2025 Technical Symposia

Accepted Symposia for Pacifichem 2025 are listed below

 

Analytical

Advances in Gas Sensing Material Development

Organizers: LONG LUO (ACS)Liang Zhang (CCS)Guangzhao Mao (RACI)
|

Gas sensors are used in diverse applications, including personal safety at home and in the workplace, industrial hygiene, environmental regulation, homeland security, and medical diagnostics. The global gas sensor market size was valued at USD 2.50 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9% from 2022 to 2030, with forecast revenue of USD 5.34 billion in 2030. The growth in demand is driven by more stringent safety regulations in monitoring and controlling industrial and residential environments, as well as demands for more portable gas detectors. Despite the strong demand for high-performance gas sensors, finding suitable gas-sensing materials to fulfill these emerging demands is often challenging. This symposium will cover the recent advances in gas sensing materials development from theoretical and experimental aspects and connect experts from academia and industry.

Advances in Plasmon Enhanced Spectroscopies

Organizers: Li-Lin Tay (CSC)Alexandre Brolo (CSC)Amanda Haes (ACS)Meikun Fan (CCS)
|

The extraordinary properties of plasmonic nanostructures enables a host of enhanced optical spectroscopy, super-resolution imaging, lasing, and novel design of photonic components. Recent advancements in AI-based machine learning techniques have significantly expanded the potential of plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies, opening up new avenues for data analytics beyond conventional chemometrics. This symposium will feature leading researchers in fundamental insights, novel plasmonic materials, emerging spectroscopic modalities, and data analytics in the field. Topics covered will include SERS, SEIRAS, SEF, TERS, and related hyphenated techniques. Contributions focusing on diverse applications such as catalysis, surface and interface chemistry, traceable and quantitative analysis, biology, biomedicine, imaging, food science, environmental analysis, security and forensic analysis, new plasmonic materials, in-situ/in-operando measurements, and advancements in chemometrics and machine learning data analytics are all welcome. Additionally, we invite papers from the surface-enhanced spectroscopy community that address challenges related to establishing metrologically traceable quantitative analysis, ensuring measurement reproducibility through interlaboratory studies, and promoting consensus in protocol standardization and validation.

Cinematic Molecular Science and Nanoscience Explored by Electron Microscopy

Organizers: Koji Harano (CSJ)Qian Chen (ACS)Dominik Lungerich (KCS)Takayuki Nakamuro (CSJ)
|

A new field of scientific research "Cinematic molecular science” is emerging, in which the time-evolution of the behavior of materials such as organic, inorganic, and biomolecules and their assemblies is captured in situ by atomic-resolution electron microscopy. While the conventional wisdom was widely shared that "organic and inorganic molecules exposed to electron irradiation immediately decompose", the latest developments in sampling techniques, observation methods, and data processing techniques have made it possible to study the behavior of a single molecule with minimal damage from electron beams. Single-molecule atomic-resolution time-resolved electron microscopy (SMART-EM) is one such technique that provides real-time atomistic images of the dynamic behavior of molecules and molecular assemblies using transmission electron microscopy. The development and integration of cross-disciplinary elemental technologies are now indispensable for the further development of cinematic molecular science. In this symposium, world-leading researchers in electron microscopy involved in molecular science and nanotechnology will gather together to discuss future directions of the cinematic molecular science for unveiling unknown dynamic processes of materials as real-space images at the atomic level. We aim to establish an international basis for fostering young researchers who can pioneer the next generation of science and push molecular science explored by molecular videos to become a standard method in chemical research.

Cross-Disciplinary Research in Flow Injection Analysis and Related Techniques

Organizers: Norio Teshima (CSJ)Gary Christian (ACS)Spas Kolev (RACI)Jianhua Wang (CCS)Duangjai NacaprichaAkhmad Sabarudin
|

Flow injection analysis (FIA) is an important analytical tool to efficiently perform most analytical operations and measurements. Since its introduction in chemical analysis more sophisticated generations of flow analysis techniques have been developed, such as sequential injection analysis, lab-on-valve, bead injection analysis, sequential injection chromatography, paper-based flow systems, and miniaturized systems. They provide a platform for the application of the whole canon of sample pretreatment, derivatization, separation and detection methods that are applied in modern analytical science. These technologies have been adopted for official methods by accrediting agencies. In order to address global challenges, e.g. the sustainable development goals, we believe that it is necessary to strongly promote cross-disciplinary research in FIA and related techniques, because they have great potential for the further development of life sciences, manufacturing, agricultural, and environmental sciences. This symposium focuses on recent advances in flow analysis methods and their application to various fields. It also embraces recent developments in laboratory automation using flow injection approaches, and the evolution and implementation of portable and autonomous flow injection systems for field measurements.

Electroanalytical Chemistry: Bridging New Horizons

Organizers: Hang Ren (ACS)Qianjin Chen (CCS)Zhifeng Ding (CSC)
|

Electrochemistry has expanded into multiple disciplines, especially in energy conversion and storage, chemical and materials synthesis, as well as biology. Electroanalytical chemistry continues to play a pivotal role in pushing new horizons in electrochemistry by developing new methodologies. Our symposium will cover the area of electroanalytical chemistry, including the development of new electrochemical sensors, new methods, and new instrumentation for understanding important processes in energy storage and conversion, environment, electrochemical synthesis, and biology. Emphasis will be given to new electroanalytical methods, including nanoelectrochemistry and single-entity electrochemistry, in charting these new frontiers.

Emerging Analytical Technology Development Advancing Environmental Exposure and Effect Studies

Organizers: Xing-Fang Li (CSC)Tao Huan (CSC)Shoji Nakayama (CSJ)Susan Richardson (ACS)Guibin Jiang (CCS)
|

This symposium will present emerging analytical technologies that advance environmental exposure and effect studies, such as non-target analysis and its associated machine learning solutions. Analytical technologies, supporting environmental exposure and health research, face significant challenges. For example, there are overwhelming numbers of chemicals to monitor, thousands of effect marker candidates have been proposed, and toxicological effects of environmental mixtures (exposome) are unclear. It has become common practice to combine exposomics and traditional-omics, such as metabolomics, transcriptomics, lipidomics, and proteomics, to uncover mechanisms for environmental health effects. Non-target analysis is one of the recent advancements, enabling detection of many unknown chemical contaminants in the environment. This approach generates a substantial amount of data, making it crucial to employ machine learning solutions for effective processing and interpretation. Recent environmental studies have demonstrated the indispensable role of machine learning in advancing analytical technologies by effectively handling large and complex datasets, automating data processing and method optimization, and enabling data-driven discovery. By harnessing the power of machine learning technologies, environmental researchers can significantly enhance their ability to identify previously unknown chemicals in environmental samples and crucial biomarkers for determining human exposure and effects. Ultimately, these advancements will contribute to a deeper understanding of emerging environmental health issues, necessary for future policy making. The symposium will showcase emerging analytical technologies in environmental analysis. Topics focus on (but are not limited to) machine learning and non-target approaches that foster environmental exposure and effect research. We welcome both oral and poster presentations from academic, government, and industry scientists.

Fabrication, Characterization and Applications of Different Natural and Synthetic Materials for Chemical Analysis, Separation Science and Related Areas

Organizers: Willie Hinze (ACS)Guibin Jiang (CCS)Yoshitaka Takagai (CSJ)Jingfu Liu (CCS)Shingo Saito (CSJ)Wei-Ssu Liao (
|

Increasing research efforts have focused not only on the design of materials that provide for greater specificity and sensitivity in analytical systems, but that are also ideally “more” environmentally benign and sustainable. A host of naturally-derived materials and biopolymers [e.g. cellulose, chitosan, keratin, agarose, etc.] and their derivatives as well as synthetic materials [such as metal-organic frame-works (MOFs), ionic liquids, covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), carbon-based and other metal nanomaterials, supramolecular assemblies] among others have been proposed for this purpose. The goal of this interdisciplinary symposium is to bring together material & colloid scientists and chemists whose research involves the design, fabrication and characterization of such natural/synthetic materials as well as those analysts who utilize these materials in practical analytical chemistry, sensor, separations & related applications. It is hoped that the symposium will serve to provide a current status review of this general field and highlight challenges and identify emerging opportunities for further study.

Horizon of 2D Correlation Spectroscopy

Organizers: Young Mee Jung (KCS)Isao Noda (ACS)Dennis Hore (CSC)Yizhuang Xu (CCS)Shigeaki Morita (CSJ)
|

2D correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) has been a well-accepted yet still rapidly evolving technique for spectral analysis due to the broad range of applications and the promising potential for a multiplicity of research problems in chemistry. Most notably, 2D-COS can explore very subtle spectral changes to provide new insights for the understanding of system at the molecular level, which is often hardly detected in conventional 1D spectral analysis. Such information, in turn, greatly assists the subsequent effective molecular design and synthetic chemistry and provides much needed fundamental understanding for molecular interactions in various chemical systems. This symposium covers not only noteworthy new concepts of 2D-COS but also versatile applications of 2D-COS. It would be of great interest to participants of PacifiChem and inspire further new developments in this field.

Low-Cost Capillary-Powered Microfluidics for Point-of-Need Measurements

Organizers: Daniel Citterio (CSJ)Charles Henry (ACS)Marya Lieberman (ACS)John Brennan (CSC)
|

Over the last few years, the development of low-cost capillary-powered microfluidic devices has gained strong momentum with the purpose of providing more affordable and simple analytical tools, globally applicable at the point of need. They do not require any external pumps since liquid flow is entirely driven by capillary forces. Examples include lateral flow strips, paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) and thread-based analytical devices (µTADs), as well as devices made from polyester films combined with double-sided adhesive spacers, among others.

The purpose of this symposium is to bring together leading experts from the Pacific rim to discuss recent progress in low-cost external pump-free capillary-powered microfluidic devices. The discussion will center around key themes of device development, integration and new chemistries. Examples of covered topics are microfluidic issues such as on-device sample preparation, reagent storage and release, mixing, flow control and valving methods, among others. A further focus is on signal generation and enhancement methods, as well as on specific assays for small molecules, proteins, cells, and others. Applications include diagnostics, point-of-care testing, food and nutrition safety monitoring, environmental on-site analysis, and workplace monitoring. Common essential features to all devices and applications are low cost, simple fabrication and ease of use.

Micro- and Nanoscale Devices for High Throughput and Sensitive Chemical Analysis and Production

Organizers: Noritada Kaji (CSJ)Kaoru HiramotoAmy Herr (ACS)Stephen Jacobson (ACS)Nae Yoon Lee (KCS)
|

Based on the unique physical phenomena observed in micro- to nanoscale devices, the field of application is currently expanding from basic analytical science to chemical production, such as mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles for COVID-19 vaccine production. Despite these recent advances in device technologies, there are still challenges in achieving higher throughput and sensitive chemical analysis due to the limited available device materials and device fabrication techniques of the devices, detection methods, and chemical and physical molecular interactions at the device surfaces. To address the unmet needs in chemical analysis and production, one of the key issues is comprehensive understanding of the chemical and physical phenomena in the micro- and nanoscale at the molecular level.
The ultimate goal of this symposium is to comprehensively understand the unique features of micro- and nanoscale devices from different perspectives and approaches, such as the analysis of chemical reaction kinetics, mimicking biological systems and intracellular environment through a new detection and imaging systems, and to explore the new application field of the devices, such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery systems, imaging system, and microplastics analysis. The discussion in this symposium is expected to provide a deep insight into analytical sciences and open a new window for the design of smart micro- and nanoscale devices.

On-Site and In-Vivo Instrumentation and Applications

Organizers: Janusz Pawliszyn (CSC)Gangfeng Ouyang (CCS)Joseph Wang (ACS)
|

The ultimate goal of an analyst is to perform the analysis of a sample at the point of need (e.g., within the human body, at abatement/remediation sites, on another planet, and other extreme environments) as opposed to the common practice of transporting the sample to a laboratory. This approach eliminates errors and the time associated with sample transport and storage, which, when coupled with efforts aimed at eliminating solvent use and the integration of sampling and sample preparation steps, promise to change the game in the measurement sciences towards more sustainable future. The objective of this symposium is to provide an overview of recent advances in the design, fabrication, and performance of analytical approaches based on unique sensing platforms, with specific emphasis on rapid analysis, miniaturization and functionality under extreme-use conditions. The scope of the symposium is by nature multidisciplinary and expects to touch on various areas of Chemistry and range of analytical tools. The proposed topics to be covered are diverse and expect to cover instrument miniaturization, improvement in separation and detection including various sensors and mass spectrometry deployed on land or under water, optical spectroscopic techniques for continuous monitoring, point of care instrumentation as well as sample preparation to facilitate on-site and in-vivo measurements. This symposium will feature speakers from government and academic laboratories at the forefront in developing a range of point-of-need techniques and instrumentation, and spanning the challenges resident in the health care, environmental monitoring, space exploration and other alien and hostile environments.

Optically-Active Nanoparticles and Materials: Bioanalysis, Sensing, and Imaging

Organizers: Russ Algar (CSC)Jennifer Chen (CSC)Igor Medintz (ACS)Jae-Seung Lee (KCS)
|

This symposium welcomes research on the development of fluorescent, luminescent, and other optically-active nanoparticles and materials for applications in bioanalysis, including, but not limited to, assays, imaging, sensors, catalysis and signal amplification, materials-enabled devices, and the design and optimization of materials and their bioconjugates for these purposes. Materials of interest include metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, upconversion and other lanthanide-based nanoparticles, semiconducting polymer dots, carbon-based nanomaterials, DNA-based nanomaterials, and any other nanoparticle/material with intrinsic colorimetric or luminescent properties, or the abiltiy to scaffold or modify such properties of other molecules or materials. Applications may be proof-of-concept or translational. Many applications will focus on the detection of genetic, protein, and metabolite biomarkers, enzyme activity, specific cell types and pathogens, and drugs or other biomarkers of value for therapeutic monitoring. Alternatively, applications may focus on the elucidation of fundamental biochemistry or biology, via tracking or quantification of biomarkers, cellular processes, and other relevant systems.

Point-of-Care Testing and Sensitive Detection of Nucleic Acids and Proteins

Organizers: Chris Le (CSC)Hanyong Peng (CCS)Christy Haynes (ACS)Norman Dovichi (ACS)
|

Point-of-care (POC) tests complement centralized laboratory diagnostics. Development of POC assays requires analytical chemistry, biomedical engineering, clinical chemistry, and broad field of health sciences. This symposium will showcase recent advances and innovation in POC assays and techniques. The detection targets primarily include, but not limited to, nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and molecular interactions between biomolecules. Affinity binding assays incorporating isothermal amplification, CRISPR technology, and nanomaterials achieve ultrasensitive detection of specific target molecules. Lateral flow assays, electrochemical sensors, and visualization of color and fluorescence provide inexpensive POC detection. This symposium will highlight some of these advances and motivate further developments that push the frontier of bioanalytical chemistry and POC technology. Oral and poster abstract submissions are welcome. The oral and poster sessions will stimulate discussions and foster potential collaborations.

