Dear CHAS Members,

As we navigate an active year for CHAS, I want to thank you for the energy, leadership, and volunteer commitment you continue to bring to our Division. From National Safety Month activities to ACS Fall planning, recognition, and new collaborations, CHAS continues to advance safer science through education, engagement, and community.

National Safety Month in June was an excellent opportunity for CHAS and our partners to offer programs that made safety practical, visible, and actionable across the chemistry community. Highlights included events focused on safety conversations for graduate students, strengthening safety culture and risk management in research labs, integrated approaches to departmental safety, greener and safer solvent choices, and the Lab Safety Showdown. These activities reflected the best of CHAS: practical education, peer engagement, and a shared commitment to building safer research and teaching environments.

I am also pleased to share that CHAS has been recognized as a ChemLuminary Award finalist in four categories that reflect the breadth and impact of our work. These nominations highlight the launch of the ACS Safety Network, our industry and academic safety engagement efforts, global partnership activities, and innovative service to CHAS members through programs such as CHAS Chats and the two-year college safety community. This recognition belongs to the many volunteers and partners who helped turn ideas into visible, impactful programs.

We recently completed our 2027 CHAS elections and are pleased to welcome both new and familiar faces to the Executive Committee. Please join me in congratulating Daniel Jacques (2027 Chair-Elect), Jennifer Maclachlan (2027-2029 Member-at-Large); Sammye Sigmann (2027-2029 Councilor), Frankie Wood-Black (2027-2029 Alternate Councilor), and Joe Pickel (2026-2028  Alternate Councilor). These dedicated leaders bring diverse experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong commitment to advancing the mission of CHAS. Congratulations to all, and I am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside them as Immediate Past Chair in 2027.

Looking ahead, CHAS will have a strong presence at ACS Fall 2026 in Chicago. Please review the CHAS in Chicago and make plans to join CHAS sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and ACS150 programming. The Fall meeting is an important opportunity to celebrate ACS’s 150th anniversary while also showcasing CHAS’s contribution to shaping safer science for all. CHAS will participate in the ACS Connect Reception and Division Spotlight at the Member Lounge, offering additional opportunities to connect with members, volunteers, and ACS leaders.

We are especially excited to launch the Research Faculty Safety Workshop pilot in Chicago, in partnership with I&EC, CCS, and ACS Safety Programs. This workshop is designed for faculty who supervise research groups, mentor graduate students, or influence departmental safety expectations. It will provide practical tools to strengthen research safety leadership, including application of the RAMP framework, safety planning, near-miss learning, coaching, accountability, and action planning.

CHAS will also continue expanding professional development opportunities this fall, including Professional Development Workshops in October. These workshops are part of our broader commitment to provide accessible, practical learning opportunities for safety professionals, educators, researchers, and students. More details will be shared as plans are finalized, and I encourage you to participate and help promote these opportunities within your networks.

We are also proud to recognize the ACS Fellows nominated by CHAS: Dave Finster and Pete Reinhart. Fellows recognition is an important way to celebrate members whose professional accomplishments and service have advanced chemistry and strengthened our community. Thank you to those who helped identify, nominate, and support outstanding CHAS members for this honor.

Together, these activities show the continued momentum of CHAS in 2026. We are strengthening safety culture through education, building bridges across industry and academia, expanding global engagement, recognizing volunteer excellence, and making chemical health and safety more visible across ACS and the broader chemistry enterprise.

Thank you for your continued support of CHAS. I look forward to seeing many of you in Chicago and continuing this important work together.

With gratitude,
Kalyani Martinelango, Ph.D.
2026 Chair, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety