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

February 15, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline for the 2026 Helen M. Free Award)

$2,000 cash prize plus up to $2,000 for travel and accommodations to attend the award ceremony

Annual award recognizing ACS members for outstanding volunteer public outreach that enhances public appreciation of chemistry.

--- ## Description The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society (ACS), honors exceptional volunteer achievements by ACS members who improve public recognition and appreciation of chemistry. The award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated advocacy, creativity, and a sustained commitment to engaging lay audiences through lectures, demonstrations, media, and hands-on science activities. The recipient receives a $2,000 prize, a crystal award, and up to $2,000 for travel and accommodations to attend the ChemLuminary Awards ceremony. --- ## Due Dates - February 15, 2026: Nomination submission deadline for the 2026 Helen M. Free Award (nominations due by 11:59 pm) --- ## Funding Amount - $2,000 cash prize for the awardee - Up to $2,000 for travel and hotel accommodations (for awardee and one guest) to attend the ChemLuminary Awards ceremony - Crystal award presented at the ChemLuminary Awards during the ACS fall meeting --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must be a current ACS member (Premium or Standard category) in good standing. - Recognizes sustained volunteer public outreach (typically more than five years; lifetime commitment is common among winners). - Eligible outreach must be volunteer-based and not part of the nominee’s compensated job (professional outreach is allowed, but only unpaid activities are considered). - Employees of the ACS are not eligible. - Prior nominees may be reconsidered in subsequent years. - Self-nominations are accepted if eligibility criteria are met. - Nominations of candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged. --- ## Application Process - Complete the [Helen M. Free Award nomination form](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/helen-free-award-for-public-outreach.html#nominate) (available as Word, plain PDF, or fillable PDF). - Submit as a single PDF file, including the nomination form and one or two seconding letters. - Email the complete nomination package to [HMFreeAward@acs.org](mailto:HMFreeAward@acs.org) by 11:59 pm on February 15, 2026. - Nominations remain under consideration for three years. - Guidance for completing the nomination is available on the award website. --- ## Additional Information - The selection committee evaluates: overall impact, sustained volunteer effort, creativity and innovation, collaboration, visibility, scope and reach, and significance of messaging. - Award is presented annually at the ChemLuminary Awards during the ACS fall meeting; attendance is expected unless circumstances prevent it. - Winner is notified by email in May. - Past recipients and additional details are available on the [award website](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/helen-free-award-for-public-outreach.html). --- ## External Links - [Award Information and Nomination Instructions](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/helen-free-award-for-public-outreach.html) - [Nomination Forms (Word, PDF, Fillable PDF)](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/helen-free-award-for-public-outreach.html#nominate) - [Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/helen-free-award-for-public-outreach/past-recipients.html) - [ACS Committee on Communicating Chemistry](https://www.acs.org/about/governance/committees/communicating-chemistry.html) - [ChemLuminary Awards](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/chemluminary.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Helen M. Free Award Team | [HMFreeAward@acs.org](mailto:HMFreeAward@acs.org) | +1 800-227-5558 | [ACS Contact Page](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach - American Chemical Society

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