Future of Chemistry Societies
Panels at ACS Fall 2026
Tuesday, August 25, 1:30-3:20 PM CT
Room W190A, McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of ACS, C&EN is convening perspectives across two panel discussions to explore how chemistry societies might support science into the future. As chemistry remains the “central science,” AI, climate change, and a shifting global landscape are some of the factors putting these institutions under pressure to adapt. This is an opportunity to hear from global thought leaders as they explore what the future for communities of science might look like.
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From Education to Science Diplomacy
1:30-2:20 PM
Explore how chemistry societies can remain relevant and vital for the education pipeline, regulators and multilateral institutions.
The View from Industry
2:30-3:20 PM
Learn about the future of chemistry societies from industry leaders sharing insights from the perspective of business and commerce.
Also join us at 3:30 for a Town Hall discussion with the leaders of 10 science societies about how they see their future.
Meet the Panelists
From Education to Science Diplomacy (1:30–2:20 PM)
Kate Biberdorf
"Kate the Chemist"
Professor for Public Understanding of Science, University of Notre Dame
Mathieu Denis
Special Advisor,
Office of the Chief Science Advisor of the Government of Canada
Rao Kotamarthi
Science Director,
Center for Resilience and Decision Science
Jennifer Schwartz Poehlmann
Senior Lecturer of Chemistry,
Stanford University
The View from Industry (2:30-3:20 PM)
André B. Argenton
Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer,
Dow Chemical
Lee Ellen Drechsler
Senior Vice President,
Corporate R&D,
The Procter & Gamble Company
Debra Luffer-Atlas
Senior Vice President,
Scientific Strategy,
Eli Lilly and Company
Jeffrey Whitford
Vice President,
Sustainability & Social Business Innovation,
MilliporeSigma
About C&EN's Future of Chemistry Panel Series
C&EN's Future of Chemistry series brings together leading minds to explore bold ideas and innovations shaping the future of chemistry. As the central science, chemistry drives solutions to global challenges and fuels progress that impacts us all. Whether you are a chemist or interested in the business of chemistry, these panels connect you to experts in the field answering the question, “What’s next?”