Serendipity-Enabling Analytical Technologies for Biology and Medicine

Organizers: Keisuke Goda (CSJ)Dino Di Carlo (ACS)Kevin Tsia (CCS)Wei Min (ACS)
|

The Serendipity Lab is a consortium of scientists from across the Pacific region exploring the frontier of serendipity-enabling technologies in the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine. The group aims to revolutionize science through high-throughput, high-content, and/or high-dimensional bioanalytical methodologies. This dynamic and engaging symposium will cover discussions on novel developments in imaging, spectroscopy, microfluidics, omics, and gene editing, which are paving the way for innovative applications in biology and medicine. Additionally, we will explore the contribution of deep learning in fostering these technologies and its pivotal role in advancing high-dimensional bioanalysis. The symposium will provide a platform for international dialogue on the scientific milestones, challenges, and future prospects. Invited presentations will be led by our distinguished scientists, who have been instrumental in driving our research. We are also proud to highlight our commitment to nurturing the next generation of global scientific leaders. The symposium will include sessions dedicated to showcasing research from our promising young scientists, providing them with an opportunity to present their interdisciplinary work to a global audience. Overall, this symposium will foster collaborative connections, share unique insights into serendipity-enabling technologies, and inspire future research directions in the realm of chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Stable Isotope Labeling of Biomolecules and Use in Structural, Biochemical, and Biophysical Studies

Organizers: Zvi Kelman (ACS)Leonid Brown (CSC)Tamim Darwish (RACI)
|

Biomolecules labeled with stable isotopes (mainly 2H, 13C, 15N and 19F) are often used to obtain structural information using techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), neutron reflectometry (NR), and neutron crystallography. Although these techniques can be performed on biomolecules with nuclei at natural isotope abundance, the use of biomolecules labeled with stable isotopes allows for additional experimental approaches. Labeled biomolecules are also important in quantitative mass spectrometry (MS), and deuteration of exchangeable protons is required for hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). In the last several years we have witnessed significant progress in the type of biomolecules that can be labeled (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, sugars, etc.), as well as methods of labeling (including in vivo labeling in different organisms such as E. coli, yeast, mammalian cells, and plants), in vitro labeling of proteins and nucleic acids, and other approaches. Progress has also been made in the use of labeled material for structural and biophysical studies. This session aims to present and discuss the most recent advances in the techniques of biomolecule labeling and to provide methodologies for the use of labeled material in different structural and biophysical applications.

Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) for Analysis and Purification

Organizers: Larry Miller (ACS)Takeshi Bamba (CSJ)Susan Olesik (ACS)Arvind Rajendran (CSC)
|

Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) is a chromatographic technique used for small molecule analysis and purification. SFC uses a carbon dioxide-based mobile phase that allows faster analysis while often utilizing significantly less solvent than HPLC. SFC is a green separation technology reducing both organic solvent consumption and the energy required to reclaim the solvent. While SFC was developed fifty years ago, it has experienced a resurgence in the past ten years as evidenced by two large instrument vendors purchasing existing SFC companies. Commercial equipment is available for both analytical and preparative purposes. Most pharmaceutical companies consider SFC the preferred route for enantiomer separations. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) is the process of separating one component from another using supercritical fluids as the extracting solvent. SFE can be used as a sample preparation step for analytical analysis or at a large scale as a purification technique. The level of research in these areas has also increased drastically, leading to an annual SFC/SFE meeting with close to 200 attendees (alternating between the US, Asia, and Europe) as well as symposiums at numerous scientific conferences. SFC/SFE research is being carried out in both academic and industrial laboratories and previous Pacifichem sessions on these topics have been successful in bringing academia and industry together to discuss their latest research.
While SFC has been popular for purification for close to twenty years (particularly in the pharmaceutical industry) due to higher productivity and reduced solvent consumption relative to HPLC, the past years have seen great advances in the analytical SFC field. These advances in sensitivity allow analytical SFC to compete with HPLC in validated environments within the pharmaceutical and other industries. In addition, SFC now has a wide base of applications beyond the pharmaceutical industry including polymers, fuels, environmental contaminants, food, and nutritional analysis. Also, with the recently increased legalization of cannabis, SFC and SFE are becoming key techniques for extraction and purification.
Also, recent research in analytical SFC is obscuring any boundaries between SFC and HPLC. The addition of a significant volume of modifier in the mobile phase, generally an alcohol, and mixing 5 to 8% water in the alcohol allows SFC to move beyond moderately polar molecules to water-soluble molecules such as peptides and even oligonucleotides. Such ternary mixtures, which are basically liquid but still significantly more compressible than standard HPLC solvents, generate very interesting retention behavior. Another great area of interest is to hyphenate SFC with MS, which simultaneously opens up opportunities and questions. Hence SFC opens up several fundamental questions that are not observed in HPLC. Finally, the use of machine learning to predict chromatographic retention and separation has made great advances over the past few years, and this topic as it relates to SFC will be covered.
The objective of the symposium will be to convene both academics and industrial researchers to discuss recent advancements in the fundamentals and applications of SFC in pharmaceuticals.

Biological

Aardvarks to Zebus, Challenging Chemistry Targets and Innovative Solutions in Synthetic, Medicinal and Biological Peptide and Protein Science

Organizers: William Lubell (CSC)Hiroaki Suga (CSJ)Caroline Proulx (ACS)John Wade (RACI)
|

Structural diversity empowers various applications of polyamide motifs in natural and synthetic settings. Featuring the design of novel architecture, the conception of environmentally sound synthetic methods, the application of discriminating analytical methods and the exploration of peptides and proteins in efforts to address global challenges, this symposium highlights collaborative efforts to tackle pressing modern issues in various fields including medicine, energy, environmental and materials sciences.

Advances in Biological Solid-State NMR

Organizers: Yoshitaka Ishii (ACS)Izuru Kawamura (CSJ)YONGAE KIM (KCS)Isabelle Marcotte (CSC)Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy (ACS)William Price (RACI)
|

In this symposium, developments of novel solid-state NMR techniques will be emphasized with a focus on resolution and sensitivity enhancement, including computational, high-field NMR, dynamic nuclear polarization, novel detection methods, and paramagnetic doping approaches, as well as in vivo NMR. Recent advances in high-resolution structure determination of membrane-associated proteins and peptides, protein aggregation and phase separation, biomaterials, and crystalline proteins by multidimensional solid-state NMR spectroscopy will also be discussed. Studies of conformation, dynamics, and interaction of proteins and peptides with model membrane systems as well as intact cells will be presented in relation to biological function. Applications of solid-state NMR for metabolomics, biomass, and environmental science will be also discussed. Finally, molecular arrangement of supramolecular complexes and fibril formation as studied by solid-state NMR and NMR diffusometry will be another topic of discussion in this symposium in relation to molecular folding, misfolding, aggregation, and drug development. The symposium will also include approaches combining the benefits of solid-state NMR with other methods such as cryoEM, solution NMR, X-ray/electron diffraction, and imaging techniques.

Proposed sessions of the symposium
1. Technical development of resolution and sensitivity enhancements in solid-state NMR.
2. In vivo/in-cell solid-state NMR approaches.
3. Advances in high-resolution structure determination of biological systems by solid-state NMR.
4. Advances in structural biology of membrane-associated proteins and peptides.
5. Dynamics and function of biological molecules by solid-state NMR and NMR diffusometry.
6. Characterization of supramolecular complexes and fibril-forming proteins.
7. Advances in biological solid-state NMR for metabolomics, energy-related research, and environmental science.

Advances in Glycan Structure and Dynamics 2025

Organizers: Daron Freedberg (ACS)Koichi Kato (CSJ)Thomas Haselhorst (RACI)
|

Our symposium will spotlight state-of-the-art methods and methodologies to advance our understanding of glycan function in light of their structures and dynamics. This symposium will cover a wide range of topics from energy to medicine. It’s intended to be a synergistic atmosphere to foster collaboration by putting experimenters and computational chemists in the same room; discussions cover advances, while simultaneously addressing challenges, past, present and future. Current approaches to study, analyze and predict glycan three-dimensional structures are immature because experimental methods to characterize glycans remain underdeveloped. Glycan solution three-dimensional structures are frequently characterized by NMR spectroscopy, while solid-state structures are addressed by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography; MS has also been used to understand three-dimensional glycan structures. Theoretical approaches, such as molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations rely on experimental data for at least some parameterization. The invited talks will cover various approaches to delineating glycan structure, including NMR, MS, computational approaches such as MM, MD and Quantum Mechanics, and other methods aimed at improving the accuracy of glycan structural models. These discussions will shed light on glycan three-dimensional structure and dynamics and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries through interdisciplinary collaborations that will shape the future of Glycoscience and beyond.

Bio-Orthogonal Chemistry and Click Chemistry in Basic and Translational Biomedical Research

Organizers: Peng Wu (ACS)Xing Chen (CCS)Matthew Macauley(CSC)
|

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022 recognizes the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry. Such rapid, selective, and non-toxic covalent reactions that link two components together under benign conditions have not only led to a paradigm shift in basic biological research, but also facilitated the invention of translational technologies for the treatment of human disease. This symposium, scheduled to span two days, aims to bring together experts and young researchers to share their latest findings and advancements in this field. The proposed topics include:

Development of new bioorthogonal reactions

Application of click chemistry to activity-base protein profiling

Application of biorthogonal chemistry to bioconjugation

Application of biorthogonal chemistry to glycobiology

Develop new covalent protein drugs using click chemistry

Develop new detection tools using bioorthogonal and click chemistry

Develop small-molecule inhibitors and probes using bioorthogonal and click chemistry

By integrating experts and young researchers, the symposium provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and collaborations. Attendees will have the opportunity to present their recent research findings, discuss challenges and opportunities in the field, and explore potential applications of bioorthogonal and click chemistry in translational medicine.

Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics: Recent Advances in NMR

Organizers: Koh Takeuchi (CSJ)Giuseppe Melacini (CSC)Joel Mackay (RACI)Joon-Hwa Lee (KCS)Rieko Ishima (ACS)Shang-Te Danny Hsu
|

During the last three decades, the application of NMR spectroscopy to the study of biological macromolecules and drug design has expanded immensely as techniques and novel methodologies have been developed. Biological NMR spectroscopy provides high-resolution insight both into the structure-function relationships of individual biological macromolecules and also into more complex topics that include supramolecular protein complexes, inter- and intramolecular dynamics, allostery, catalysis, and the metabolism of various organisms, including humans.

Our symposium will cover topics ranging from the molecular basis of physiological and pathological processes to the most recent technological and methodological NMR advances. We anticipate the symposium style will allow active discussions among attendees with different expertise and at different career stages and will facilitate the application of cutting-edge methods to new problems and also the design and application of next-generation methodologies. Speakers will address topics that include new experimental and theoretical approaches, pharmacologically interesting molecules, biomolecular complexes and signaling, protein dynamics, allostery and catalysis, as well as NMR metabolomics.

Biosynthesis of Natural Products and Biomaterials

Organizers: Kenji Watanabe (CSJ)Bradley Moore (ACS)Martin Schmeing (CSC)
|

Natural products and their derivatives are the bedrock of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, functional foods, agrochemicals, and bulk commodity chemicals. This central role of the chemistry of life in basic and applied sciences, coupled with modern omics interdisciplinary research spanning organic chemistry, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, synthetic biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, has led to an explosive growth in our understanding of how nature constructs its broad diversity of specialized chemicals. This fundamental knowledge of biosynthetic mechanisms, the intimate connection of natural product chemistry and genomics, and the harnessing of biosynthetic pathways through synthetic biology has revolutionized the field of natural products to achieve societal goals of reimagining how molecules are produced in the future through biotechnology. This symposium will focus on recent developments in the biosynthesis of a diversity of life’s specialized chemistry, including terpenoids, alkaloids, polyketides, shikimate metabolites, vitamins, non-ribosomal and ribosomally produced peptides, and compounds of mixed biosynthetic origins, from diverse organisms spanning microbes, plants, and animals.

Chemical Approaches to Astrobiology

Organizers: Yoko Kebukawa (CSJ)Yoshihiro FurukawaAlicia Negron-Mendoza Matthew Pasek (ACS)
|

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary science which covers a diverse range of disciplines to understand the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of terrestrial and extraterrestrial life in the universe. This interdisciplinary field includes the search for habitable environments in the solar system, the search for habitable planets outside the solar system, the search for evidence of prebiotic chemistry, laboratory and field research into the origins and early evolution of life on Earth, and studies of the potential for life to adapt to environments on Earth and in outer space. Chemical approaches to astrobiology are particularly promising for understanding the origin and distribution of organic matter in space, environments suitable for life, and chemical evolution on Earth and beyond. Especially in recent years, sample return missions from carbonaceous asteroids by Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx are starting to produce fruitful results, we expect active discussions in this field. We are planning to invite scientists with a wide range of research interests related to chemical approaches to astrobiology.

Chemistry and Biology of RiPP Natural Products

Organizers: Qi Zhang (CCS)Douglas Mitchell (ACS)Yuki Goto (CSJ)Heng Chooi (RACI)
|

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) constitute a rapidly expanding class of natural products. These compounds are biosynthesized from precursor peptides, which undergo extensive enzymatic modifications. These compounds possess diverse chemical structures and display remarkable bioactivities, emphasizing their potential in drug discovery. Moreover, the malleability of biosynthetic pathways has facilitated the engineering of RiPPs to generate artificial analogs with modified biological activities. The plasticity of biosynthetic pathways has also facilitated biosynthetic engineering efforts to produce artificial analogs with altered biological activities. Collectively, RiPPs represent a promising area of research for drug discovery, enzymology, and bio-engineering. This symposium aims to explore a wide range of topics encompassing RiPPs, such as their discovery, biosynthesis, chemical biology, engineering, enzymatic mechanisms, biological functions, and other potential applications.

Cryo-EM in Enzymology and Dynamics

Organizers: Ming-Daw Tsai (ACS)Wah Chiu (ACS)Matthias Wolf (CSJ)
|

This is a new application to bring the emerging field of cryo-EM into the chemistry community. The resolution revolution of cryo-EM has continued to make major impact in the structures of large proteins and protein complexes, leading to advances, as shown by examples of recent reports, in the molecular details of cellular machineries, signaling complexes, membrane proteins, and progresses in drug discovery. These developments of cryo-EM are rapidly advancing the fields of biology and macromolecular structures.
Although not yet widely recognized, the single particle analysis (SPA) cryo-EM is also breaking new grounds in the fields of mechanistic enzymology and conformational dynamics. The aim of this symposium is to highlight the recent developments of cryo-EM in relation to these subjects, address the advantage and complementarity of cryo-EM with respect to other methods, and discuss potential future developments in these subjects and other chemistry related fields. It is important, and at the right timing, for the chemistry community to learn these developments in cryo-EM, since cryo-EM has a great potential in solving chemical mechanisms in biological reactions.

Design of Functional Proteins, Peptides, and Peptidomimetics.

