Impactful Chemistry Communication Events at ACS Fall 2026 in Chicago

Innovations in chemistry research and communication at ACS (American Chemical Society) conferences are astounding; attending these conferences is such a privilege.

Here, I've compiled some of the most impactful (and fun) events and digital resources Science with Impact and I will be involved in.

But first...

Let's talk about the new ACS Logo

Just this month (August 2026) ACS changed its logo from the historic 1908 cobalt-blue-and-gold diamond emblem, phoenix, and Liebig bulb to celebrate 150 years of organizational impact.

The new, minimalist, abstract design and color palette are intended to reflect "evolution, global reach, and a unified vision for connecting science, people, and future discoveries." [ACS Press Release]

Personally, I think it looks great and I love the meaning behind the change, what do you think about it?

Okay, let's get back to the Chicago conference...

ACS Fall 2026 Kids Zone

Kicking off the conference is ACS Kids Zone on Saturday, August 22nd (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CT) at the Navy Pier (next to the Children’s Museum) hosted by ACS President Rigoberto Hernandez and the ACS Office of Science Outreach.

If you have your kids with you for the conference or happen to be in Chicago with your family, click the image below to register and attend!

Here's the link to add the ACS Kids Zone to your Conference Itinerary:

ACS Kids Zone

American Chemical Society

We've had a long-standing relationship with the ACS Office of Science Outreach and will be there to help host the Slime activity.

In preparation, I've redesigned the Slime Game we use to help teach young scientists about the polymer cross-linkers (chemical connectors) in slime.

You can scan the QR code or click here and play (best played on a cell phone)!

NSF CCI Coffee Hour

Grab a warm drink and join us for the NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Coffee Hour to kickstart your day with inspiring conversations! This is a fantastic opportunity to mingle with forward-thinking researchers and explore collaborative approaches to some of chemistry’s biggest grand challenges.

Whether you're already part of a center or just curious about their groundbreaking work, we'd love to see you there!

NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation Networking and Social Hour

American Chemical Society

DIV CHED Networking Event

Take a break from the busy session schedules and unwind with the Division of Chemical Education for an evening of connection and celebration.

#acsfall2026 | Theodore Alivio

Attending #ACSFall2026 in Chicago? Join the Division of Chemical Education for a night of networking, collaboration, and celebration!

LinkedInTheodore Alivio

It’s the perfect setting to share pedagogical insights, meet fellow chemical educators, and brainstorm new ways to engage the next generation of scientists. Come celebrate our vibrant educational community and leave with fresh ideas for your classroom or lab!

DivCHED Social Reception

DIVISION/COMMITTEE: [CHED: Division of Chemical Education]

American Chemical Society

ACS Women Chemists Committee Events

The Women Chemists Committee has an incredible lineup of gatherings designed to support, empower, and champion women in the chemical sciences:

Semora Johns Smith, ACB posted on LinkedIn

Semora Johns Smith, ACB posted images on LinkedIn

LinkedInSemora Johns Smith, ACB

Be sure to drop by these events to expand your professional network, hear from trailblazing leaders, and celebrate the vital contributions of women across our discipline. It’s always an empowering highlight of the conference that you won't want to miss.

SCHB Startup Spotlight & Sci-Mix

Dive into the entrepreneurial side of our field at the Division of Small Chemical Businesses (SCHB) Startup Spotlight and their always-popular Sci-Mix showcase.

You'll get an exclusive look at how emerging startups are turning fundamental chemical discoveries into commercial realities and disruptive technologies:

SCHB Startup Spotlight:

DIVISION/COMMITTEE: [SCHB: Division of Small Chemical Businesses]

American Chemical Society

Come chat with the founders, discover cutting-edge industry trends, and maybe even find the inspiration for your own future venture:

SCHB Sci-Mix:

DIVISION/COMMITTEE: [SCHB: Division of Small Chemical Businesses]

American Chemical Society

Virtual/Augmented Reality for Chemical Education

If you are fascinated by the intersection of technology and teaching, this symposium is an absolute must-attend for discovering how educators are moving beyond static textbook diagrams.

Virtual/Augmented Reality for Chemical Education:

DIVISION/COMMITTEE: [CHED: Division of Chemical Education]

American Chemical Society

Join us to explore how immersive, chemically grounded digital environments can bring dynamic molecular systems to life for learners. It’s an exciting glimpse into how 3D tools are transforming the way we visualize and interact with complex chemistry.

Invitation to digital ACS talk on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D.

Much of chemistry asks students to reason about systems they cannot directly see. Molecular networks, mechanisms, collisions, constraints, and emergent behavior are often compressed into static diagrams or carefully keyframed animations. Those tools are valuable, but they can also make molecular systems feel more predetermined than dynamic. On Tuesday, August 25, Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D. will present: Beyond the keyframe: Using emergent physics in Unity to reveal the mechanistic architecture of molecular networks In this presentation, Dr. Rosa will share how we are using Project Genesis, a Unity-based “Silicon Beaker,” to explore a different approach: building chemically grounded systems where behavior emerges from rules, interactions, and constraints. The goal is not just to make chemistry look more cinematic. It is to help learners move from watching a representation to investigating a system. This work grows out of Science with Impact’s collaboration with NSF MONET, where we are exploring how 3D visualization can make complex molecular systems more understandable, teachable, and engaging. If you’ll be attending ACS Fall 2026, I’d love for you to add the talk to your itinerary and join the session: 🗓️ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ⏱️ 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM CT 🖥️ Digital Meeting This talk is part of the Virtual/Augmented Reality for Chemical Education session through the CHED: Division of Chemical Education #ACSFall2026 Click the invitation to add it to your itinerary 😊

LinkedInVanessa Rosa, Ph.D.

Hope to see you there!

Feel free to comment or reply. I would love to connect with you 😊

It's a beautiful day to practice impactful science,

Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D.