Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach
Forecasted
Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach honors ACS volunteers for sustained chemistry outreach that helps public audiences understand and appreciate chemical science’s contributions to quality of life.
Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: $2,000 prize and crystal award, plus up to $2,000 in travel and hotel support for the awardee and one guest
Summary: Recognizes outstanding volunteer outreach by ACS members that improves public understanding and appreciation of chemistry’s contributions.
Key Information: Nominees must be ACS Premium or Standard members in good standing, and nominated outreach must be unpaid and outside their job responsibilities.
Description
Established in 1995, this annual American Chemical Society award recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in communicating chemistry to lay audiences rather than science professionals. The ACS Committee on Communicating Chemistry administers the award, emphasizing personal advocacy, involvement in volunteer initiatives, development or expansion of outreach ideas and resources, and overall public impact.
Qualifying outreach includes public lectures, presentations, demonstrations, seminars, symposia and exhibits; articles, social media posts and interviews; radio, television and online appearances; and hands-on science activities for children or adults. Activities may be local, national or international, reaching people in schools, libraries, places of worship, museums, parks, shopping malls and other public settings. The award values sustained efforts that convey positive messages about chemical science and its contributions to a better quality of life.
