In addition to a robust technical program, Pacifichem 2025 is featuring the following special events, programs, and workshops. Unless otherwise noted, all events, programs, and workshops are included with the full registration fee for all attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Opening Session: Monday 15 December
Date: Monday 15 December
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Location: Hawaii Convention Center, Ballrooms ABC
Sponsors: American Chemical Society, Bruker AXS
Description:
The opening session will feature a welcome from the host societies and the plenary address by Dr. Mona Nemer, C.M., C.Q., FRSC, Canada’s Chef Science Advisor.
Welcome Reception: Monday 15 December
Date: Monday 15 December
Time: 20:00 – 22:00
Location: Hawaii Convention Center, Exhibit Hall
Sponsors: Beckman Foundation, Elsevier, Proto, Winmostar, Inc.
Description:
Pacifichem attendees will be treated to drinks, food, and Hawaiian-themed fun during the welcome reception.
Early Career & School Fair: Tuesday 16 December
Date: Tuesday 16 December
Time: 15:00 – 21:00
Location: Hawaii Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Participating Organizations: Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), University of Pennsylvania
Description:
Organizations and institutions will be hosting tables to discuss early career and educational opportunities with attendees.
**Organizations or institutions interested in hosting a table should email sponsorpacifichem@acs.org**
Chair’s Session: Celebrating Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Wednesday 17 December
Date: Wednesday 17 December
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Location: Convention Center, room TBD
Description: Pacifichem 2025 Congress chair, Dr. Laurel Shafer will host the Chair’s session, “Celebrating Indigenous Ways of Knowing.” Indigenous science builds upon traditional knowledge gained through generations of observation and testing to develop advanced understandings of the natural world. Indigenous ways of knowing feature respectful relationship to the land and honor the responsibility associated with exploring the interconnectedness of land, humanity, climate and ecosystems. Modern chemistry advances in environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry and sustainability have benefited from traditional Indigenous knowledge – yet this connection often goes unacknowledged. As cutting-edge approaches in chemistry increasingly feature interdisciplinarity and seek to shift to systems-thinking, it is time to recognize and respectfully engage with Indigenous knowledge keepers and systems, which have long embodied holistic and relational approaches to building knowledge. This symposium will celebrate Indigenous Ways of Knowing around the Pacific Rim, by exploring the diverse lands and knowledge from different cultures across this geographical region. Aligned with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, this symposium aims to recognize Indigenous contributions, promoting ethical research, and fostering reciprocal relationships with the land. All scientists interested in knowing more about weaving Indigenous knowledge systems into research and education are invited to participate in the session.
Genki Ball Toss: Wednesday 17 December
Date: Wednesday 17 December
Time: 17:00 – 17:45
Location: Canal Behind Convention Center
Cost: $5 per ball – can be purchased through registration as a donation but everyone can participate in the toss without donating.
Description:
Immediately following the Chair’s Session, there will be a Genki Ball Toss.
The Pacifichem 2025 organizers are partnering with the Genki Ala Wai Project to help restore the Ala Wai Canal through hands-on science and community action.
You can purchase and deploy Genki Balls, made with Effective Microorganisms® (EM), into the Ala Wai Canal to aid in sludge digestion, reduce odors, and restore the ecosystem. Pacifichem 2025 will be hosting a Genki Ball Toss on Wednesday 17 December at 5:00 PM.
During the event participants will:
- Toss their Genki Ball into the Ala Wai Canal (the canal accessible through the back of the convention center)
- Learn about the science behind EM•1® and bioremediation
- Contribute directly to a cleaner, healthier future for our islands
Genki Ala Wai Project requests a donation in the amount of $5 USD per Genki Ball.
Your Donation is not just a financial support, but a crucial part of the mission of the Genki Ala Wai Project. It empowers students, teachers, and the community to work together to restore the ecosystem in the Ala Wai Canal. Your contribution leaves a positive impact and is greatly valued.
PROGRAMS & NETWORKING
Student Competition Voting: Review Student Submissions!
More Information Coming Soon!
The Village: Networking For All!
Visit the Pacifichem 2025 Village in the Hawaii Convention Center Exhibit Hall. The Village is a gathering and networking space for all attendees, featuring:
- Booths of the Sponsoring Societies and Official Participating Organizations
- Pacifichem Photo Backdrop
- Food and Drinks for Purchase – Tuesday through Thursday 11:00 – 14:00
- Complimentary Drinks and Snacks during Poster Sessions
- Lounge
- Tuesday & Wednesday Sponsored by: American Chemical Society
- Thursday Sponsored by: Frontiers Media SA
- Charging Station – Sponsored by: Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Village Hours:
Monday 15 December
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Village open (during welcome reception)
Tuesday 16 December – Friday 19 December
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Village open
2:00 – 3:00 PM: Village closed
3:00 – 9:00 PM: Village open
Pledge To Our Keiki and Volunteering: Future generations are counting on us to protect their Hawaiʻi. How would you like to help?
Pacifichem 2025 is partnering with Kanu Hawaiʻi to sign the Pledge to Our Keiki and support volunteer programs.
Sign the Pledge To Our Keiki Here: https://pledge.kanuhawaii.org/pacifichem-pledge/#gf_1
Sign Up to Volunteer Here (Costs not covered by Pacifichem): https://www.kanuhawaii.org/needs/
WORKSHOPS
Research Careers and Opportunities in Singapore – Info Session and Networking Lunch : Monday 15 December
Date: Monday 15 December
Time: 10:00 – 12:30
Location: Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sponsored by: Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Registration: Request to register should be completed through the Pacifichem registration system
Description:
Join the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore for an engaging info talk and networking lunch with Singapore’s research leaders, as they share why Singapore is an exceptional place to advance your research career. Discover how the country’s vibrant international ecosystem, cutting-edge infrastructure, robust funding landscape, and strong national commitment to R&D create an ideal environment for scientific growth, innovation, and collaboration. Whether you’re a PhD student or a researcher at any stage of your career: early, mid, or advanced, A*STAR would love to welcome you.
Buffet lunch will be provided.
Speakers:
– Professor Andy Hor, Deputy Chief Executive (Research), Agency for Science, Technology and Research
– Professor Simon Redfern, Dean, College of Science and President’s Chair in Earth Sciences, Nanyang Technological University
– Professor Koh Boon Tong, Executive Director of Bioprocessing Technology Institute and Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative
During the event, you may also sign up for one-to-one consultation sessions held over 16-18 Dec to explore research careers and opportunities in Singapore.
For inquires, contact Ms. Jamie Low at Jamie_Low@a-star.edu.sg
From Data Doodles to Published Prose: Mastering Publishing in Scientific Journals: Tuesday 16 December
Date: Tuesday 16 December
Time: 12:30 – 13:30
Location: Hawaii Convention Center, Room 306B
Sponsored by: Elsevier
Description:
Elsevier is hosting a workshop to help aspiring and experienced authors navigate through the publishing landscape. Join them as they answer questions to help you through the challenges in getting your work published. How do you choose a journal? How should you prepare your paper? What to do after you receive a decision? This workshop is primarily aimed at students and early career researchers who plan to publish their first papers. Regardless, researchers of all career levels are welcome.