[American Chemical Society](https://www.acs.org)

February 2026 (annual report & nomination deadline)

Recognition award; no cash prize; presented annually at ChemLuminary Awards

Honors ACS local sections, divisions, and international chapters for outstanding efforts to promote chemistry through innovative communications programs.

Nominations are submitted via the ACS Annual Report; partnerships allowed but must be primarily led by the nominating group.

--- ## Description The Communications Awards, administered by the ACS Committee on Public Relations and Communications, recognize exceptional efforts by ACS local sections, divisions, and international chapters to promote chemistry to the public or to ACS members. These awards highlight both new and ongoing communications initiatives that effectively engage audiences with chemistry-related topics. Activities may be conducted in partnership with other organizations, but the nominated program must be primarily led by the local section, division, or international chapter. Two awards are presented annually—one for a new communications program and one for a continuing program—at the ChemLuminary Awards Ceremony. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated nomination and annual report deadline:** February 2026 - Awards are presented each year at the ChemLuminary Awards Ceremony, typically held in the fall. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Type:** Recognition award (no cash prize) - **Number of Awards:** Two per year (one for new communications programs, one for continuing programs) - **Award Presentation:** At the ACS ChemLuminary Awards Ceremony --- ## Eligibility - Open to ACS local sections, divisions, and international chapters. - Programs or activities must be primarily led by the nominating group. - Partnerships with other organizations are welcome if the ACS group is the main driver. - The nominated activity should focus on promoting chemistry to the public or to ACS members. --- ## Application Process - Nominations are submitted through the [ACS Annual Report system](https://www.acs.org/officer-toolkit/operations/annual-reporting.html) (Community Connection). - Officers of local sections, divisions, or international chapters should coordinate nominations. - To be considered, include a summary of the communications activity within the annual report. - Guidance for preparing annual reports and nominations is available in the [ACS Officer Toolkit](https://www.acs.org/officer-toolkit/grants-and-awards.html). - For assistance, contact your section or division leadership. --- ## Additional Information - The awards are intended to encourage innovative, effective communication about chemistry. - Both new and ongoing programs are eligible, but must demonstrate measurable impact or engagement. - Winners are recognized at the ChemLuminary Awards Ceremony, which includes broad visibility within ACS. - For tips and resources on public relations activities, see the [ACS PR Guidebook](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/volunteer/chemambassadors/media/american-chemical-society-pr-guidebook.pdf) and [Branding Guidelines](https://www.acs.org/about/branding.html). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Nomination Instructions](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/local-section-public-relations-award.html) - [ACS ChemLuminary Awards](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/chemluminary.html) - [Annual Reporting Portal](https://www.acs.org/officer-toolkit/operations/annual-reporting.html) - [ACS Committee on Public Relations and Communications](https://www.acs.org/about/governance/committees/public-relations-communications.html) - [Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/local-section-public-relations-award/past-recipients.html) - [ACS PR Guidebook (PDF)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/volunteer/chemambassadors/media/american-chemical-society-pr-guidebook.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Topic | Contact | |----------------------|------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [PR-comms@acs.org](mailto:PR-comms@acs.org) | | Annual Report System | [connection@acs.org](mailto:connection@acs.org) | | ACS Main Support | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) / +1 800-227-5558 | ---

Communications Awards

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