Register for the 2024 Central Regional Meeting

The 2024 Central Regional Meeting (CERM 2024) of the American Chemical Society will take place Nov. 6–9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh–Green Tree in Pittsburgh. Information about the meeting is available at acscerm2024.org.

Technical program. The conference theme is “The Confluence of Chemistry: Past, Present, and Future.” With this theme in mind, we will honor and celebrate the history and future of chemistry with our regional chemistry community in Pittsburgh and beyond. Twenty-five symposia will span all disciplines of chemistry. More than 400 abstracts have been submitted, and over 250 were submitted for technical talks. Session topics can be found on the meeting website.

Plenary speakers include Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, the J.C. Warner University Professor of Natural Sciences and director of the Center for Macromolecular Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, presenting “Macromolecular Engineering by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization” at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday; Claudia Turro, chair and Dr. Melvin L. Morris Professor of Chemistry at the Ohio State University, presenting “Transition Metal Complexes for Applications in Photo-Medicine and the Production of Solar Fuels” at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday; and Wesley Transue, assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, presenting “Spin and Symmetry: Investigating Magneto-Optical Properties of Transition Metal Complexes” at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

Workshops. Several workshops are planned, including “A Coatings Primer” with PPG, “Coal and Waste Coal to Advanced Material Products” with Consol Innovations, “Science-Based Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning” with National Energy Technology Laboratory, and “Advanced Tube Bending” with Swagelok. ACS Career Services will hold a workshop titled “Finding Yourself: Identifying a Career That Matches Your Strengths and Values” and a resume review session on Friday. In support of efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the region, ACS is also offering “The Science of Managing Inclusive and Diverse Teams,” providing evidence-based guidance and structure to chemistry professionals to create and maintain a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

Undergraduate programming. Undergraduate students can meet upcoming scientists and see their work during the Friday afternoon undergraduate reception and poster session. The Graduate School Fair on Saturday morning will provide an opportunity for students to learn more about graduate programs.

Exposition. The exposition will kick off on Thursday morning. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest products on the market, and students will have a chance to meet with school recruiters. To be an exhibitor or recruiter, please sign up on the meeting website.

Awards. CERM 2024 will celebrate regional award winners on Thursday evening. Regional awards to be presented include the Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences, the DivCHED High School Teaching Award, the Pittsburgh Award for outstanding service to chemistry, and the E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society. Reserve your spot at the awards dinner during registration.

Social events. A cocktail hour will take place on Wednesday evening before the plenary lecture, with an ACS governance reception following. Members of local regional sections are invited to present posters on their recent programs and events at the Local Section Showcase.

Learn more about the fascinating history and science of brewing in the Pittsburgh area in a workshop presented by Abstract Realm Brewing on Wednesday afternoon. Abstract Realm will offer beverage tastings as well as sliders to excite the taste buds. On Wednesday evening, learn about the art, science, and history of glassblowing on a guided tour and demonstration at the Pittsburgh Glass Center.

Networking luncheons will take place on Thursday and Friday, offering settings to meet and visit with fellow attendees and exhibitors. Chemists from all fields are invited to the Environmental Group luncheon. The luncheon will be combined with a lecture hosted by the Environmental Group of the ACS Pittsburgh local section. The combined event will feature Jenalle Brewer, senior vice president of Calgon Carbon, who will discuss the global challenge of PFAS—the “forever chemicals.” Chemists of any gender are welcome at the Women Chemists Committee luncheon on Friday. We will celebrate diversity in chemistry with our speaker Natalie LaFranzo, ACS director-at-large.

Lodging and registration. Registration is now open; early-bird rates ended Oct. 1. CERM 2024 will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh–Green Tree.