Organizers: Ivan Korendovych (ACS)Richard ChengMiki Imanishi (CSJ)
|

Recent advances in computational and experimental techniques led to an explosive growth of new proteins, peptides and peptidomimetics that are capable of many practically useful functions. Moreover, protein and peptide design has had tremendous impact on the fundamental understanding of protein structure and function with potential applications in pharmaceutical and material sciences. The sessions will present recent developments in protein, peptide, and peptidomimetics design. The sessions are intended to foster exchange of ideas between chemists around the Pacific rim that may lead to collaborations and, possibly, plant the seeds of ideas that will grow into original work in this area of research. The topics presented would include both strategies and applications. Strategies would include synthesis and utilization of non-natural amino acids and novel scaffolds, de novo design, and computation-based methods; applications would include catalysis, diagnostics, pharmaceutics, and materials. Speakers will be chosen to provide a balance of chemists and biochemists at different career stages, with an eye for investigators who are known for maturity, enthusiasm and novelty.

Engineering Biology and Biomanufacturing for Sustainability

Organizers: Akihiko Kondo (CSJ)Byung-Kwan Cho (KCS)JIN YONG-SU (ACS)
|

Biotechnology is expected to be technologies that can realize both economic growth and a sustainable society, such as CO2 emission reduction. Biotechnology can produce chemicals such as bioplastics, biofuels, and functional materials from biomass resources and atmospheric CO2 using organisms (e.g., E. coli, yeast, and microalgae). The conversion of the chemical industry to biotechnological technology is expected to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. However, in order to apply living organisms to industrial purposes and to efficiently produce these chemicals, it is necessary to maximize the ability of living organisms or to add new functions to cells, and for this purpose, synthetic biology, which is engineering biology and biomanufacturing, are being actively studied. Genome sequencing technology, metabolic modification, and structural analysis are being fully utilized. Recently, computational science such as AI, which takes advantage of the processing of vast amounts of data obtained from these methods, and high-throughput technology, which processes a large number of specimens at high speed and reproducibly, are rapidly driving this field of research. In addition, the Pacific Rim region is blessed with diverse bio-resources due to its various geographical features such as deep sea, islands, and volcanoes, and therefore, new acquisition of bio-information, such as information on microorganisms and new useful enzymes that have not been used in the bio-industry before, is also expected.
This symposium will focus on the latest research in synthetic biology and bioproduction as described above, as well as industrial issues and expectations. We will share the progress on engineering biology and biomanufacturing in a broad range of fields, and discuss the potential for innovative bio-industrial seeds. The conference will bring together researchers from diverse backgrounds from the Pacific Rim, young researchers, corporate researchers, and ELSI to kick off the development of this field.

From Discovery to Application: Fluorescent Probes for Biological Imaging

Organizers: Martin Schnermann (ACS)Christopher Yip (CSC)Kenjiro Hanaoka (CSJ)Christoph Farni (ACS)Amandeep Kaur (RACI)
|

General Description:
The study of biology and medicine heavily relies on understanding the chemistry of these complex systems. Optical probes have emerged as invaluable tools for biological and medical research, offering real-time information with exceptional sensitivity and chemical selectivity. These molecules have facilitated groundbreaking discoveries in various fields of biology. Advancements in optical imaging, such as super-resolution microscopy and multimodal systems, point to a bright future for optical probes. To enable progress across the continuum of single molecule to in vivo optical imaging, it is crucial to develop new probes.

Our program aims to showcase the diverse range of approaches being pursued in this area. The ultimate goal is to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange among complementary fields while highlighting recent advances. The symposium includes the following areas of emphasis: (1) New applications and tools for super resolution imaging, (2) advances in multimodal in vivo imaging, (3) the development of new strategies for single molecule imaging and biophysics, (4) the discovery and application of fluorescence-based sensors.

This symposium builds upon the success of several related symposia held during Pacifichem meetings in 2010, 2015, and 2020. To ensure continuity, our organizing committee includes two members (CF and CY) who were involved in the previous efforts. By bringing together esteemed leaders from various Pacifichem societies, we aim to uphold the strong tradition of these symposia and foster collaboration in this field.

Outcomes:
The symposium will foster innovative and collaborative research among the participants. The delineation of limitations and future challenges in chemical probe design and chemistry will provide insights of broad utility to the community. Finally, this symposium will provide the opportunity for early career scientists from diverse backgrounds to interact with leaders in the field.

Genetically-Encoded and Chemigenetic Tools for Analysis and Control of Biological Systems

Organizers: Robert E. Campbell (CSC)Jin Zhang (ACS)Yulong Li (CCS)
|

The proposed symposium will focus on the latest advances in the area of genetically-encoded and chemigenetic tools for investigating biological systems. Though developed by chemists, such tools are revolutionizing the analysis and control of complex cellular processes. Over the past 5 years, this field has experienced explosive growth, with the chemistry community serving as the driving force behind the development of many of these tools. Consequently, this symposium will be timely and of the highest relevance for Pacifichem attendees. It will provide an engaging platform to showcase the work of a community of researchers that represents a balance of genders and a diversity of career-stages and geographical locations.

The symposium will cover the latest advances in both genetically encoded and chemigenetic tools for biological analysis and biological control. Biomolecular tools for analysis could include fluorescent protein-based biosensors, hybrid chemigenetic biosensors, novel luciferase-luciferin pairs, self-labeling proteins-dye pairs, antibodies, reporter enzymes, and fluorogenic RNA or DNA aptamer-dye pairs. These types of tools enable insights into a wide variety of biological processes, including cellular dynamics, protein-protein interactions, and intracellular signaling pathways. Biomolecular tools for control could include optogenetically controllable enzymes, opsin-based pumps and channels, CRISPR-Cas, and GPCRs engineered for activation with unnatural ligands. These types of tools enable precise manipulation of cellular processes, advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and facilitating the development of therapeutic strategies. The symposium will include speakers with research interests that span the broad area of genetically-encoded and chemigenetic tools, but the primary focus will be on research at the forefront of developing the types of tools listed above.

In summary, this symposium will emphasize the essential and leading role that the chemistry community is taking in the development of genetically-encoded and chemigenetic tools that are pushing the boundaries of biology. By bringing together a broad cross section of researchers working in this community, as well as engaging a broader audience of chemists from outside of the field, this symposium will provide a forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration that will stimulate further advancements in this exciting field.

Nanopore Sensors of Chemical and Biological Information

Organizers: Aleksei Aksimentiev (ACS)LingBing Kong (CSJ)Haichen Wu (CCS)Min Chen (ACS)
|

Nanopore sensing has emerged as a versatile approach for electrical detection and identification of biomolecules. In a typical measurement, a nanopore in a thin insulating membrane separates two electrolyte-filled compartments. Electric field is applied to drive biomolecules from one compartment to the other, through the nanopore, with the passage of individual molecules blocking the ionic current flowing through the nanopore. By analyzing the frequency, depth, duration and pattern of such ionic current blockades, the concentration and the chemical identify of the translocated molecules can be determined.

Despite its conceptual simplicity, the nanopore sensing has revolutionized the field of DNA and RNA sequencing by offering extraordinarily long reads, direct readout of the nucleotide sequence from native molecules, direct identification of modified nucleotides, low cost and portability. Ongoing work in the nanopore field is poised to bring long-awaited breakthrough in single molecule protein sequencing. Furthermore, the applications of nanopore sensing extend beyond sequencing and hold tremendous potential to serve as versatile tools for the detection of chemical and biological markers, offering groundbreaking applications in fields such as medicine, food security, biodefense, data storage, and more.

This symposium will bring together scientists of all levels to facilitate the exchange of ideas, latest results, and opinions in the general field of nanopore sensing. We believe the topic of nanopore sensing will be of outstanding interest to the Pacifichem attendees because of the diversity of potential applications that encompass many subfields of chemistry, the world-class lineup of invited speakers and the accessibility of the talks to non-experts which stems from the simplicity of the nanopore sensing principle. We expect this symposium to catalyze many new scientific collaborations across the Pacific, fulfilling the mission of the meeting.

Revealing the Biophysics behind Biomolecule Assembly and Function

Organizers: Jumi Shin (CSC)Isaac Li (CSC)Christine Chow (ACS)Steve Bourgault (CSC)David Perrin (CSC)Xin Zhang (CCS)
|

This symposium will include sessions at the interface between biological and physical/computational chemistry from researchers doing computations (e.g. Alphafold, molecular dynamics), directed evolution (continuous evolution, library screening), biomolecular NMR, design and synthesis of proteins/peptides/nucleic acids, biosensors, cellular assays. Applications include protein/peptide drugs (biologics), nucleic-acid therapeutics, biomaterials and bioremediation toward sustainable stewardship of our earth and ecosystem.

The Hidden Power of Specialized Metabolites in Nature

Organizers: Yuta Tsunematsu (CSJ)Hsiao-Ching LinHeng Chooi (RACI)
|

Specialized metabolites, also known as natural products, are a diverse array of chemical compounds produced by organisms that play pivotal roles in various biological processes. From plants and animals to microorganisms, specialized metabolites have been found to possess remarkable properties, including medicinal, ecological, and evolutionary significance. This session aims to shed light on yet to be known potentials of specialized metabolites and explore their possible applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
1. Drug discovery from nature
Natural products have a long history of being used in traditional medicine and continue to be a rich source for drug discovery and development. Case studies will showcase the discovery and development of specialized metabolites as novel therapeutic agents, including their anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Chemical and ecological aspects of specialized metabolites
The ecological importance of specialized metabolites will be explored. These compounds often serve as defense mechanisms against herbivores, pathogens, and competitors, influencing interactions within ecosystems. The session will present research on how specialized metabolites contribute to the adaptation and survival of organisms, as well as their impact on ecological processes, such as symbiosis.
3. Specialized metabolic pathways: Hidden treasures encoded in genomes
This section will showcase cutting-edge research that explores biosynthetic pathways of specialized metabolites that give rise to these compounds from commonly used primary metabolites, uncovering the genetic and enzymatic machinery involved. Disclosing cryptic metabolic pathways in genomes and designing and constructing invaluable compounds in surrogate microbes will be discussed.
By unraveling the mysteries surrounding specialized metabolites, this session will inspire interdisciplinary collaborations and foster a deeper understanding of the hidden power of these fascinating compounds. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the ecological, evolutionary, and applied aspects of specialized metabolites, paving the way for future discoveries and innovations in the field.

Chemistry and Engineering for Sustainability

Advances in Electrochemical and Liquid-based Thermal Technologies for Waste Heat Utilization and Electricity Storage

Organizers: Teppei Yamada (CSJ)Tae June Kang (KCS)Jiangjiang Duan (CCS)
|

This symposium will cover the recent development of liquid thermoelectric conversion devices and related thermal engineering, solution electrochemistry, and devices.
Thermocells, also called thermogalvanic cells or thermo-electrochemical cells, are thermoelectric conversion devices that utilize the temperature dependence of the redox equilibrium potential of redox-active molecules in solution. In recent years, the performance of thermocells has been dramatically improved by the introduction of an extremely wide range of scientific technologies, such as sophistication of redox molecules, thermal responsiveness of molecules, high functionality of electrode materials, use of ionic liquids, flow cells, electronic cooling, and wearable devices, etc., which can revolutionize the world scene of waste heat utilization. The performance of thermo-chemical batteries has improved dramatically. Extremely significant progress has also been made in thermoelectric capacitors and redox flow batteries. These fields are related to each other and are expected to have a ripple effect on various fields. In this session, we would like to provide an opportunity for researchers in a wide range of fields such as molecular science, electrochemistry, thermal engineering, and device engineering to meet and discuss with the keywords of waste heat utilization and solution electrochemistry.

Battery Chemistry Beyond Li-ion: Materials, Interfaces, Characterizations and Simulations

Organizers: Bin Ouyang (ACS)Yang Zhao (CSC)Dong-Hwa Seo (KCS)Xinbin Cheng (CCS)Jigang Zhou (CSC)
|

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as a crucial solution to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and grid energy storage. However, the rapidly growing market presents significant supply chain challenges. Furthermore, it highlights the need for alternative energy storage options that offer improved safety, longer lifespan, and higher energy density. Therefore, the development of "beyond Li-ion" technologies becomes essential for the advancement of energy storage technology. The "beyond Li-ion" symposium aims to bring together various technologies and fundamental understanding including Li-metal batteries, Na-ion batteries, K-ion batteries, all-solid-state batteries, metal-S batteries, metal-air batteries, and multivalent batteries. This symposium will be focused on the frontier of “emerging technology” that is not yet industrialized rather than “existing technology” that has already been industrialized (e.g. many Li-ion battery technologies). We welcome abstracts focusing on novel electrode/electrolyte design, interface engineering, battery device manufacturing, new battery chemistry, advanced characterizations, and simulations/predictions. The event will feature an inclusive and diverse gathering of world-leading scientists in this field, along with a promising group of early-career researchers.

Battery Research in GX and DX Era

Organizers: Susumu Kuwabata (CSJ)Shirley Meng (ACS)Sung-Soo KIM (KCS)Kiyoshi Kanamura (CSJ)
|

There is no doubt that electrochemical batteries, which are commonly used in our portable devices such as smartphones, will certainly become a key technology for constructing a sustainable society. Lithium-ion battery, which is now widely used, are undoubtedly a successful example. However, the use of rare materials does not make this battery a technology that maintains a truly sustainable society.
It is, therefore, of great significance to discuss what kind of batteries are necessary for the perpetual survival of mankind. That is the significance of holding this symposium. This is also important to understand the role of chemistry for this purpose. Specifically, we are changing the components of lithium-ion batteries to materials that are abundant in the earth, or developing completely new high-performance storage batteries that do not use scarce materials. In fact, a wide variety of batteries are being developed, and there is no doubt that gathering researchers who are working on them and exchanging information with each other will be beneficial for future battery development.

Challenges and Opportunities in Mechanochemistry: New Discoveries and New Directions

Organizers: Felipe Garcia (RACI)Hajime Ito (CSJ)Ashlie Martini (ACS)James Batteas (ACS)Jeung Gon Kim (KCS)Tomislav Friščić
|

Mechanochemistry is where chemistry and mechanics meet. Where the interaction of mechanical energy with matter transforms materials. The field spans many areas, ranging from tribology, where sliding and shearing contacts transform interfaces via tribochemical reactions, to the processes of chemo/mechanical transduction found in polymeric and biological systems, to core organic and inorganic chemical syntheses, where the use of mechanical force to drive reactions has been found to provide routes toward previously unattainable new materials. Importantly, as many mechanochemical reactions can be carried out with little or no solvent, mechanochemistry has also begun to demonstrate its vast utility for the advancement of the chemical industry, offering new vistas for green and sustainable chemical syntheses. While there have been many advancements in mechanochemistry in the past five years, the language and knowledge gaps among these areas remain a challenge for the development of a holistic understanding of mechanochemical processes across these various areas, and for its evolution as a core synthetic strategy.
To bridge these gaps, this symposium will foster the interaction of mechanochemists from across the spectrum of the field, providing a unique opportunity, where the differences and similarities in these varying elements of mechanochemistry can be discussed, while highlighting the most recent advances in chemical synthesis, methodologies, and theoretical and mechanistic constructs. Importantly, this symposium will not only engage researchers from academic institutions, but foster connections with researcher from industry such that the opportunities and challenges that face the translation of fundamental knowledge of mechanochemistry into industrial practice can be reviewed. To this end, this symposium will highlight four primary topical areas: (1) fundamentals of mechanochemistry in synthetic chemistry; (2) methodologies for understanding mechanochemical processes at interfaces; (3) mechanochemistry in soft matter; and (4) translation of mechanochemistry to industry.

