CHICAGO—On Sunday, Aug. 23, during the American Chemical Society Fall 2026 meeting, the society recognized local sections, divisions, and international chemical sciences chapters for their exceptional programming, outreach, and operations with the 2026 ChemLuminary Awards.
“Tonight we gather to celebrate the exceptional dedication and contributions of our ACS volunteers,” said ACS president Rigoberto Hernandez. “You are the heart and soul of our organization. Our collective efforts have significantly impacted the chemistry community and beyond.”
The keynote speaker was Ping Y. Furlan, the recipient of the 2026 Award for Volunteer Service to ACS.
“ACS has been more than a professional organization to me—it has been a community and a guiding light, showing me possibilities I could not yet see for myself,” said Furlan. “So today the story is not really about me. It’s about the people who helped me find my way, and about trying to pass that light forward.” Furlan grew up in China at a time when the door to higher education was closed to many young people—until there was a policy reform, “and suddenly the door that had been shut for so many people, was open.” That shift allowed her to study chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China.
From there, Furlan walked through that open door to study in the US—as a woman, a minority, and an immigrant. During that time, 30 years ago, she invited a group of first-graders to do chemistry demonstrations, and afterward they sent her letters: “When I grow up I want to be a scientist.” Furlan still has those letters today. “Chemistry is not just something we do or teach, it is a spark, and you never know who it will ignite,” she said. That experience led Furlan to volunteer within a chemistry club, then an ACS student chapter—all the way to an ACS local section that turned Millcreek Mall in Erie, Pennsylvania, into a chemistry museum for a day.
Furlan moved to the New York local section and became the coordinator behind the famous 3.7 m (12 foot) periodic table at the New York Hall of Science, which took nearly 1,000 volunteers and 62 organizations to create. “Looking back, the most important thing we built was not the periodic table. For many participants, it was the first time they saw themselves as part of the chemistry community,” Furlan said.
She continued, “We rarely know how much we affect those whose lives we touch. But sometimes—if we are very lucky—we get to find out.”
The 2026 ChemLuminary Award winners are as follows:
Committee on Chemical Safety and Younger Chemists Committee Joint Award
The Midland Local Section won Outstanding Activity Promoting Research Safety for its Research Safety Expo, which united safety professionals from Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan, Dow, Enthalpy Analytical, and Mount Pleasant Fire Department to deliver hands-on safety training for 50 students and researchers.
Committee on Chemists with Disabilities
The Puerto Rico Section received the Chemists with Disabilities Inclusion Award for organizing a special education edition of its Festival de Química event, which featured adaptive activities and interactive stations for children in special education programs, families, and educators.
Committee on Communicating Chemistry
The Mojave Desert Local Section won Best New Communications Program for exciting chemistry demonstrations presented to the public, including a make-your-own-slime activity paired with a free screening of the classic movie Flubber.
The Brazil Chapter received Outstanding Continuing Communications Program for partnering with six ACS international student chapters and convening discussions on sustainability and education; approximately 200 public high school students attended its Mini Chemistry Festival.
Committee on Community Activities
The Brazosport Local Section received Most Creative National Chemistry Week Celebration Using the Yearly Theme for featuring spice chemistry exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and a career panel inspired by the talk show Hot Ones.
The Virginia Local Section won Most Creative National Chemistry Week Celebration Using the Yearly Theme for creating a spice-themed, wizard-inspired program with 1,600 attendees as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities connecting chemistry and toxicology.
The Puerto Rico Section received Outstanding Community Involvement in Chemists Celebrate Earth Week for hosting a Festival de Química featuring glacier-themed activities, where student chapters and volunteers engaged thousands through accessible learning, raising community awareness and highlighting chemistry’s role in addressing global challenges.
The Dallas–Fort Worth Local Section won Outstanding Community Involvement in National Chemistry Week for bringing science to life for National Chemistry Week 2025. Through experiments, guests used their senses to discover how chemistry shapes the flavors, aromas, and experiences that enrich our daily lives.
The Northeastern Section received Outstanding National Chemistry Week Event for a Specific Audience for participating in Cape Cod’s National Chemistry Week with a Halloween-themed science café and hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities led by ACS volunteers and partners, which engaged families through chemistry, engineering, and robotics.
The Nashville Local Section won Outstanding Ongoing Chemists Celebrate Earth Week Event for teaming up with Tennessee Technological University and Tennessee State University to bring chemistry to Nashville Earth Day. Through glacier-themed activities, visitors discovered firsthand that chemistry is really cool.
