111: Development of an online green chemistry professional development course

Abstract: Recent findings from a 2024 survey of chemistry instructors and industry professionals revealed limited familiarity with green chemistry and related concepts, including toxicology, life cycle impacts, and the principles of green chemistry. This knowledge gap highlights a critical need for accessible, structured professional development that bridges academic instruction and industrial practice. To address this need, an online course titled From Lab to Market: Innovating Green Chemistry for a Sustainable Future is currently being developed by Beyond Benign in collaboration with Dow and curriculum developers and is anticipated to launch in 2026. The course is designed to provide educators and industry professionals with practical, accessible resources to strengthen their understanding and teaching of sustainable chemistry practices. The course consists of six modules that offer a foundational understanding of product and process safety, as well as essential chemical principles relevant to industrial applications. Course content begins with core concepts related to safety across the product life cycle and expands to include product innovation, toxicology, chemical management and regulatory frameworks, life cycle analysis, and trade-off evaluation. Participants will also examine the broader societal impacts of product development and chemical decision-making. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to more effectively integrate green chemistry concepts into their professional practice. This presentation will describe the course structure, module content, and learning objectives, highlighting its potential impact on chemistry education and workforce development.