Chemistry and Physics of Solids for Thermoelectric Energy Conversion and Thermal Energy Harnessing

Organizers: Michitaka Ohtaki (CSJ)Susan Kauzlarich (ACS)Holger Kleinke (CSC)Soonil Lee (KCS)
|

More than 60% of the primary energy supply in the world is unused, and wasted as heat. This is a huge energy resource we already have, but is technically difficult to be utilized in conventional energy industries. Thermoelectric energy conversion and related technologies, which convert heat directly to electricity, have been highly anticipated to solve this problem, and chemistry of the materials involved has always been the key to innovations in these technologies. This symposium addresses challenges in materials for thermoelectric/thermionic energy conversion and thermal energy harnessing technologies by bringing together researchers, scientists, engineers, and experts to share findings in thermal energy utilization materials, discuss strategies, and explore new avenues in materials chemistry to tackle the global warming problems.

Focus Areas:
Material Design and Synthesis: Designing advanced materials with tailored properties for heat-to-electricity direct conversion and thermal energy harnessing. This includes exploring novel materials, nanomaterials, composites, and hybrids with enhanced electrical conductivity and thermopower, and ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity, via experimental/computational/data-driven approaches.
Thermoelectric Materials and Devices: Development of high-performance thermoelectric materials. Topics include characterization, fabrication, device integration, and optimization strategies to enhance conversion efficiency.
Thermionic Conversion: Exploring chemistry and materials science behind thermionic conversion materials. Topics include material design, electron-emitter fabrication, and device engineering.
Thermal Energy Harvesting and Storage: Innovative strategies for capturing and storing thermal energy, such as phase change materials, thermal storage systems, heat transfer fluids, and thermal management techniques to enhance energy efficiency in various applications.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Evaluating the environmental impact and sustainability of materials and technologies for heat-to-electricity conversion, including life cycle assessment, recycling methods, and ecological considerations associated with these materials and systems.
Integration and Commercialization: Discussing the integration of thermal energy conversion/harnessing technologies into practical applications, addressing scalability, cost-effectiveness, market readiness, and policy implications to foster the commercialization and widespread adoption of these technologies.

Continuous Flow Science from Bench to Market – A joint academic-industrial initiative

Organizers: André B. Charette (CSC)Francois Levesque (ACS)Shu Kobayashi (CSJ)
|

Breakthroughs have been achieved through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and breaking down barriers between clusters of science to create a network that connects communities. Today, chemists must not only continue to improve the synthetic chemistry toolbox, but do so while addressing sustainability, efficiency, and productivity metrics from R&D to manufacturing. These challenges are common across the chemical industry: pharmaceutical, agrochemical, commodity, cosmetic, veterinary, and many others. Over the past decade, continuous flow chemistry has been introduced as a powerful tool for the synthetic chemist to address some of these challenges. However, since it is conceptually different from the commonly used batch processes, it comes with its own set of challenges: technical language barrier, cultural differences (chemistry/engineering, industry/academia), HQP training, etc. Nonetheless, researchers in academia and industry have expanded the portfolio of flow-compatible synthetic methods, developed new hardware, and introduced automation and AI to accelerate discovery. This symposium will highlight the latest advancement and efforts in solving global challenges using continuous flow science in both, academic and industrial settings.

Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Processes

Organizers: Astrid M Müller (ACS)Samira Siahrostami (CSC)Seoin Back (KCS)
|

Chemistry and engineering for sustainable applications has attracted much interest in recent years and the search for novel high-performance electrocatalytic materials and processes continues. Emerging electrocatalytic approaches offer advantages, such as low energy costs, low capital expense, high efficiency, operation at ambient conditions, ability to be in mobile or distributed units, global scalability, and ability to sustainably be powered by renewable electricity. To combat climate change and restore environmental and social justice worldwide, an urgent need exists for the development of new electrocatalytic materials and processes.

New synthetic methods and computational material design together with a thorough theoretical and experimental understanding of electrocatalytic mechanisms, active sites, reactive species, and process parameters are essential to accelerate discoveries in sustainable electrocatalysis. This symposium will advance the research community's knowledge that is prerequisite for much-needed innovations in electrocatalytic successor technologies.

This symposium will focus on the following key research topics:
- New synthetic methods for controlled nanocatalysts
- Computational material design of catalytic materials and mechanisms
- Operando spectroscopies of electrocatalytic sites and reactive species
- Benchmarking-type assessment of electrocatalytic performance
- Carbon dioxide reduction electrocatalysis
- Nitrogen fixation electrocatalysis
- Oxygen electrocatalysis
- Membranes for electrocatalytic devices

Electrochemical CO2 Capture and Conversion

Organizers: Fengwang Li (RACI)David Sinton (CSC)Dawei Feng (ACS)
|

Global CO2 emissions reached a record high of 37.12 billion tonnes in 2021, with Pacific Rim countries accounting for over 66% of this staggering figure. These emissions have had a severe impact on global climate change, particularly affecting the Pacific islanders. The emergence of CO2 capture and conversion powered by renewable electricity presents exciting new opportunities to tackle the issue of CO2 emissions by simultaneously eliminating the energy-intensive regeneration step in CO2 capture and overcoming critical obstacles faced by CO2 gas-fed conversion reactors. Integrating electrochemical CO2 conversion with capture, existing or emerging, opens up a promising pathway for the production of sustainable fuels and feedstocks from waste CO2, free from fossil fuels. While progress has been made in recent years, new challenges continue to arise, necessitating collaborative, multidisciplinary solutions among researchers from all countries. This symposium provides a precious opportunity for researchers to come together and pool our knowledge and expertise.

Emerging Microwave Chemistry for Electrification of Chemical Processes

Organizers: Shuntaro Tsubaki (CSJ)Dionisios Vlachos (ACS)Jie Zhang (RACI)
|

Industrial electrification is an urgent issue in the current chemical industry achieving carbon-neutral chemical processes. The microwave chemical process has the potential to transform a conventional petrochemical-based industry into a renewable energy-based one. In addition, microwave irradiation to the interfaces of solid-liquid, solid-gas, solid-solid, and gas-liquid dramatically accelerates various chemical reactions. The rationally designed microwave-accelerated reactions will drastically renew the chemical reaction systems that efficiently convert electricity into chemical energy. This symposium will share and discuss the frontiers of emerging microwave chemistry in reaction acceleration. The mechanistic insight into microwave rate enhancement will be discussed by in situ/operando observation and theoretical computational analysis. The symposium also covers efforts toward the industrial application of microwave chemical processes.

Environmental Distribution of Emerging and Legacy Contaminants: Monitoring, Lab Measurements, and Modelling

Organizers: Trevor Neil Brown (CSC)Satoshi Endo (CSJ)Hang Xiao (CCS)
|

The number and complexity of environmental contaminants continues to increase, presenting a challenge for scientists to understand and predict their behaviour in the environment. Many challenging classes of contaminants have recently come under regulatory scrutiny, such as pharmaceuticals, PFAS, surfactants, nanomaterials, microplastics, and substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials (UVCBs). This is in addition to more classical contaminants which still need to be monitored and understood as part of ongoing regulation, such as POPs, plant protection products, reactive gases, and PM2.5. The way that contaminants are distributed between environmental media determines which pathways are important for human and ecological exposure, and ultimate fate. Spatial and temporal variability in both the emission of contaminants and the properties of environment contribute to the difficulties in measuring and predicting the distribution of contaminants. There are three traditional pillars used to quantify contaminant distribution: field measurements which provide real-world data for ground truthing; laboratory measurements which aim to understand fundamental processes in a controlled environment; and modelling which is used to interpret and explain the experimental data and to synthesize new hypotheses. Topics of interest in this session include, but are not limited to, the development of GC and LC/MS techniques for monitoring known and unknown contaminants, elucidation of regional and global contaminant distributions by active and passive sampling methods, characterization of (bio)transformation and sorption processes in environmental matrices, modeling of contaminant transport over space and time, and the development of machine learning methods for physicochemical property prediction. We especially welcome submissions that combine two or three of these pillars to perform in-depth studies of contaminant distribution, and submissions that help advance the science for challenging contaminant classes.

Extrusion Reaction Technologies: Fundamentals, Applications, Insights, and Role in the Bioeconomy

Organizers: Ali Ayoub (ACS)Run-Cang SUN (CCS)Lucian Lucia (ACS)Richard Venditti (ACS)Gi Hyung Ryu (KCS)
|

Reactive extrusion is an attractive and emerging green engineering route for fabrication of cost-effective materials in order to offer potentially significant enhancements to commercial viability in food and non-food industries. Achieving this goal will require the confluence of a number of factors; however, we will focus our symposium on the technological aspects which investigate the balance between its fundamental principles and practices to offer attractive opportunities for new systems with unique properties for sustainable composites and packaging, bioenergy, and clean label ingredients in the food and non-food industries. We are particularly interested in work that focuses attention on the intriguing disciplines of rheology and modeling as they are applied to reactive systems and advanced characterizations to ultimately achieve commercial success. We envision future advances may lead to the deployment of many more extrusion combined process technologies, and that such technologies will be game changers with respect to time- and resource-consuming conventional approaches.

Frontlines of Research on the CO2 Conversion Catalyst Towards an Industrial Approach

Organizers: Yutaka Amao (CSJ)Masazumi Tamura (CSJ)Shota Atsumi (ACS)Wen-Yueh Yu
|

The reduction of CO2 emissions is a global issue and is widely recognized as one of the primary causes of global warming. It is imperative in the energy field to transform to energy resources with low CO2 emissions and promote energy conservation. Additionally, research is actively progressing on technologies that involve the separation, capture, and underground storage of CO2 (CCS), as well as technologies that utilize the separated and captured CO2 (CCU) in both industrial and academic sectors. These advancements are crucial in contributing to the reduction of CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

Green Chemistry Communities: Principles, Practices, and Action Towards a Sustainable Future

Organizers: Juliana Ladeira Vidal (CSC)Amy Cannon (ACS)John Warner (ACS)John De Backere (CSC)Kei Sato (CSJ)Supawan Tantayanon
|

Defined as the ‘design of chemical processes and products that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances”, green chemistry has a fundamental role in achieving a sustainable future. Chemists with green chemistry skills can design processes and products that will not impact human health or the environment. To achieve this goal, however, we need everyone on board. Due to the holistic nature of the green chemistry field, the power of the green chemistry community arises from holistic individuals with interdisciplinary skills and supportive strategies, who aim to learn from our past in order to build towards a systemic and meaningful change in our present and future.
This session will highlight diverse and empowering approaches performed by the green chemistry community towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this symposium, participants will learn about holistic, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive approaches to achieving a sustainable future through green chemistry. These will include different sectors such as education, academia, industry, and NGOs to showcase the importance of collaborative strategies to address our current environmental and societal goals. Through a panel discussion, attendees will interact with the speakers and initiate a conversation about local or global actions that could be taken toward building communities of transformation.

Green Solvents for Attaining a Circular Economy Through Processing Renewable and Upcyclable Materials

Organizers: Lucian Lucia (ACS)Glenn Larkin (ACS)Scott Renneckar (CSC)Maria Peresin (ACS)Consuelo Fritz (ACS)Gaojin LV (CCS)Falk Liebner (ACS)
|

Our symposium will target content involving “green” solvents that promote the advancement of the circular economy of renewable and upcyclable materials and mitigate climate change. Renewables we wish to consider include lignocellulosics, proteins, oleo-chemicals, or plastics and other end-of-life products. All content will be compatible with the notion of low carbon footprint and positive eco-sustainability. We welcome content on the use of water, deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, subcritical, and supercritical fluids as both reactive and/or reaction media to enhance biocatalysis, thermal, chemi-mechanical, photochemical, and electrochemical transformations at comparatively lower intensity than currently known. We encourage work providing recent progress and comparisons to current processes, particularly in transitions from academic labs to evolving markets. We invite all researchers, regardless of career stage, to submit their work. We especially invite industrial chemists to share their successes and will accommodate both oral presentations and posters.

Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Fuel Cells for Green Transformation

Organizers: Hiroyuki Uchida (CSJ)Karen Swider-Lyons (ACS)William Mustain (ACS)San Ping Jiang (RACI)Bryan Pivovar (ACS)
|

The green transformation (GX) will revolutionize the global energy landscape by allowing industry to shift from fossil energy to clean energy. Hydrogen is a key green energy source and R&D into its production (by water electrolysis), storage and efficient use has been accelerated worldwide by billions of dollars in government and industrial investment. This symposium is devoted to the aspects of R&D of low-temperature water electrolyzers (WEs) and fuel cells (FCs) and hydrogen storage systems. The intention is to bring together the international community working on the subject. To produce WEs and FCs with improved efficiency, durability, and reduced costs, there are several components that still need innovation and improvement, such as electrocatalysts, polymer electrolytes (e.g., anion or cation exchange membranes), electrodes, and bipolar-plates. There is also a need to develop cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, digital transformation (DX), and system science. Hydrogen storage systems with high density, durability, and reduced costs are also needed, requiring hydrogen storage materials (e.g., MH), control of micro/nanostructure of MH, analyses of hydrogenation of materials, as well as DX and system science. This symposium will exclude direct-fuel cells, CO2 electrochemical reduction, and photochemical water splitting, which are covered by other Symposia, as well as conventional H2-carriers (such as ammonia or MCH) or tanks (liquid or pressurized).

Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells: Trends and Challenges

Organizers: Yasuhiro Tachibana (RACI)Atsushi Wakamiya (CSJ)Hao-Wu Lin (CSLT)
|

This symposium will focus on development and characterisation of lead-free metal halide perovskite and solar cells. The program will address the latest advances and development in perovskite nanostructures, modelling, simulation and characterisation techniques, and the current status and prospect, major achievements, latest performance, technological limitation and crucial challenges of lead-free perovskite solar cells. The specific topics will include development and characterisation of novel lead-free perovskites, and energetics, electronic structure, surface and interface properties, modelling and simulation of perovskite structures including 2D and 3D perovskites and charge transporting materials, latest performance and long-term stability of solar cells, and recent advances in synthetic techniques and characterisation techniques.

