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

February 1, 2026 (Nomination edit deadline) | February 15, 2026 (Final nomination deadline)

No monetary award; recognition and annual in-person award ceremony for winning teams.

Honors teams of industrial chemical scientists whose innovations in chemistry have led to successful commercial products benefiting society.

At least one team member must be an active ACS member; award is for teams, not individuals.

--- ## Description The award recognizes teams of industrial chemists, chemical engineers, or allied professionals whose innovative work has resulted in commercialized products with significant societal benefit. Established in 1996, the award celebrates creativity and perseverance in advancing chemistry and its real-world applications. Winners are invited to an annual in-person ceremony and gain visibility for their contributions to improving modern life through chemistry. No monetary prize is provided; the recognition is the principal honor. --- ## Due Dates - **February 1, 2026:** Nomination submission/edit deadline (nominations can be edited until this date) - **February 15, 2026:** Final nomination deadline / nomination period closes --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Type:** Recognition only; there is no monetary prize. - **Award Format:** Winning teams are honored at a formal ceremony and publicized by ACS. - **Number of Awards:** Varies annually at the discretion of the selection committee. --- ## Eligibility - **Who Can Nominate:** Any individual from a private or publicly owned for-profit company, on behalf of the team. - **Who Can Be Nominated:** - Teams (more than one person) that developed a commercialized chemical product with significant impact on humanity. - At least one team member must be an active ACS member. - Teams may include individuals from other companies, government or academic labs, incubators, or other organizations. - Former and deceased employees can be included as nominees. - **Product Criteria:** The nominated product must have demonstrated technical merit, commercial success, and positive human impact. --- ## Application Process 1. **Create an Account:** Register in the [online nomination system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=acs) using your email address. 2. **Start Nomination:** Select "Apply" and choose "2026 Heroes of Chemistry Nominations" to begin. 3. **Prepare Nomination Package:** - Descriptive summary of the product’s commercial use, societal benefit, chemistry’s role, and nominee contributions. - Impact statement summarizing market success, economic and societal impact. - Short biography or CV (max 2 pages) for each nominee. - Supporting materials (e.g., brochures, articles, press releases) are encouraged. - Completed [Nominee Contact Form](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/awards/industry/heroes/nominee-information-form.xlsx) for all team members, indicating ACS membership. 4. **Edit/Submit:** You may edit your nomination until February 1, 2026. Final submission must be completed by February 15, 2026. Saved drafts are not considered submitted. --- ## Additional Information - Selection is made by a panel from the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates, based on technical merit, financial performance, and human impact. - The number of awards varies annually. - All deliberations of the selection committee are confidential. - Winners and company executives are invited to a black-tie ceremony. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/heroes-of-chemistry.html) - [Online Nomination System](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=acs) - [Nominee Contact Form (Excel)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/awards/industry/heroes/nominee-information-form.xlsx) - [Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/heroes-of-chemistry/past-recipients.html) - [Committee on Corporation Associates](https://www.acs.org/about/governance/committees/corporation-associates.html) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [chemhero@acs.org](mailto:chemhero@acs.org) | | ACS Main Contact | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) | | Phone | +1 800-227-5558 | | ACS Contact Page | [https://www.acs.org/contact.html](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Heroes of Chemistry

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