Dear CHAS Members,
CHAS is off to a strong start with strong momentum across education, engagement, and outreach.
On February 19, we held our first 2YC CHAS Chat, ‘Industry Safety Expectations and Engagement for 2YC Chemistry Graduates and Technicians’, in partnership with the Corporation Associates Safety Engagement sub-committee. Thanks to all who joined
the discussion.
We are pleased to share that CHAS received the Communication Improvement Grant to update our digital platforms. This funding will help us highlight CHAS resources, share member expertise, and strengthen community engagement.
CHAS will have a strong presence at the ACS Spring 2026 Meeting in Atlanta. Details about CHAS programming and events can be found here:
https://dchas.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CAAG-ACS-Spring-2026-Atlanta.pdf,
please try to attend as many as your schedule allows. We’re also hosting a social event in Atlanta to help members reconnect, welcome newcomers, and strengthen our network. We invite you to join us for networking and community building.
The Fall 2026 ACS Meeting abstract submission
(ACS
Fall 2026 - American Chemical Society) is open until March 30, 2026. I encourage CHAS members to submit abstracts showcasing innovation and leadership in chemical health and safety, covering topics such as
education, safety culture, sustainability, and global perspectives. Your participation is crucial for making CHAS expertise visible within the ACS technical program.
The peer-led workshop team will hold a virtual
‘Risk Management in the Research Lab’ workshop on Mar 8; register
here.
The Education subcommittee is planning a professional development workshop series for
May/June. More details to come.
June is National Safety Month, and CHAS is preparing
exciting activities and a social media campaign in partnership with the
ACS
Safety Network. This will spotlight chemical safety best practices, resources, and stories from across the community. Join us in sharing and promoting best practices across the community.
We are launching the Chemistry Research Faculty Safety Workshop pilot at the Fall 2026 ACS Meeting in partnership with I&EC and CCS. This initiative highlights our commitment to fostering a strong safety culture through education.
Work continues to establish a Global Community of Practice in India, emphasizing CHAS’s dedication to global collaboration and inclusive approaches to chemical health and safety.
Thank you for your continued support of CHAS and your dedication to promoting safer science. I look forward to meeting many of you in Atlanta and collaborating throughout 2026.
With gratitude,
Kalyani Martinelango, Ph.D.
2026 Chair, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
