ACS Green Chemistry Summer School Opens Applications for 2026
The American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute (GCI) has opened applications for the 2026 Green and Sustainable Chemistry Summer School, scheduled for July 11–18 in Burlington, Vermont. This program invites graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from around the world to engage in a week-long educational experience focused on innovative and sustainable practices in chemistry.
In July 2025, the GCI welcomed 71 participants from 21 states in the United States and 13 countries across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Attendees experienced a diverse range of topics through interactive sessions led by 16 guest instructors from academic, nonprofit, and industry sectors. These sessions covered areas often not emphasized in traditional chemistry education, including toxicology, greener synthesis, life-cycle analysis, circularity, and sustainable polymers.
Participants not only received valuable instruction but also shared their research findings and engaged in collaborative group work. This structure fostered a strong sense of community among attendees, enhancing both their academic and personal development.
Alannah Calazans, a PhD candidate at the Military Institute of Engineering, reflected on her experience from the 2025 program, stating, “This experience went far beyond an academic program—it marked a turning point in my personal and professional journey. I return home with new knowledge, strong friendships, and a renewed determination to continue driving sustainability through chemistry.”
The Green Chemistry Summer School has been a cornerstone of educational initiatives since its inception in 2003, boasting over 1,350 alumni. The program has inspired similar global initiatives, such as GreenChemAfrica, launched in Morocco by Youssef Habibi, a 2009 alumnus, as well as the multi-day Symposium on Green Chemistry and Sustainability in Chile, organized by Flavia Zacconi, who also served as an instructor for the ACS program in 2025.
Applications for the 2026 Green and Sustainable Chemistry Summer School are open until December 15, 2025. The program is fully funded through the support of the ACS, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. Interested participants can find more information and apply by visiting the ACS website at https://www.acs.org/green-chemistry-sustainability/education/summer-school.html.
This initiative represents a commitment to advancing sustainable chemistry education and fostering a global community dedicated to environmental stewardship within the field.