Photo/Electro-Catalysis for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Engineering

Organizers: Wooyul Kim (KCS)Wonyong Choi (KCS)Taicheng An (CCS)Michael Wong (ACS)Yang Yang (ACS)
|

The urgent need to address climate change and achieve sustainable development has prompted significant research efforts towards carbon neutrality and sustainable engineering. Among the various emerging technologies, photo/electro-catalysis has emerged as a promising avenue for transforming the energy landscape and mitigating environmental challenges. This symposium aims to explore the latest advancements in photo/electro-catalysis research, focusing on its potential applications for achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable engineering while bringing researchers, engineers, and industry professionals together. The symposium will provide a platform to showcase recent developments, share research findings, and foster collaborations in this rapidly evolving field.
Topics of interest for this symposium include, but are not limited to:
-Novel photo/electro-catalytic materials for efficient energy conversion and storage
-Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic processes for CO2 reduction and utilization
-Advances in photoelectrochemical systems for sustainable energy and environment
-Integration of renewable energy sources with photo/electro-catalysis for enhanced sustainability
-Catalytic approaches for converting biomass and waste into valuable products
-Environmental applications of photo/electro-catalysis, including water treatment and air purification.
-Scale-up and commercialization challenges in photo/electro-catalysis technology

Porous Materials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Utilization

Organizers: Masaru Ogura (CSJ)Christopher Jones (ACS)Peng Wu (CCS)
|

Zeolites are well-known, functional materials having a rigid and uniform set of micropores whose size is similar to small molecules. They have been successfully utilized in petrochemical industries and in purification of auto-exhaust, among other applications. In the last decade, further materials with larger pores, or enhanced pore flexibility have been developed, such as mesoporous materials and MOF/PCP/COF materials. Such materials may act as a functional mold for molecules, clusters, and other species. In this session, we will focus on the synthesis of such highly-functionalized porous materials; characterization of such porous and surface properties; and then their utilization not only for catalysis but also as adsorbents, membranes (selective separation), and other applications that target the sustainability of our society.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Addressing Challenges and Advancements

Organizers: Jinxia Fu (ACS)Zhenning Gu (ACS)Hongwei Wu (ACS)Wen-Ying LI (CCS)Jillian Goldfarb (ACS)
|

The aviation industry is actively exploring sustainable alternatives to conventional jet fuel to reduce its environmental impact. However, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) still faces several challenges. This symposium seeks contributions from academia, industry, and government agencies on addressing these challenges in one or more of the following topical areas:
1. Feedstock Availability and Processing:
a. Challenges in securing sustainable feedstocks
b. Feedstock processing techniques and optimization
2. Conversion Technologies for SAF
a. Breakthroughs in conversion technologies for SAF production
b. Scaling up SAF production from lab-scale to commercial-scale
c. Cost reduction strategies and process optimization
3. Lifecycle Analysis and SAF Certification
a. Sustainability criteria and lifecycle analysis
b. Policy developments and supportive frameworks for SAF deployment
4. Infrastructure and Supply Chain Development
a. Infrastructure requirements for SAF production, storage, and distribution
b. Adapting existing aviation fuel infrastructure for SAF integration
c. Overcoming logistical challenges and expanding the SAF supply chain

Sustainable Chemicals and Bioproducts from Biomass

Organizers: Ning Yan (ACS)Guang Yang (CCS)Akira Isogai (CSJ)Junyong Zhu (ACS)
|

This symposium will provide a platform for showcasing the recent progresses in developing sustainable chemicals, bio-based products, and functional materials and devices from renewable biomass feedstock. Broad topics surrounding latest advances in novel extraction, conversion, processing, design, synthesis, modification, functionalization, characterization, assembly, and fabrication of biomass materials for value-added applications are welcome. Some example areas include: 1) Synthesis, modification, and advanced applications of the renewable materials derived from biomass materials like saccharides and polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, and chitosan), lignin, DNA, peptides and proteins, and other biomolecules. 2) Emerging applications of renewable materials in various fields, such as environmental applications (remediation, water purification and treatment, recycling, etc.), clean energy applications, and biomedical applications (bio-sensing and analysis, antibacterial, anticancer, drug delivery systems). 3) Biorefining and conversion of biomass into various chemical platforms and bio-based products.

Sustainable Chemistry and Materials for Electrochemical Energy Technologies

Organizers: Xiaolei Wang (CSC)Zheng Chen (ACS)Shuhui Sun (CSC)Hye Ryung Byon (KCS)Lauren Marbella (ACS)Chibueze Amanchukwu (ACS)
|

Chemistry and Materials play a key role in the development and understanding of electrochemical energy
technologies. This symposium will provide a forum for chemists, material scientists, engineers, and energy
researchers as well as industrial partners to share and discuss the latest advances and developments in
sustainable chemistry toward the design of functional materials, and the development and understanding of
novel clean energy technologies, including particularly electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems.
The symposium plans to include a diverse group of experts from a range of Pacific Rim countries and speakers from all career stages.
This symposium will mainly cover the topics of sustainable chemistry and materials
(catalysts/electrodes/electrolytes/interfaces) contributing to the experimental developments and theoretical
understanding of novel electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies, including but not limited
to fuel cells, hydrogen production, batteries (e.g., lithium-ion (and other alkaline-ions, lithium-metal, all-solidstate, rechargeable aqueous, metal-air, and new flow battery systems). The symposium will also highlight the research efforts on the use of sustainable chemistry concepts and tools for new designs and design strategies towards the recycling, upcycling, reusing, and/or upgrading of materials in clean energy technologies, such as spent lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers.

Sustainable Electronics: From Metal Recovery and (Micro)Plastics’ Valorization to Biodegradable Electronics

Organizers: Clara SantatoJaewook MyungLan YinFederico Rosei
|

Consumer electronics offer the potential to improve quality of life and broaden education and information access. Unfortunately, the rapidly growing demand of consumer electronics has led to unsustainable amounts of electronic waste (e-waste). In 2019, global e-waste was 54 megatons.
E-waste contains hazardous substances that pose health and environmental concerns. Further, it is often object of illegal transboundary trafficking towards Sub-Saharian and Southeast Asian countries. On the other hand, the presence of valuable metals in the e-waste stream constitutes economic opportunities for the recycling industry. There is 100 times more gold in a ton of mobile phones than in a ton of gold ore. The material value alone is worth $62.5 billion.

The focus of the present symposium is on innovative and meaningful solutions to e-waste, from recovery of precious metals, to recycling and valorization of e-waste plastic components (including microplastics generated from e-waste recycling) and eco-designed biodegradable or compostable organic electronics.

Sustainable Materials and Polymer Chemistry

Organizers: Francesca Kerton (CSC)Christopher Kozak (CSC)Karen Wilson (RACI)Nontipa SupanchaiyamatAndrew HuntFrancesca Pincella (CSJ)
|

This symposium focuses on the preparation or synthesis of sustainable materials and polymers, and the application of these materials to tackle important issues related to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This is an interdisciplinary area with many chemists working alongside engineers, environmental scientists, biologists and physicists to make advances in a timely way and increase our collective knowledge. In terms of synthesis of these substances, this might involve many of the 12 principles of green chemistry e.g. solvent-free approaches, catalysis using earth abundant metals or metal-free approaches and biocatalysis. Use of sustainable feedstocks such as biomass and carbon dioxide is being widely explored around the world to produce materials such as biochars (an important material highlighted by the UN’s IPCC as a carbon sink) and functional polycarbonates. Many chemists and engineers are investigating new frontiers in bio-derived and biodegradable materials including lignocellulosic resources, protein waste derived polymers, and bio-based nanomaterials. New characterization methods have been applied in the last decade to get a better understanding of bio-derived materials and this has led to new applications in high-value areas and innovative technologies. The materials can have applications across a wide range of areas including ‘green’ energy generation and storage, catalysis including electrocatalysis, chemical separations and carbon dioxide capture.

Valorizing Lignin

Organizers: Lindsay Eltis (CSC)Gregg Beckham (ACS)Yuki Tobimatsu (CSJ)
|

Lignin represents the “final frontier” in biomass conversion research and development. A heterogeneous, alkyl-aromatic polymer, lignin is one of the major components of plant biomass, together with cellulose and hemicellulose. The recalcitrant nature of lignin leads to a huge number of technical challenges in extracting it from biomass, to the extent that the cost effective valorization of lignin, with a few notable exceptions, remains elusive despite nearly a century of efforts. Recent advances, exemplified by tandem processes that integrate chemical and biological catalysis, promise to move us closer to solving the “lignin problem”, a key to the sustainability of modern biorefineries and enabling the lignocellulosic bioeconomy. The proposed symposium will bring together leading researchers developing catalytic and biological approaches to extract, depolymerize, and upgrade lignin. Topics covered will include chemo- and biocatalytic methods to transform lignin, to emerging analytical methods to elucidate lignin structure and computational approaches to determine lignin reactivity. Given the inherent challenges in lignin conversion and the breadth of research on lignin internationally, a symposium on the (bio)catalytic conversion of lignin will generate great interest and serve the growing, multidisciplinary community of researchers to accelerate the science of lignin forward.

Chemistry for Life Science and Health Care

Chemistry and Chemical Biology of Gasotransmitters (Nitric Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide)

Organizers: John B Matson (ACS)Ming Xian (ACS)Binghe Wang (ACS)Hidehiko Nakagawa (CSJ)Bowen Ke (CCS)
|

Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are critical endogenous signaling molecules in mammals. These three gasotransmitters have distinct and yet overlapping biological activities in cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems as well as in cancer. NO-based therapeutics including nitroglycerine have long been used for treating heart attacks. Recent years have seen rapidly increasing interests in exploiting CO and H2S as potential therapeutics for various indications including cancer, inflammation, ischemia attacks, sepsis, and organ transplants. A quick SciFinder search using these three molecules as key words yielded >20,000 papers from just 2022-present. Recognizing the potential in gasotransmitter-based therapeutics and the need to understand their fundamental chemistry/chemical biology, we have organized four gasotransmitter symposia in the past six years. Each was very well attended, indicating a high level of interest in this subject area. Participants are expected from the areas of analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, drug delivery and prodrugs, chemosensors, chemical biology, and biology. These researchers are expected to come from countries including US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, India, Italy, Uruguay, New Zealand, etc.

Expanding the Boundaries of Drug Discovery with DNA-Encoded Libraries

Organizers: Raphael Franzini (ACS)Yizhou LiJung-Nyoung Heo
|

DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) offer a unique capability to explore vast collections of small molecules for specific target binding. With continuous advancements in on-DNA synthesis techniques, selection modalities, and integration with artificial intelligence, DELs have the potential to transform pharmaceutical research. Already making significant contributions, DEL hits have advanced into clinical trials and DELs are playing integral roles in developing molecular degraders and RNA-targeting molecules. This symposium aims to bring together experts in organic synthesis, chemical biology, chemoinformatics, and medicinal chemistry to discuss cutting-edge developments that push the boundaries of DEL technology. By fostering interdisciplinary communication and collaboration, the symposium encourages interactions that may not occur otherwise. Anticipating broad appeal, we expect a diverse audience from academia and industry.

Objective:
The objective of this symposium is to provide a platform for experts to share insights, exchange knowledge, and explore the latest advancements in DEL technology. Through invited lectures and contributed presentations, we will discuss state-of-the-art techniques, novel methodologies, and successful applications of DELs in drug discovery.

Extracellular Fine Particles: Chemistry, Biology, and Biomedical Applications

Organizers: Yoshinobu Baba (CSJ)Z. Hugh Fan (ACS)Jin-Ming Lin (CCS)Kouhei Tsumoto (CSJ)Yuko Ichiyanagi (CSJ)
|

The research field of extracellular fine particles has been progressing rapidly as new interdisciplinary research field for chemistry, biology, life science, healthcare, and biomedical applications. There are various extracellular fine particles ranging from nano- to micro-sized particles in the living body. They can be classified into two large groups: (1) exogenous fine particles such as PM2.5, carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, bacteria, and viruses; (2) endogenous fine particles, such as extracellular vesicles like exosomes and microbiome. Their physiological processes and physiological significance have been studying in more details. Research on exogenous fine particles has mainly included improvements or safety evaluations of existing nanostructures and nanomaterials. During the decade, the investigations on mechanisms underlying biological responses to exogenous fine particles and their dynamics have been becoming more important. Endogenous fine particles, such as extracellular vesicles and microbiome, have recently been found to play important roles in intercellular communication and be related to many diseases including cancers and cognitive impairments. More recently, the relationship between biological responses of exogenous fine particles and physiological processes of endogenous fine particles has attracted much attention. The organizers propose a symposium covering all aspects of extracellular fine particles, including their fundamental chemistry and biology, and applications related for medical diagnosis/therapy, biomedical nanomaterials, vaccine technologies, nanoDDS, and health impacts of environment. There is a healthy and necessary focus on fundamental studies for chemistry and biology of extracellular fine particles, coupled with an abundance of applications in life science and healthcare.

From Molecular Diagnostics to Therapeutics with Aptamers

Organizers: Maxim Berezovski (CSC)Yingfu Li (CSC)Kuwahara Masayasu (CSJ)Rakesh Veedu (RACI)Yi Xiao (ACS)
|

The symposium is a gathering of chemists, biochemists, and other researchers specializing in the field of aptamers and their applications in molecular diagnostics and therapeutics. Aptamers, short single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules, possess unique chemical properties that make them highly versatile tools for molecular recognition and manipulation.

This symposium aims to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering collaboration among experts in nucleic acid chemistry and related fields. The event will showcase the latest advancements in aptamer technology, focusing on their chemical design, synthesis, characterization and applications. Attendees will gain insights into the diverse strategies employed in aptamer development, such as modifications, conjugation techniques, and structure elucidation.

The symposium will cover a wide range of chemical aspects related to aptamers, including their selection methodologies, combinatorial libraries, and high-throughput screening techniques. Presentations will highlight the use of aptamers as molecular probes, sensors, and diagnostic tools, illustrating their potential in detecting disease biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity.

Furthermore, the symposium will explore the applications of aptamers in therapeutics. Attendees will learn about the design and synthesis of aptamer-based drug delivery systems, conjugates, and theranostic platforms. The discussions will encompass the rational design of aptamers for targeted therapies, their chemical modifications for enhanced stability and pharmacokinetics, as well as strategies for minimizing off-target effects.

In addition to scientific presentations, the symposium will provide ample opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants, fostering the exchange of ideas and potential research collaborations. Researchers will also have the chance to explore avenues for commercialization and discuss regulatory considerations in bringing aptamer-based technologies from the laboratory to the market.

Frontiers in Dynamic Supramolecular Chemistry: Towards Practical Functions

Organizers: Yoshiyuki Kageyama (CSJ)Neal Devaraj (ACS)Younsoo Kim (KCS)
|

Despite its obvious aesthetic appeal, supramolecular chemistry has always been practically oriented. Cyclodextrins, for example, have been applied as solubilizers for foods and drugs and as an elastic material for contact lenses. Recently, supramolecular chemistry research in non-equilibrium systems has made tremendous progress, and researchers have explored systems that both mimic living supramolecular assemblies or can be implemented in living systems to help us understand supramolecular reactions in cells. For example, there have been remarkable advances in understanding the non-equilibrium nature of life through chemical reaction networks in liposomes, the synthesis of micro-robotic sensors, and the collective movement of supramolecular assemblies. Furthermore, significant progress has been made in areas that support dynamic supramolecular systems development. These include new methodology in organic and biological supramolecular chemistry, the creation of molecular-based or polymer-based actuators, and the development of structural analysis and analytical techniques. This symposium aims to deepen the discussion on this rapidly evolving multidisciplinary field and link the recent results to futures practical function. This symposium on synthetic and biologically relevant dynamic supramolecular chemistry will cover topics ranging from basic physics, including chemical physics, self-organization, fluid mechanics, to practical applications of dynamic supramolecular catalysis, drug delivery systems, mechanical materials, and other multibody or multimolecular systems including energy conversion and information processing systems and life-like intelligent systems. By focusing on the fundamental recent advances in the field, this symposium seeks to uncover new possible applications and push the boundaries of knowledge in the field. Attendees will be exposed to novel approaches and fresh perspectives that have the potential to shape the future of dynamic supramolecular chemistry.