“We rarely know how much we affect those whose lives we touch. But sometimes—if we are very lucky—we get to find out.”
The Pittsburgh Section won Outstanding Ongoing National Chemistry Week Event for partnering with the Kamin Science Center for National Chemistry Week 2025 events featuring sensory-based spice and food chemistry activities, including ChemFest, Discovery Day, Teen Night, and 21+ Night programs connecting chemistry to everyday life.
The Orange County Local Section received Outstanding Public Outreach Event Organized by a Student Group for its Younger Chemists Committee celebration of glaciers for Earth Week with its largest event to date, drawing 325 families and community members who participated in glacier and sustainability activities, including creating snow and bubbling snow flurries.
Committee on Corporation Associates
The Division of Chemical Health and Safety won the Fostering Safety Engagement Across Industry and Academia Award for partnering with the India Chapter to connect academic and industry professionals in a dialogue on safety practices and workforce readiness. Gaps in safety culture were discussed, along with actionable strategies to strengthen alignment between academia and industry.
The Georgia Section received Outstanding Local Section/International Chapter Industry Event for providing intellectual property education at the 2025 Southeastern and Southwest Joint Regional Meeting through its chemical patents workshop. Attendees gained practical insights into protecting inventions, navigating the patent process, and supporting innovation in research, entrepreneurship, and industry.
Committee on Divisional Activities
The Divisions of Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Professional Relations won Most Unique Project as Funded by a Division Innovative Project Grant for launching the Future Pharma Innovators program, which recognized 25 graduate students and paired each with individual industry mentors and culminated in a poster presentation at the ACS Fall 2026 meeting that showcased scientific innovation, advanced professional development, and strengthened community belonging.
The Division of Agrochemicals (AGRO) received Recognition of Innovation and Outstanding Service to Members of a Division for its AGRO Go Kits, which showcase innovation and sustainability, expanding global engagement with minimal start-up costs. This program empowers members to represent AGRO locally and worldwide, delivering meaningful impact and broadening divisional presence.
Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs
The Division of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology won Outstanding Divisional Career Program for a 6-week Nuclear Chemistry Summer School, drawing undergraduates into nuclear and radiochemistry through lectures and hands-on labs. Guided by field experts, attendees left with clearer career direction and prospects.
The Puerto Rico Section received the Outstanding Local Section Career Program Award for its Chemistry Career Road Tour, a community-driven, island-wide scientific outreach program that introduced students to chemistry careers and strengthened the science, technology, engineering, and math education pathway through hands-on experiences and discussion.
Committee on Environment and Sustainability
The Midland Local Section won Outstanding Sustainability Activities for H2O Q, an educational program created with support by Central Michigan University, that delivers safer water-testing curriculum and monitoring. In 2025, it engaged thousands of Michigan students through classroom refinement, field experiences, geographic information systems data sharing, outreach, and microplastics studies.
Committee on International Activities
The Singapore Chapter received the Global Engagement Award for its ACS Singapore Youth Challenge, a flagship event fostering knowledge exchange and networking among students and early-career researchers in chemistry-related fields across Singapore.
The Division of Chemical Health and Safety won the Outstanding Global Partnership Award for “Bridging the Gap: Industrial Researcher Perspectives on Safety in Science” which was presented at the India Scientific Safety Event, part of an online program by Vellore Institute of Technology–Andhra Pradesh University, the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety, and Deccan Fine Chemicals.
Committee on International Activities and Society Committee on Education Joint Award
The Malaysia Chapter received the Fostering Interactions between International Chapters and International Student Chapters award for Southeast Asia Global Innovation Challenge 2025, a multiphase program for Southeast Asian undergraduates focused on artificial intelligence–driven chemistry for planetary health that combines online pitching, in-person finals, and regional collaboration to build innovation and problem-solving skills.
Committee on International Activities and the Committee on Community Activities Joint Award
The Egypt Chapter won Outstanding Public Outreach Event for highlighting the theme of glaciers during Earth Week 2025. Volunteers explored groundbreaking insights into glacial science and sustainability and educated participants about glaciers, their chemistry, and the impacts of climate change.
Committee on Local Section Activities
The Puerto Rico Section won Best Activity or Program Stimulating Member Involvement for ACS-PR Student Inductions and ChemFest, a dynamic outreach and professional development program that engaged hundreds of students and community members through interactive chemistry demonstrations, student research presentations, and mentoring opportunities across Puerto Rico.
