The goal of this symposium is to showcase curricular innovators who are working to equip the next generation of chemists with expertise in green and sustainable chemistry. The session will explore innovative pedagogical frameworks that integrate green chemistry with a particular focus on higher-level knowledge and skills directly relevant to U.N. Sustainable Development Goal #3 – Good Health and Well-Being.

Examples of relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

• Chemical hazard assessment
• Toxicological evaluation and metrics
• Chemical safety
• Environmental and public health

Speakers will be asked to share cutting-edge strategies for incorporating a broader perspective and systems-view of the chemistry topics covered in their curricula. Presentations may highlight curricular innovations such as real-world case studies, interdisciplinary approaches, and hands-on learning experiences designed to engage students in critical thinking.

Symposium attendees will hear from a diverse range of presenters about best practices for training students to think beyond basic chemistry concepts to encompass a more balanced perspective that takes account of factors influencing the well-being of our global community and the planet

Submit Your Abstract

January 2 – February 17, 2025

Chemistry students are passionate about using their learning to contribute to a sustainable future, but they feel inadequately empowered to make informed green and sustainable choices that are both relevant and practical. We have heard from industry that chemists of tomorrow should be able to innovate sustainable chemical reactions and processes and know where their reagent supply comes from, their cost, and toxicity.

Students and community members believe that chemical corporations that do not put people first are the reason for environmental toxicity and the unaffordable cost of living. Therefore, to bridge this gap between learning, practice, and belief, we need to reimagine chemistry education (UN SDG 4, Quality Education) to train a workforce of chemists that can make green and sustainable decisions. They should be able to design product syntheses that prevent waste (UN SDG 12, Sustainable Consumption and Production) and choose non-hazardous reagents and solvents that put environmental & community health and safety first (UN SDG 3, Good Health & Well Being).

This interdisciplinary and experiential chemical training in economic, social, and environmental sustainability is possible for chemistry students by bringing industry, academic, and community members (UN SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals) into the classroom for synergistic and holistic learning.

Submit Your Abstract

January 2 – February 17, 2025