Making Smart Drugs Smarter through Bioorthogonal Chemistry

Organizers: Wei Wang (ACS)Binghe Wang (ACS)Katsunori Tanaka (CSJ)Allan Gamble (NZIC)Minyong Li (CCS)
|

Bioorthogonal chemistry pioneered by Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Morten Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless has revolutionized the fields of chemical biology and translational research. The unmatched efficiency, reliability and adaptability of the chemistry have provided versatile chemical tools for drug discovery and delivery. The chemistry has found applications in all aspects of drug discovery from target identification and validation to hit compound identification and lead optimization. In particular, bioorthogonal chemistry has played in key roles in facilitating new drug discovery technology development including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), DNA-encoded library, PROATCs and RNA vaccines. The unique abiotic activation capacity of bioorthogonal reactions for prodrugs makes particular attractive in drug delivery to achieve high selectivity. The chemistry has been intensively explored in developing new drug delivery strategies including nanomedicine, PROTCAs and RNA vaccines etc.

The symposium aims to bring together experts in drug discovery and delivery, and related fields to share and discuss their newly developed science and technology of bioorthogonal chemistry. This would provide an excellent forum for experts and students to gather in exchanging and sharing their new discoveries and promote the interactions in this rapidly developing field.

Membrane-Active Peptides at the Intersection of Chemistry, Biology & Technology

Organizers: WILLIAM C WIMLEY (ACS)Eduardo Jardon (ACS)Evelyne Desplazes (RACI)
|

In this symposium, we will explore the diverse characteristics and applications of membrane-active peptides in the fields of chemistry, biology, and biotechnology. Membrane-active peptides are unified by their interactions with lipid bilayers, yet they contribute to many different physical and biological phenomena and offer great potential in biomedicine, drug delivery, and biomaterials. The symposium will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations to advance the understanding, optimization, and applications of membrane-active peptides via both experimental and computational chemistry approaches. Speakers from chemistry, biology, and technology will share valuable insights into mechanisms of action and will discuss design principles for enhancing activity, efficacy, and selectivity. The individual sessions will cover the interactions of membrane-active peptides with cell membranes, their structure and activity in cellular and synthetic membranes, their biological activities, and their potential in targeted therapeutics and innovative biomaterials. We will showcase the latest advancements by diverse researchers from all career stages, inspiring further research and fostering collaboration in the exciting realm of membrane-active peptides at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and technology.

Photoremoval Protecting Group and Caged Compounds

Organizers: Manabu Abe (CSJ)Arthur Winter (ACS)David Lee Phillips (CCS)
|

"Photoremovable protecting groups" and “caged compounds” have become an important field of photochemistry employed over a wide range of chemical, biochemical, and biomedical applications and have received considerable interest in diverse fields such as mechanistic organic and inorganic photochemistry, catalysis, protein folding, enzyme switches, and neuronal mapping and plasticity. The ability to simultaneously control spatial, temporal, and concentration variables during the release of reagents and initiators has drawn the interest of researchers in many diverse disciplines. The rapidly increasing interest and emerging, novel applications of photoactivated protecting group release (or caged compounds) employed for protection-deprotection of many functional groups have been developed and tested. Exposing protected catalytic sites and release of protected substrates to catalysts have become common practices in recent biological and chemical studies. Interest in new designs of protecting groups and advanced photolysis methods such as 2-photon activation have expanded the wavelength range for activation or initiation of these processes. The technique has brought together photochemists, synthetic organic chemists, material scientists and bio and medicinal chemist to extend and refine the techniques and applications of caged compounds in a diverse array of disciplines. Applications of photoremovable protecting groups, their development, and the fundamental mechanisms encountered in mechanistic studies are the goal of the proposed symposium will serve the research community as an opportunity to further interest in application and to stimulate cross disciplinary collaborations in chemistry, physics and biology. Sessions would include New Photoremovable Protecting Groups, Applications to Biology and Medicine, Mechanisms and Technique Development in Chemistry, and New Designs of Caged Compounds.

Protein Aggregation, Biocondensation, and Biomolecular Self-assembly

Organizers: Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy (ACS)Ling ChaoMi Hee Lim (KCS)Lisa Martin (RACI)Kenjiro Ono (CSJ)Jeanne Stachowiak (ACS)Tim Storr (CSC)
|

Self-assembly of biological molecules (such as proteins, peptides, metabolites, and RNA) results in a plethora of structural intermediates leading to the formation of biocondensates, phase separation, and amyloid aggregates including fibrils. In this symposium, the recent developments in understanding the molecular processes underlying the process of aggregation related to a number of untreatable and devastating diseases such as ALS, Type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases will be emphasized. Recent advances in chemical, biochemical, biophysical, theoretical and computational approaches to determine high-resolution structures of toxic intermediates and compounds to suppress the toxicity will also be discussed. The symposium will also include the studies probing the effects of cofactors such as lipid membrane, metals, molecular chaperones, bacteria and virus. Research topics related to crosstalk in amyloid disorders and environmental risk factors will also be included.

Recent Advances in Carbohydrate Chemistry and Chemical Glycobiology

Organizers: Hiromune Ando (CSJ)Alexei Demchenko (ACS)Xuefei Huang (ACS)Linda Hsieh-Wilson (ACS)Lara K. Mahal (ACS)Cheng-Chung Wang (ACS)Jennifer Kohler (ACS)
|

This symposium will highlight the latest methodologies, breakthroughs, and findings in both carbohydrate chemistry and chemical glycobiology. The advanced carbohydrate chemistry session will discuss new glycosylation chemistry as well as synthesis of large oligosaccharides and their associated glycoconjugates. Complementing new advances in synthetic chemistry, new analytical methodologies will be presented for the structural analysis of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates that have provided insight into recognition events between receptor proteins and their oligosaccharide ligands. We will also discuss efficient synthetic methods of glycans and their mimetics in application to drug design. The chemical glycobiology session will focus on recent efforts to develop and implement new strategies to elucidate the functions of glycans and glycoconjugates in controlling cellular processes important for health and diseases. The roles of both microbial and mammalian glycans in modulating the immune system and implications for human diseases such as cancer, infections by viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, and inflammatory bowel disease will be presented.

Sustainable Development and Upcycling of Processing Discards: Production of Bioactive Ingredients in Health Promotion and Disease Risk Reduction

Organizers: Fereidoon Shahidi (ACS)
|

Food processing discards account for up to 70% of the harvest biomass and production of both agricultural and aquatic source material. These processing discards serve as a rich source of bioactive ingredients that lend themselves to the production of functional food ingredients, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Hence, the skin and pulp of fruits from juice and wine production and seeds of cereals, legumes and oilseeds are important sources of bioactive components such as phenolic compounds with a myriad of health promoting potential. Similarly, the residual protein and peptides, lipids and minor components from aquatic species may be extracted using novel bioprocessing methods for further production of value-added secondary products in a sustainable manner. This symposium covers topics related to the chemistry, bioactivity evaluation and their targeting of different organs in health promotion and disease risk reduction and as affected by gut microbiome and metabolite formation.

The Chemistry of 18F, 11C, Radiometal and Fluorophore-based Probes

Organizers: Neil Vasdev (CSC)Henry VanBrocklin (ACS)Leonard Luyt (CSC)Giancarlo Pascali (RACI)Fan Wang (CCS)R. Michael van Dam (ACS)Yuji Kuge (CSJ)
|

This symposium will focus on the chemistry of molecular imaging agents, theranostic development and translation into human use, with a focus on new radiochemistry using fluorine-18, carbon-11 and other radionuclides, including metal isotopes. Molecular imaging (MI) plays a major role in modern healthcare. MI tools and techniques are critical for the diagnosis of disease and monitoring delivery of therapeutic interventions. Imaging modalities including optical, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, ultrasound, PET (positron emission tomography) and SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) are utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, cardiac disease, and neurological disorders among others. The development of these agents relies on chemical approaches similar to drug development. The purpose of this symposium is to highlight the chemical basis of PET imaging agent development, featuring the techniques that are used to prepare these agents and advance them from the “Bench to the Bedside”.

This symposium will present the medicinal and synthetic chemistry behind the development and application of agents employed in medical imaging. This will include both the preparation and the biological evaluation of the agents, using in vitro assays as well as in vivo preclinical (small animal) and early human studies. Automation and microfluidic chemistry will be among the synthetic chemistry approaches described for the reliable and reproducible preparation of the agents. Various constructs including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, and nanoparticles, will be described as platforms for imaging agent development. Dual modality (PET/Optical; PET/MR) probes will also be presented. The development of molecular imaging agents spans the full spectrum of discovery and translational research to bring new materials forward, enabling therapeutic development and the preparation of new diagnostics.

Computational and Theoretical

Biomolecules at Interfaces Defining the Cellular Environment: From Conformational Dynamics to Informatic Approaches

Organizers: David Leitner (ACS)Masataka Nagaoka (CSJ)John Straub (ACS)Changbong Hyeon (KCS)
|

This symposium is an occasion to discuss "Biomolecules at interfaces defining the cellular environment: From conformational dynamics to informatic approaches,” from the perspectives of biology, physics, chemistry and informatics. The program is designed to provide a current assessment of the most recent experimental studies of biomolecular dynamics, as well as computational, theoretical and informatic studies of molecular dynamics and statistical treatments. The particular focus reflects the importance of molecular resolution in providing a fundamental understanding of biochemical and biophysical processes. Two principal goals of the symposium are (1) to investigate new aspects of the dynamics of biomolecules at interfaces defining the cellular environment, through recent experimental and theoretical studies of biomolecule structure, dynamics and energy flow, and (2) to identify new paradigms for developing a deeper understanding of the molecular dynamics of intra- and inter-biomolecular processes.

The invited speakers represent a diverse group of leading experimental, theoretical and informatic research scientists, from both pacific-rim and non-pacific-rim countries. The program will include seminars, structured discussions, and less formal interactions among all participants, including the contributed oral and poster presenters. At the conclusion of the symposium, the final remarks will identify important themes and promising directions for future studies. While the symposium will focus on exploring biomolecules at interfaces defining the cellular environment, the experimental, computational, theoretical and informatic techniques that will be presented and discussed can be adopted to study a wide range of problems in physical and materials chemistry and nanoscience.

Chemical Concepts from Theory and Computation

Organizers: Shubin Liu (ACS)Paul Ayers (CSC)Wei Wu (CCS)Yirong Mo (ACS)
|

In silico simulations nowadays work hand-by-hand with experiments. Yet as calculations become more sophisticated, the gap between simulations and interpretations grows even larger. The generalization and understanding of chemical concepts from theory and computation are persistent challenges. Three quantum machineries are currently still in use in theoretical chemistry, namely by chronologic order Valence Bond Theory (VBT), Molecular Orbital Theory (MOT) and Density Functional Theory (DFT). Every one of them has stemmed a bunch of concepts and descriptors enabling the rationalization of the calculation results in Layman’s terms.

In MOT, it is well known that chemical conceptualization lagged computational methodology development. The scattering of the electronic wave function across the molecular system is certainly at the origin of this lag. Still, frontier molecular orbital theory and the conservation of orbital symmetry are two conceptual tools that have become handy for predicting the outcome of a chemical process. They are the most taught concepts worldwide even though orbitals are not quantum observables. By contrast, in VBT, where the advantage of chemical intuition is apparent and that has been prolific in terms of interpretative theories, no well-designed VBT program was available until very recently. Indeed, most of the concepts used by experimentalists, such as the free valence index or the resonance hybrids, come from VBT. DFT is widely accepted as the most prevalent computational method developed in past decades. However, most people are unfamiliar with the fact that DFT also provides a conceptual framework. Conceptual DFT (CDFT) provides robust mathematical and physical grounds for conventional chemical concepts like electronegativity, hardness, electrophilicity, and many more, though it is still somewhat controversial.

The purpose of this Symposium is to foster discussions among experts from DFT, MOT and VBT (including QTAIM, NBO, EDA, ELF, NCI, etc. communities) on stability, bonding, reactivity, nonlinear optics, molecular electronics, and related topics. We will also welcome experts in emerging fields like machine learning and quantum computers applied to theoretical and computational chemistry. We especially encourage contributions that provide a broader perspective on conceptual quantum chemistry and establish common ground between different approaches. Our aim is to advocate the effort of acquiring chemical understandings from high-level computations and filling the ever-growing gap between experimentalists and theoretical and computational chemists.

Computational Photocatalysis: Photophysics & Photochemistry at Interfaces. Machine Learning Bridges Theory and Experiment

Organizers: Dmitri Kilin (ACS)Svetlana Kilina (ACS)Masaru Kuno (ACS)Artur Izmaylov (CSC)Chuanyi Wang (CCS)Shuping Huang (CCS)Bakhtiyor Rasulev (ACS)Tsukasa Torimoto (CSJ)Koichi Yamashita (CSJ)
|

The study of photochemical reactions in general and photoelectrochemical water splitting in particular, rests on understanding of such elementary effects as light absorption, energy transfer, electron transfer, radiative and nonradiative relaxation, and catalysis is important for the rational design of efficient systems for energy conversion. The design of most efficient catalysts is pursued by change of composition, quantum confinement, size, shape, surface functionalization, magnetic doping, and mesoscale structural arrangement providing versatile tuning of timescales of available basic mechanisms and properties of materials. This symposium presents recent experimental, computational, and machine learning synergistic advances on modeling of photophysics and photochemistry at interfaces: Experimental achievements in fabrication of efficient photocatalytic interfaces and monitoring of efficiency, quantum yield, and kinetics of reactant evolution and electronic dynamics by ultrafast spectroscopy techniques stimulate further development of more precise theoretical methods. Computational modeling allows for interpretation of available experimental trends and help in guiding further advances in design of efficient photocatalytic materials.
Cheminformatics and machine learning advances help to establish a feedback loop between computation and experiment and narrow down the number of structures with high potential for record efficiency. It is expected that the symposium will bring better understanding of photoinduced processes of light absorption, formation and breaking of charge transfer excitations, hot carrier relaxation, multiple exciton processes, coupled light-to-matter states, and redox reaction dynamics at catalytic sites, affected by lattice vibrations and solvent polarization.

Chemical transformations at a contact with catalyst activated by photoactivation open new opportunities for experiment and practical applications and offer inspiring challenges to computations, theory, and machine learning. This symposium aims to present current frontiers in theoretical, computational, machine learning, and experimental studies of photoreactions and photophysical properties of nanostructures and interfaces in order to facilitate a synergistic interdisciplinary effort towards design and characterization of novel materials for energy applications and lighting technology. The central idea of the symposium is to bring together experts from computational, machine learning, and experimental communities addressing main challenges in photoinduced charge/energy transfer and photocatalytic reactions at interfaces and nanostructures.

