling and hands-on experiments, engaging children and volunteers to foster environmental consciousness and resource conservation.
Best New Senior Chemists Activity within a Local Section
Puget Sound Local Section
The Puget Sound Section Senior Chemists Committee hosted a successful two-day adventure in Eastern Washington, featuring museum tours, wine tasting, and a private Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory (LIGO) tour, fostering new relationships among over 40 diverse participants.
Society Committee on Education (SOCED)
Fostering Interactions between Local Sections and Student Chapters
Brazosport Local Section
This Brazosport section has partnered with a local student chapter by helping them develop interviewing skills & network with industry scientists. Several students visited the Polyurethane (PU) Technology Service and Application Development labs, and Comfort Science Studio where DOW researchers discussed various sales & technical roles within the organization.
Outstanding High School Student Program Award
Orange County Local Section
The Orange County Local Section hosted their annual First Year Exam, as well as the High School Chemistry Awards Banquet to honor top-scoring students on the Exam, top Chemistry Olympiad participants, and their teachers.
Outstanding Engagement with K-8 Students
Philadelphia Local Section
The Philadelphia Local Section facilitated “Buckets & Beakers,” an informal science outreach program intended to spotlight chemistry and other STEM-related disciplines.
Outstanding U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad
North Jersey Local Section
In 2024, 379 students from 41 high schools and 33 independent students sat for the local exam. 7 of the national exam nominees received High Honors or Honors and 2 students were selected for the study camp, the highest recognition!
Women Chemists Committee (WCC)
Best Local Section Women Chemists Committee Event/Activity
Puget Sound Local Section.
The Puget Sound Local Section launched a new activity on Facebook called “A Salute to Women in Science” during Women’s History Month with 31 daily posts to honor the pioneering spirit and achievements of women scientists and learn how their contributions have shaped the world in science, in business, and in politics.
Most Outstanding Local Section Women Chemists Committee
East Central Illinois Local Section
The East Central Illinois Section held several outstanding events in 2024, including the Stoesser [STOW-ser] Lecture “Turning the Wheel of Protein Engineering for Biotechnology Applications”, an Inclusive Leadership Award, a professional development lunch, a mentorship program, an ice-skating event, a coffee chat hour, and its first graduate student discussion panel on “Transitioning to the 2nd year in graduate school.
Younger Chemists Committee (YCC)
Outstanding Local Section Younger Chemists Committee
East Central Illinois Local Section
In 2024, ECI-LSYCC advanced its mission through industry tours, outreach, career panels, and new partnerships, while launching a $4,000 travel award and expanding visibility, engagement, and support for young chemists.
Outstanding or Creative Local Section Younger Chemists Committee Event
Silicon Valley Local Section
In 2024, Silicon Valley ACS hosted its 3rd Paving the Path Virtual Career Panel with 7 campus watch parties, inspiring 200+ attendees through community college alumni panelists, networking, and strong academic and ACS collaboration.
Outstanding New Local Section Younger Chemists Committee
Midland Local Section
Mid-Michigan AIChE and ACS YCC partnered to give six UofM students a Dow MiOps tour, including R&D labs, plant facilities, a silicone chemistry lunch talk, and career-stage networking at Michigan State University St. Andrews in Midland.