The Philadelphia Section received the Local Section Partnership Award/Marinda Li Wu Award for building a dynamic partnership with the Chinese American Chemical Society and the ACS Transformative Natural Polymer Convergent Chemist Community, creating collaborative events, webinars, and symposia that engaged hundreds of scientists, students, and community members through innovation and professional connection.
The Puerto Rico Section won Most Innovative New Activity or Program for ChemXperience, a flagship science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach program that inspires the next generation of scientists through hands-on learning. The 2025 event connected chemistry to real-world applications and engaged approximately 500 students, teachers, and school personnel from public and private schools across Puerto Rico.
The Pittsburgh Section received Outstanding Performance by a Local Section (Medium Large Size Category) for revitalizing community engagement through the return of National Chemistry Week partnerships and ChemFest programming, expanding outreach to students and early-career chemists, and strengthening long-term sustainability through renewed committee activity and modernized section operations.
The Nashville Local Section won Outstanding Performance by a Local Section (Medium Size Category) for expanding professional development and community engagement through ACS on Campus programming, student outreach, and strong communication efforts that supported continued growth across the section.
The Midland Local Section received Outstanding Performance by a Local Section (Medium Small Size Category) for organizing more than 125 events; engaging over 7,000 community members through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach and professional programming; and strengthening regional collaboration through the successful execution of the ACS Central Regional Meeting, Project SEED support, Chemistry Olympiad activities, and impactful partnerships across mid-Michigan.
The Brazosport Local Section won Outstanding Performance by a Local Section (Small Size Category) for organizing more than 17 impactful programs, engaging nearly 700 students and families through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach, and strengthening scientific engagement through professional development, student scholarships, National Chemistry Week activities, and the celebration of its first National Historic Chemical Landmark.
The Greater Houston Section won Outstanding Performance by a Local Section (Large Size Category) for innovative career programming, hands-on community events, and Chemistry Olympiad and Project SEED initiatives. Through enhanced communications, the section strengthened connections and expanded its impact across the region.
The New York Local Section received Outstanding Performance by a Local Section (Very Large Size Category) for organizing nearly 100 activities that advanced inclusive excellence, student engagement, and community outreach through major symposia, Project SEED programming, Chemistry Olympiad participation, innovative public events, and the establishment of the Marie Maynard Daly Award supporting future generations of chemists.
Committee on Local Section Activities and Committee on Divisional Activities Joint Award
The Division of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology and Central New Mexico Local Section won Outstanding Local Section–Division Collaboration for hosting a division-focused symposium and anniversary programming at the 2025 ACS Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, engaging hundreds of attendees through technical sessions, exhibits, and cross-divisional collaboration that celebrated the division’s 60th anniversary while fostering professional connections and scientific exchange.
Committee on Meetings and Expositions
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting received the Outstanding Regional Meeting Award with Fewer than 1,000 Attendees for uniting with the North Jersey Section to host collaborative, high-impact programming featuring 26 technical sessions and a lecture by Nobel laureate Morten Meldal. With 662 attendees, the meeting highlighted diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and comprehensive K–12 initiatives, achieving record attendance and strengthening community engagement.
The Western Regional Meeting won Outstanding Regional Meeting for the Most Innovative Programming. Hosted by the California and Silicon Valley Local Sections, it engaged 412 undergraduate students through interactive programming, career exploration, and networking. It fostered inclusivity, professional growth, and pathways into chemistry careers aligned with ACS mission impact.
The Southeastern/Southwest Joint Regional Meeting received Outstanding Regional Meeting with Greater than 1,000 Attendees. Hosted by the Orlando Local Section, it convened over 1,700 attendees, showcasing large-scale scientific exchange through 49 symposia and extensive poster sessions. Cross-regional collaboration, career-focused programming, and networking events strengthened connections across academia, industry, and government sectors.
Committee on Minority Affairs
The Puerto Rico Section won Best Overall Local Section Minority Affairs for “The Power of Women in Science” symposium, which showcased impressive reach and engagement. The event carefully addressed issues such as stereotypes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and offered inspiring perspectives for future scientists. It notably featured hands-on workshops, engaging activities, and recognition of scientists and community leaders.
Committee on Nomenclature, Terminology, and Symbols
The Midland Local Section received Outstanding Event to Advance a Common Language for Chemistry for organizing a visit to the US Library of Congress for more than 90 Project SEED and Younger Chemists Committee members, exposing students to how chemical knowledge is represented, standardized, and communicated across disciplines and audiences.