Computational Quantum Chemistry: Synergy Between Theory and Experiment

Organizers: Stacey Wetmore (CSC)Jason Pearson (CSC)Joshua Hollet (CSC)Amir Karton (RACI)Henry F. Schaefer III (ACS)Peter Schwerdtfeger (NZIC)Ming Wah WongHiromi Nakai (CSJ)Yousung Jung (KCS)
|

There have been significant advances in both computational methodologies and related chemical applications since the last symposium was held at Pacifichem 2021. Nevertheless, there are several areas that remain challenges to the discipline. The aim of the present symposium is to discuss both recent advances and outstanding challenges in the development of quantum chemistry methodologies and their use to guide and explain experimental studies. Furthermore, the Computational Quantum Chemistry Symposium held at Pacifichem has traditionally been used to honor distinguished computational quantum chemists (Pacifichem 2015 honored Russell Boyd and Arvi Rauk of Canada; Pacifichem 2020 honored Professor Henry F. Schaefer III of the United States). On the occasion of Pacifichem 2025, we propose to honor Professor Peter Gill of Australia, whose work has significantly changed the research tools in the field of computational quantum chemistry. Over his career, this outstanding scientist has made significant contributions to the development and use of quantum chemistry methods to answer key questions of broad chemical interest to theoretical and experimental chemists alike. To name but a few contributions, he has developed efficient two-electron integral algorithms, perturbation analysis, linear-scaling methodology, density functionals, algorithms for modelling excited states, and Coulombrange-separation techniques. He has also played a major role in the development of the Q-Chem software package. Many of his models (e.g., three-electron bonding and dication dissociation) have been widely adopted by experimentalists. As a result, the proposed symposium will cover recent advances in computational quantum chemical theories, and the complementary use of calculations and experimental studies to solve a range of chemical problems

Emerging Frontiers: Machine Learning Transforming Studies of Biomolecular Dynamics

Organizers: Xuhui Huang (ACS)Jane Allison (NZIC)Yi Qin Gao (CCS)Yuji Sugita (CSJ)
|

Understanding conformational dynamics is crucial for comprehending many biological processes, such as protein conformational changes, ligand association and dissociation, self-assembly, and allostery. In recent years, the field of computational chemistry has witnessed a surge of advancements driven by machine learning (ML) algorithms, and computational studies of biomolecular dynamics have not been left behind. Numerous algorithms at the interface of machine learning (ML), computer simulations and statistical mechanics have been developed to investigate biomolecular dynamics (e.g., to enhance conformational sampling, identify collective variables, and model long timescale dynamics). In this symposium, we aim to create a platform that brings together active scientists from Pacific Rim countries to discuss the frontiers of ML studies of biomolecular dynamics. Using this platform, they will discuss recent methodology development, new mechanistic findings and novel hypotheses for conformational dynamics underlying numerous biological and chemical processes. In the age of machine learning, we believe that the rapid advancement in the ML-based methods will lead to their wider application in studying biomolecular dynamics. Our organizing committee consists of members from the chemical societies of four different Pacific Rim countries: USA, China, Japan, and New Zealand. We aim to organize a symposium that engages scientists from a diverse range of Pacific Rim countries, at all career stages, and representing various under-represented groups. Our goal is to promote interactions among these scientists, who are at the forefront of this very active field, and foster new collaborations.

Practical Applications of Quantum Computing in Computational Chemistry

Organizers: Sergey Gusarov (CSC)Norio Yoshida (CSJ)Hiroshi Watanabe (CSJ)Ieva Liepuoniute (ACS)
|

Quantum computing possesses the potential to completely transform computational chemistry by offering significant advantages over classical computing. Initially, quantum computers were intended to enhance quantum chemical calculations, but as active development of new algorithms progressed, they expanded to cover numerous new areas. Quantum computers hold the potential to excel in many domains where exponential growth in possibilities is expected. Below are some practical applications of quantum computing in computational chemistry:
Quantum dynamics: By considering quantum effects that are challenging to simulate classically, quantum computers can model molecular dynamics with greater accuracy. This opens up new avenues for understanding chemical reactions, reaction rates, and energy transfer processes.
Quantum machine learning: Quantum machine learning algorithms can be applied to large chemical datasets, enabling more efficient analysis and prediction of chemical properties. This can significantly aid in drug discovery, catalyst design, and material characterization.
Molecular optimization: Quantum computing can optimize molecular structures and properties by exploring vast solution spaces more effectively. This capability facilitates the design of new drugs, materials, and catalysts with enhanced performance.
Quantum chemistry algorithms: Quantum algorithms like variational quantum eigensolvers (VQEs) and quantum phase estimation can be utilized to calculate electronic structure properties, such as molecular energies and properties.
It is important to note that while quantum computing holds immense promise for whole computational chemistry, practical applications are still in their early stages. Quantum hardware and algorithms are continuously advancing, and ongoing research and development are exploring their potential impact on computational chemistry. Therefore, in this symposium, we will exchange ideas on quantum computer-related technologies in computational chemistry methods that are promising in the future, and discuss new developments. By facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, we will foster the integration of quantum computers into computational chemistry among researchers.

Quantum Monte Carlo, Quantum Information and Machine Learning

Organizers: Lubos MitasShigenori Tanaka (CSJ)Pierre-Nicholas Roy (CSC)Alan Aspuru-Guzik (CSJ)Masanori Tachikawa (CSJ)
|

Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods is a family of approaches for many-body, high accuracy calculations of molecular and condensed matter systems. They offer benchmark quality for treating electron-electron correlation effects and offer an independent alternative to more traditional correlated wave function methods. Based on use of stochastic techniques, QMC methods have a very favorable scaling of computational resources with the system size and provide high scalability and throughput even on largest parallel architectures with hundreds of thousands of cores. QMC is a diverse and dynamically evolving research field that has a significant impact on fundamental problems such as efficient description of many-body quantum systems in general. Moreover, QMC methodology is intimately related to basics of quantum information processing and quantum computing that currently undergo rapid expansion. In addition, new developments in machine learning techniques offer promising avenues for efficient description of many-body wave functions and diverse quantum phenomena with new tools and packages. Therefore we propose extending the scope of previous QMC symposia held since Pacifichem 1995 and we propose “Quantum Monte Carlo, Quantum Information and Machine Learning”. This symposium intends to invite leaders in the development of QMC methods, related quantum computing research and machine learning advances that have been applied to plethora of chemical and physical problems, ranging from isolated atoms and molecules to clusters, biomolecules, and condensed matter. Invited and contributed presentations will be grouped into appropriate subject areas with the following specific topics: 1) New QMC methods and algorithms, 2) Properties of ground states in atoms and molecules, 3) Excited electronic and vibrational states, 4) Relativistic and spin-orbit effects, 5) Path integral methods, 6) New stochastic approaches such as QMC-Full Configuration Interaction, 7) Applications to large or low-dimensional systems including biomolecules, clusters, condensed matter, and 2D materials, 8) Quantum many-body effects associated with nontrivial topological states, 9) Related quantum computing, quantum information processing and hybrid approaches, 10) Machine learning methods and packages for efficient description of many-body wave functions.

Educate, Communicate and Translate

Bridging Research and Practice in Inorganic and General Chemistry Education

Organizers: Rebecca M. Jones (ACS)Gwendolyn Lawrie (RACI)Brett McCollum (CSC)Justin Pratt (ACS)Adam Johnson (ACS)
|

The education of post-secondary STEM students is a recognized global challenge; the Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists (IONiC) is one community that has responded by developing innovative pedagogies and advancing chemical education research. Working together, educators and educational researchers can support teaching and learning improvements that are rapid, relevant, and accessible. This symposium will provide a forum for chemistry educators to share their efforts to develop, adapt, and/or adopt evidence-based materials and teaching strategies in undergraduate inorganic and general chemistry courses. Submissions which highlight innovative curricula, active learning in the classroom and laboratory, creative assessment practices, and alternative learning modalities, such as virtual or hybrid, are particularly welcome. The symposium will also welcome education researchers to describe what has been learned from studying inorganic and general chemistry teaching and learning. Bridging research and practice, presentations in this symposium will share diverse international perspectives on how education research has informed classroom pedagogy or how classroom practices have inspired and advanced education research.

Constructively Aligning Instructional Components to Improve Student Learning

Organizers: Renee Cole (ACS)Gwendolyn Lawrie (RACI)Alison Flynn (CSC)
|

This symposium will address chemistry education research with a focus on connecting research and practice, particularly studies that address how to more effectively align learning objectives, tasks, and assessments in the classroom and/or laboratory. The need for improving undergraduate chemistry education has been acknowledged as an international challenge and interest remains high across the world. Many instructors approach course design by focusing on content without explicitly considering the intended outcomes (what students should know and be able to do), how knowledge and skills will be developed through instruction, or how each intended outcome will be assessed. By ensuring that learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional actions are aligned, instructors provide students with coherent curricular opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills and increase the likelihood that instructional actions are appropriate to achieving the desired learning outcomes. The symposium will be intentionally organized to highlight the different aspects of curriculum design and assessment in both the classroom and laboratory that must be aligned to optimize learning gains. This topic will be of interest to both chemistry education researchers and all chemistry instructors.

Explorations of Chemistry Laboratory Instruction

Organizers: Alex Grushow (ACS)Daniel Southam (RACI)Sarah Masters (NZIC)
|

Active learning of chemistry, how chemical processes work, and the use of chemical instrumentation cannot take place without some kind of laboratory experience. However, chemistry laboratory instruction is not uniform throughout the world. This symposium will explore laboratory instruction models from a wide variety of settings. We hope to feature presentations about various teaching laboratory activities. One focus will be an examination of the manner in which instructors engage students in active inquiry in the laboratory setting. A second focus will be the use of non-traditional settings for engaging in laboratory instruction, whether they involve in-person instruction or asynchronous on-line activities. Presentations featuring chemistry laboratory instruction that reaches typically under-represented populations of the various countries in the Pacific Rim are particularly encouraged. Because laboratory instruction is ubiquitous throughout the teaching of chemistry, it would be of great interest to gather presenters from the wide variety of countries represented in the Pacific Rim to explore similarities and differences in laboratory instruction.

Immersive Technologies for Chemistry Education: Theory and Praxis of Introducing Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) into the Chemistry Classroom and Laboratory

Organizers: Dermot Francis Donnelly-Hermosillo (ACS)Mauro Mocerino (RACI)Kyle Belozerov (CSC)
|

The recent emergence of high-quality, mass-produced VR headsets and other immersive technologies offers new and powerful ways to learn chemistry. Common challenges experienced by university students as they learn various aspects of molecular structure and function, e.g. stereochemistry or enzymatic mechanisms, are well documented in the literature and are generally attributed to the intrinsic limitations of teaching 3D concepts using 2D tools. VR/AR technologies offer an immersive, engaging, and accessible way to overcome many of these limitations. The goals of our symposium are to provide a venue for researchers and practitioners to share their experiences and insights gained from the introduction of VR/AR tools into their classrooms and laboratories. We intend to assemble a group of speakers from diverse cultural, geographic, and chemistry discipline communities who will showcase their findings aligned with the following general themes:
-Theories of teaching and learning for effective implementation of VR/AR in the classroom
-Evidence-based practices and specific examples of VR/AR technology-enhanced chemistry curriculum
-Design and implementation of studies to assess student learning gains associated with immersive technologies
-Accessibility of VR/AR and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)-guided practices in VR/AR-augmented classroom

Inclusion in Chemistry (and Science) Education

Organizers: Sara Kyne (RACI)Stephen George-Williams (RACI)Sam Pazicni (ACS)Jaclyn Stewart (CSC)
|

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are a central component in all aspects of education. As science education researchers, an important goal is to promote equitable learning environments for all students that cater to the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, empowering them to actively engage in science learning.

Increasing representation in chemistry and science is crucial as it ensures diverse perspectives and experiences are included. By fostering inclusivity through our educational research, we aim to create a more equitable scientific community that benefits society at large.

The importance of this aspect of chemistry education research is underscored by the valuable contributions made to the ACS Journal of Chemistry Education special issue on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect in Chemistry Education Research and Practice 2022 (https://pubs.acs.org/toc/jceda8/99/1).

It Gets Better: Pride in (Pacifi)Chem

Organizers: Nola Etkin (CSC)Tricia Carmichael (CSC)John Hayward (CSC)Tehshik Yoon (ACS)Alice Motion (RACI)Tiago Vieira (ACS)
|

It has been well-established that diversity is essential to creating an innovative, creative and effective organization. However, this requires an inclusive and equitable environment in which everyone can thrive, and where all people feel free to bring their full selves. For members of the LGBTQ+ communities, inclusion has not always been forthcoming or expected, often leading to profound impacts on both personal and professional levels.

In this conference symposium, we will bring together the LGBTQ+ community and allies to establish a supportive network and discuss initiatives to improve inclusive culture in industry, government and academia. The symposium will feature presentations on student, faculty and government/NGO perspectives and experiences as LGBTQ+ community members in Chemistry, and will also showcase the achievements of some of our most successful LGBTQ+ scientists, intertwined with their perspectives on inclusion within their careers.

A panel discussion featuring EDI leaders from industry and universities will focus on how the Chemistry community can foster positive change on both a local and global level.

Similar symposia at local and national conferences have been very impactful, and have drawn significant interest from attendees across disciplines. On an international level, these important discussions are just beginning, and for some this might provide a unique opportunity to learn from and connect with members of sexuality and gender minorities.

The symposium will be highly intersectional. Invited and submitted talks will be primarily from members of under-represented groups, including not only LGBTQ+ individuals, but also those with multiple identities and perspectives.

Promoting Diversity and Multiculturalism in Chemistry Education

Organizers: Akiko Nakamura (ACS)Izumi Imai (CSJ)Alexandra Yeung (RACI)
|

This symposium invites chemistry instructors at all levels to discuss their experiences with chemistry education for students with diverse and multicultural backgrounds. This effort seeks to examine effective teaching strategies to create an inclusive and culturally respectful classroom environment. The student body is in flux and its demographic profile continually changes with time, and also international research and industrial collaboration have only increased in turn with globalization. Therefore, diversity and multiculturalism - through the lenses of ability, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic, cultural, and beyond - can be promoted in chemistry education. To improve students’ learning experiences and likelihood of success, chemistry educators should refine their strategies, methods, and materials based on new information. This symposium seeks to further explore these ideas. How can we best prepare students for their future careers and maintain high retention rates while emphasizing inclusion and multiculturalism? Is there any way to express one’s own identity with chemistry education, and how can we learn from each other’s differences? How could we create an inclusive learning environment that empowers students? How can we promote equity in chemistry education? We will consider these questions in this symposium.

Inorganic

Accessing New Targets with Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry

Organizers: Tim Storr (CSC)Justin Wilson (ACS)Guangyu Zhu (CCS)
|

This inorganic chemistry symposium will bring together international researchers to discuss recent developments in the innovative applications of metal complexes for the treatment and diagnosis of human disease. Since the FDA-approval of cisplatin in 1968, researchers have investigated the potential of alternative metals to platinum for use in medicine. These efforts have culminated in the clinical development of new metal-based diagnostic and therapeutic compounds and much excitement in the scientific community. This symposium will highlight the ongoing research of new, emerging, and established investigators in this field. Specific topics that will be covered in this symposium include 1) Therapeutic metal complexes with a focus on diseases other than cancer, and 2) Diagnostic modalities afforded by inorganic chemistry. This diverse range of topics accurately captures the breadth of this important sub-field of inorganic chemistry.

