Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach
Forecasted
Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach recognizes ACS members’ volunteer outreach through public engagement and communication to increase understanding of chemistry’s contributions to daily 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 for travel and hotel for the awardee and one guest
Summary: Recognizes ACS members whose volunteer outreach improves public understanding and appreciation of chemistry’s contributions to daily life.
Key Information: Nominees must be ACS Premium or Standard members in good standing; nominated activities must be unpaid volunteer work.
Description
The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach is an annual American Chemical Society (ACS) award established in 1995 by its Committee on Communicating Chemistry. It recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements that increase public recognition and appreciation of chemistry. The award focuses on communication with lay audiences rather than science professionals, including children, adults, and non-science professional groups.
Qualifying outreach includes public lectures, demonstrations, seminars, exhibits, articles, social media posts, interviews, broadcast appearances, and hands-on science activities. Activities may take place locally, nationally, or internationally, in settings such as schools, libraries, museums, places of worship, parks, and other public spaces. Selection emphasizes personal advocacy, sustained volunteer involvement, development or expansion of outreach ideas and resources, and demonstrated public impact.
