ACS Geochemistry Division

From the Chair

Dear GEOC Division Members,

On behalf of the Division’s Executive Committee, I would like to thank all of you who attended the past two ACS meetings in Washington DC and Atlanta, and particularly those who convened symposia at these meetings.  Your work in shaping the conference program, highlighting emerging topics, and encouraging early-career scientists is critical to our community.

I also would like to extend thanks to our 2024 Division Chair Lynn Katz, as she steps off the Executive Committee following her second four-year term of service to the Division, and to 2025 Division Chair Sang Soo Lee, as he transitions to the role of Past Chair.  Among other achievements, Lynn and Sang Soo steered the Division through a significant post-Covid rebound in membership, created a recurrent symposium on ‘Broadening Participation in Geochemistry’, and increased the visibility of the Division at ACS activities such as the Sci-Mix ‘Division Row’.

A few notable items, listed below, have been the focus of recent Executive Committee discussions. First, we have a new ‘Geochemistry Graphical Competition Award’ for students and early-career scientists. As described in this newsletter, winners will receive an award certificate, a $100 prize, and will be highlighted in GEOC communications. The deadline for entry is May 10, 2026.

Second, we will have elections this year for two GEOC officers positions: Secretary and Membership Coordinator. If you are interested in serving the Division, please consider running for the 2026 election.

Third, the Executive Committee would be interested in recruiting companies or donors to sponsor GEOC awards. If you have any suggestions, please contact the Executive Committee.

Finally, the National ACS organization has plans to significantly reduce the number of in-person oral presentations at its annual meetings. Since the total amount of speaking time available to each division is set by ACS, a likely outcome is that the Division might not be able to continue to offer a speaking slot at the annual meeting to almost everyone who requests one. To alleviate this issue, the Executive Committee is considering ways to ‘elevate’ the GEOC poster session, including by co-locating posters and talks and by creating poster awards.

Best wishes,

Ian C. Bourg

2026 GEOC Division Chair