Committee on Project SEED
The Snake River Local Section won the Outstanding Project SEED Program Award (Small Site) for hosting 14 SEED students in 2025. All participants presented their research at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research, and six presented at the ACS Fall 2025 meeting in Washington, DC.
The Indiana Local Section won the Outstanding Project SEED Program Award (Large Site) for hosting 51 SEED students at Eli Lilly and Company and three research universities. It expanded opportunities for student involvement, including a new Project SEED host site as well as targeted recruitment of high school students.
Committee on Strategic Alignment
The Division of Analytical Chemistry received Best Activity or Program Highlighting ACS Change Driver(s) or Strategic Planning for its ACS Presidential Symposium, “The Future of Measurement Science,” at the ACS Fall 2025 meeting. The activity supported all ACS strategic goals and addressed several change drivers.
The Division of Chemical Health and Safety won Best Activity or Program Highlighting ACS Change Driver(s) or Strategic Planning for launching the ACS Safety Network in 2025. This activity supported all ACS strategic goals and aligned with the change driver “Chemistry and Social Responsibility.”
Committee on Chemical Technical Professionals
The Midland Local Section received Best Event or Activity Organized by, or Benefiting, the Applied Chemical Technology Professional Community for hosting inclusive networking and professional development events that re-engaged chemical technical professionals and strengthened ACS community participation, supporting the mission of the Committee on Chemical Technical Professionals.
Membership Affairs Committee
The Division of Organic Chemistry won the Membership Affairs Committee Industry Engagement and Outreach Award for sponsoring a graduate-research symposium at the University of California San Diego that gave rising fifth-year graduate students an opportunity to present their work and interact with leaders from biotech, pharma, agriculture, and more.
Senior Chemists Committee
The Georgia Section received Best Continuing Senior Chemists Activity within a Local Section for fostering intergenerational engagement through networking luncheons honoring long-term members; promoting mentorship, outreach, and collaboration; and inspiring future chemists by connecting experience, education, and diverse career perspectives.
The Columbus Local Section won Best Continuing Senior Chemists Activity within a Local Section for offering six annual site visits with talks, tours, and networking opportunities that connect retirees, remote workers, and professionals, and foster community engagement and industry partnerships while expanding access to chemical science and career pathways.
The California Local Section received Best New Senior Chemists Activity within a Local Section for cohosting, with the Silicon Valley Local Section, the 2025 ACS Western Regional Meeting in San Jose, California. The meeting engaged over 1,100 attendees with 24 symposia, undergraduate programming, and professional development and networking events, fostering scientific exchange, career growth, and community across academia and industry.
Society Committee on Education
The North Jersey Section won the Fostering Interactions between Local Sections and Student Chapters award for hosting a highly collaborative and engaging event attended by students who represented various colleges and universities. Attendees participated in technical sessions, poster sessions, and a special event with a Nobel laureate.
The Indiana Local Section received Outstanding Engagement with K–8 Students for hosting a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) community night for local students and families. The event exposed attendees to hands-on science, real-world applications, and diverse STEM careers, inspiring high expectations and broadening perspectives on what is possible.
The California Local Section won Outstanding US National Chemistry Olympiad for its work in 2025. Over 350 students from 35 high schools took the local exam, with 17 students from 12 schools advancing to the national level. They also launched a scholarship to reimburse Olympiad teachers up to $2,500 to attend a chemistry conference.
Women Chemists Committee
The Indiana Local Section received Best Local Section Women Chemists Committee Event/Activity for showcasing a unique discipline of chemistry through a “The Chemistry of Cosmetics” event, highlighting women’s contributions to the cosmetics industry, celebrating the successes achieved, and creating an avenue for new members to join ACS.
The East Central Illinois Local Section won Most Outstanding Local Section Women Chemists Committee for several events, which included a Women’s History Month program “From Textbook to Benchtop: My Path Towards a Career in Drug Discovery,” a Dow seminar series, a “Bonding with Chemistry” day camp, and an undergraduate research conference.
Younger Chemists Committee
The Northeastern Local Section received Outstanding Local Section Younger Chemists Committee for innovative programming, including symposia and networking events, that has expanded participation for students and professionals alike. Member efforts strengthened the local section and established a model for Younger Chemist Committees nationwide.
The Orange County Local Section won Outstanding or Creative Local Section Younger Chemists Committee Event for engaging more than 325 community members in a hands-on exploration of chemistry and environmental science in a Chemists Celebrate Earth Week event. This activity engaged volunteers, engaged the community, and highlighted chemistry’s role in addressing climate challenges.
More information on ChemLuminary Awards can be found on the ACS website.
