Apply Now: Join the 2026 Green Chemistry Summer School for Sustainable Innovation

In July, the University of Vermont welcomed 71 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from 21 states across the US and 13 countries from North, Central, and South America, along with the Caribbean, for an enriching week at the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute (GCI) Green and Sustainable Chemistry Summer School.

A Unique Educational Experience in Green Chemistry

The program featured engaging sessions focusing on crucial green chemistry topics that are often underrepresented in traditional curricula. Subjects covered included toxicology, greener synthesis techniques, life-cycle analysis, circularity principles, and sustainable polymer development. Students also had the opportunity to showcase their research and collaborate in group activities, fostering a strong sense of community and enabling them to integrate new insights effectively.

“This experience transcended a typical academic program; it was a pivotal moment in my personal and professional journey,” shared Alannah Calazans, a PhD candidate at the Military Institute of Engineering and a participant in the 2025 program. “I returned home enriched with knowledge, forged lasting friendships, and reignited my commitment to advancing sustainability through chemistry.”

Legacy and Global Impact

Since its inception in 2003, the summer school has evolved into a prestigious program with over 1,350 alumni. It has inspired the launch of global initiatives such as GreenChemAfrica in Morocco, founded by Youssef Habibi, a 2009 summer school alumnus, and the multi-day Symposium on Green Chemistry and Sustainability in Chile, organized by Flavia Zacconi, who served as an instructor for the ACS program in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Looking ahead, the 2026 Green and Sustainable Chemistry Summer School is scheduled for July 11–18 in Burlington, Vermont. Applications are currently being accepted until December 15. This competitive program is fully funded thanks to the generous support from ACS.

Application Details

For more details and to apply, please visit https://www.acs.org/green-chemistry-sustainability/education/summer-school.html.