Alkali Metal and Alkaline Earth Chemistry – Developments, Applications & Challenges

Organizers: Paul G Williard (ACS)Mitsuru Shindo (CSJ)Timothy Hanusa (ACS)Phil Andrews (RACI)
|

This symposium brings together participants whose research incorporates alkaline earth and alkali metals as required components. Topics include processes and procedures for making and characterizing new compounds, new reaction development, role of ions and transport in battery materials, cellular regulation and mechanism of ion exchange, chemistry of biomaterials incorporating group I/II metals, theoretical insights into the mechanisms of metal cations as well as global sourcing and recycling of highly processed alkali metal/alkaline earth compounds.

Alkali metal and alkaline earths are required components spanning a very broad range of important applications such as regulation of cellular processes in biological systems, rechargeable ion battery functions, biomaterial structure and composition, commodity bulk scale organometallic reagents and highly refined specialty reagents for stereoselective organometallic reactions. Additionally, group I/II metal cations are found in combination with transition and lanthanide metals to form reagents with unique properties and utility. Sharing new developments and insights into the evolution of the mono- and divalent alkaline earth and alkali metal cation chemistry among specialists in different subdisciplines will stimulate new ideas and research opportunities. Speakers will be encouraged to address environmental impacts of their research including considerations of reuse, recycling and “green” chemical processes.

Cutting Edge of Catalytic Heme Enzymes

Organizers: Ryo Ohtani (CSJ)Jeongsuk Seo (KCS)Lianzhou Wang (RACI)Kazuhiko Maeda (CSJ)
|

Iron is an indispensable element for nearly all living organisms, with its critical role lying in its ability to serve as the catalytic center for a multitude of enzymes that are vital to life's processes. Among the myriad ways iron is utilized, its presence in Heme (Fe-protoporphyrin IX) is particularly noteworthy. Extensively employed throughout the biosphere, heme holds a unique position among metal complexes.

Heme plays a crucial role in supporting the functions of hemoproteins as a prosthetic group. Hemoproteins perform a diverse range of critical functions, from oxygen storage and transport, as exemplified by myoglobin and hemoglobin, to gas sensing, a task performed by proteins such as FixL and CooA. Hemoproteins are also involved in electron transfer, seen with cytochrome b5 and cytochrome c, iron acquisition, as demonstrated by HasA, HxuA, and IsdH, and catalysis, including enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase, chloroperoxidase, cytochrome P450, catalase, cytochrome c oxidase, and heme oxygenase, among others.

In this session, we aim to delve into the complexities and intricacies of heme enzymes. Our discussions will encompass the multifaceted nature of their functionality, examine the details of their structure, and shed light on the mechanisms that underpin their actions. Furthermore, we will navigate the intriguing world of artificial heme enzymes, discussing their creation, functionality, and potential applications. This session will feature presentations that unravel the mysteries of the reaction mechanism of heme enzymes, which includes the detection of a reactive intermediate known as the active species.

This session serves as a testament to our commitment to disseminate the cutting-edge science of heme enzymes. Through the medium of shared knowledge, stimulating discussions, and active intellectual exchange, we aspire to invigorate research in this field. Our hope is that this forum will act as a springboard, paving the way for fruitful collaborations and advancing our collective understanding of the remarkable world of heme enzymes.

Design and Applications of Redox Active Ligands

Organizers: Craig Grapperhaus (ACS)Mu-Hyun Baik (KCS)Ho-Chol Chang (CSJ)Kristopher Waynant (ACS)
|

Redox active ligands (RAL) are a class of multifunctional ligands in which the ligand participates in oxidation-reduction reactions. The RAL can serve in various roles within the complex including as a spectator, moderator, pooler, cooperator, or actor (10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214804). The exact role is dependent on the specific metal-ligand identities and reaction conditions. As such, ligand design is of utmost importance and RALs have found application in biological and catalytic systems. This symposium will focus on recent advances in the design of RALs, characterization of their metal complexes, computational studies of RALs, and their applications. The symposium will include participants with a common interest in redox active ligands but with a diversity of applications and design strategies.

Diversity in Inorganic Fluorine Chemistry, from Fundamental to Applied Aspects, to Address Global Challenges

Organizers: Kazuhiko Matsumoto (CSJ)Michael Gerken (CSC)Helene Mercier (CSC)Gary Schrobilgen (CSC)David Dixon (ACS)
|

The proposed symposium will mark the ninth in a series of inorganic fluorine chemistry symposia held at Pacifichem Congresses. Synthetic and structural inorganic fluorine chemistry continues to receive growing attention owing to its importance in fundamental and applied research and technology. During the past five years, these areas have expanded to include diverse new directions and chemical concepts that encompass novel main-group species with bonds to fluorine or perfluoroalkyl groups, exotic transition-metal fluorides and oxyfluorides, functional fluoro-organometallic and mixed anion compounds, as well as applications to battery technology, ionic liquids, and catalysis. These new findings were accomplished by use of robust characterization techniques such as modern spectroscopic methods, electrochemical measurements, diffraction techniques, and high-level quantum-chemical calculations. A major goal of the proposed inorganic chemistry symposium is to bring together diverse international communities of inorganic fluorine chemists from academia and industry whose research interests seek to address global challenges such as energy storage, sustainability, and environmental impacts. This symposium will encompass fields of inorganic fluorine chemistry that are aligned with the Congress Theme and that emphasize creative approaches to the syntheses of new inorganic fluorine compounds and the state-of-the-art characterizations of their structures and bonding by leading international experts in the field.

Early Transition Metal Complexes: From Rare Bond Types to Useful Catalysis

Organizers: Ian Tonks (ACS)Hayato Tsurugi (CSJ)Aaron Odom (ACS)Yi-Chou Tsai (CCS)
|

Early transition metals are used in many ways that affect our daily lives. Polyolefins often are prepared using Group 4 and 6 complexes. Catalytic reactions toward specialty chemicals like Sharpless Epoxidation, as well as useful stoichiometric reactions such as Tebbe olefination, use early transition metals in multiple ways. In addition, Early transition metals metals provide important platforms for understanding structure and bonding: for example, pentuple bonds in Cr complexes and small molecule models of enzyme active sites such as nitrogenase. Despite their incredible utility and breadth of reactivity, early transition metal complexes are less studied than some late metal counterparts like Fe and Pd. This symposium will bring together leaders in the field to discuss recent developments in understanding the electronic structure applications and reactivity of these systems. Of particular interest are new catalytic reactions chemical transformations and bonding types along with discussions of how metal electronic structure and ligand design conspire to control reactivity.

Frontier and Perspectives of Molecule-Based Magnets

Organizers: Shinya Hayami (CSJ)Masahiro Yamashita (CSJ)Muralee Murugesu (CSC)Selvan Demir (ACS)Colette Boskovic (RACI)Li-Min Zheng (CCS)
|

Molecule-based magnets have attracted much attention from the viewpoint of their designability, tuneability, lightness, transparency, price, etc., compared with those of conventional inorganic magnets. Molecule-based magnetic materials, such as single-molecule magnets, single-chain magnets, spin crossover complexes, Prussian blue analogs, 2-D magnets, etc., have zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional structures, and their electronic and crystal structures control their properties and functionalities. Moreover, multi-functional molecule-based magnets mixing magnetism with other properties, like electrical conductivity, photo-switching, charge transfer, redox activity, ferroelectricity, etc., are the next targets for basic and applied sciences. More recently, molecular spintronics, which includes molecular spin qubits for quantum computers as well as high-density memory devices, has become a strategic area in nano-magnetism. In this symposium, we will discuss the frontier and perspectives of this field paying particular attention to the key role played by coordination chemistry.
The scientific field of molecule-based magnets, which started in the 1980s, has developed quickly and recently has focused on compounds for molecular spintronics and high-density memory devices. Most molecule-based magnets are based on coordination compounds with open shells or spins. Molecule-based magnets are one of the topics of coordination chemistry and Pacifichem2025.

Frontiers and New Horizons in Molecular f-Element Chemistry

Organizers: Jerome Robinson (ACS)Zhaomin Hou (CSJ)Dongmei Cui (CCS)Peter Junk (RACI)
|

"This symposium will focus on the state-of-the-art and future directions in the molecular chemistry of the f-elements. Advances in the fundamental chemistry of the rare-earths, lanthanides, and actinides continue to bring about exciting new applications in the fields of catalysis, small molecule activation, renewable energy, electronics, molecular magnetism, sensors, polymers, separations, and many more. Recent developments continue to
challenge our fundamental assumptions regarding the chemistry of these elements, and have opened up exciting new directions. Discoveries in ground- and excited-state redox chemistry have led to new stoichiometric and catalytic reaction pathways. Isolation of novel multiply-bound ligands challenge our conceptions of stable and reactive fragments, as well as the nature of bonding in these molecules. Fine control of the coordination-sphere has led to tunable electronic and magnetic properties, and are promising leads for advanced applications in data storage, sensing, and imaging. Advances in catalysis of small and macro-molecules are enabling access to next generation compounds and materials, and pave the way for truly sustainable synthesis. Contributions from the expansive field of 5f (actinide) chemistry will be restricted to organometallic chemistry. Invited
and contributed presentations will aim for new, broadened and diverse
participation, and showcase the exciting and wide range of the field. The main goal of this symposium is to bring together experts and leaders in the field from across the globe to discuss advances at the forefront of
molecular f-element chemistry, and to identify the most promising future
directions for the next decade.

Frontiers in Actinide Chemistry: From Fundamental Systems to Practical Applications

Organizers: Ping Yang (ACS)Georg Schreckenbach (CSC)Jun Li (CCS)Satoru Tsushima (CSJ)
|

Better understanding of actinide chemistry is needed for predicting the fate and controlling the behavior of nuclear materials in the environment, as well as for developing new advanced applications in energy, medicine and forensics. The actinides present opportunities, and challenges, to study the chemistry of these many-electron elements in which the 5f electrons can play a crucial role. The goal of this symposium is to provide a cross-cutting forum to bring together leading and emerging international scientists in different realms of actinide chemistry, ranging from fundamental studies to new applications and including both experimentalists and theoreticians. The symposium will provide a forum for interactions between disparate aspects of actinide chemistry research, resulting in new opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperative endeavors and important advances.
Interactions and collaborations are crucial in two broad realms of actinide chemistry: between experiment and theory; and between fundamental and applied science. Many experimental studies on relatively elementary molecules and complexes would profit from greater interplay with theoretical efforts, and vice-versa. Such collaborations would enhance understanding of experimental results, and furthermore provide critical assessments of the validity of theory for challenging many-electron elements where electron correlation and relativistic effects challenge the straightforward application of conventional theoretical approaches. A second broad area of opportunity for greater interaction and collaboration is between fundamental actinide science and the development of new applications. Bridging the gap between fundamental and functional actinide chemistry is an ongoing challenge, the success of which is crucial to effectively incorporate the latest chemical insights to achieve the most effective solutions to problems, as well as for the development of advanced actinide materials and processes. The broad realm of conventional organometallic chemistry of the 5f actinide elements will not be covered in this symposium; all other aspects of actinide inorganic chemistry will be included. Certain specialized topics such as gas-phase spectroscopy, molecular theory, surface chemistry of actinide materials, and condensed matter spectroscopy may be emphasized. Invited and contributed presentations will aim for new, broadened and diverse participation. The overarching objective of this symposium will be to provide a multi-disciplinary forum for interplay between established leaders and emerging young scientists in seemingly diverse aspects of actinide chemistry; all will benefit from enhanced international communication and collaboration.

Harnessing the Potential of Small Molecules: Exploring Metalloenzymes and Adaptation in Synthetic Catalysts

Organizers: Kiyoung Park (KCS)Nicolai Lehnert (ACS)Kiyoshi Fujisawa (CSJ)
|

Small molecule activation is a crucial step in many biological and chemical processes, enabling organisms to function in diverse environments in nature, and facilitating the formation of valuable compounds in industry. To overcome the stable and unreactive nature of small molecules, nature has designed exquisite machinery called metalloenzymes. Studies to understand their reactions and the mechanisms underlying small molecule activation have expanded the frontiers of scientific knowledge and provided paramount insights into different strategies to harness the power of small molecules and develop transformative technologies for sustainable chemistry, energy conversion, materials science, and drug discovery. Using nature’s strategies and approaches, diverse biomimetic and bioinspired systems have also been designed, some of them showing abilities even superior to nature. To share the latest advances and discoveries in small molecule activation chemistry, we propose a one-and-a-half-day symposium (3 half day sessions) with an evening poster session. The symposium will focus on two key topics: i) the study of metalloenzymes, including artificial enzymes, and ii) the study of synthetic coordination compounds and catalysts. This symposium will cover various small molecules such as NOx, COx, CH4 and H2, and foster interdisciplinary discussions and collaborative interactions among researchers in the fields of biochemistry, enzymology and biophysics, inorganic, organometallic and coordination chemistry, catalysis, chemical engineering, spectroscopy and theory.

Hypervalent Iodine: Bonding, Mechanism and Synthetic Applications

Organizers: Jason Dutton (RACI)Sarah Wengryniuk (ACS)Graham Murphy (CSC)
|

The chemistry of high oxidation state organoiodine compounds, broadly termed as “hypervalent iodine” has undergone a renaissance in the past 3 decades. While compounds such as PhICl2 have been known since the 1800s only more recently has this family been recognized as versatile oxidants in synthetic chemistry, bringing the oxidizing power of Hg(II) or Pb(IV) but with vastly lower risks associated with toxicity. There is also a tendency for reversible oxidative addition and reductive elimination greatly exceeding other main group elements and moving closer to mimicking the transition metals.

Hypervalent iodine is now used as a versatile oxidant across inorganic and organic chemistry, with the oxidizing power tuneable via oxidation state of iodine (typically +3, also +5), the substituents bound to iodine and incorporation of ancillary groups onto those substituents. The array of reactions available is vast, for which the presentations in this symposium will be representative of the most interesting recent examples to date. Despite finding wide use, the mechanism of reactions in reactions involving or invoking hypervalent iodine can be difficult to determine and talks in this symposium will also discuss the state of the art in mechanistic determination of hypervalent iodine based systems.

Given the general use of hypervalent iodine we would expect this symposium to attract interest from inorganic, organic and theoretical chemists and the invited and contributed talks and posters will incorporate presentations from all 3 aspects of the field.

Inorganic Materials with Multiple Components for Energy and Environmental Applications

Organizers: Ryo Ohtani (CSJ)Jeongsuk Seo (KCS)Lianzhou Wang (RACI)Kazuhiko Maeda (CSJ)
|

The symposium focuses on functional inorganic materials composed of inorganic skeletons integrated with various components such as multiple anions and molecules, which have been approached from the solid-state chemistry and the coordination chemistry. It includes (1) State-of-art synthesis and characterization of mixed-anion compounds and organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites for optical and energy applications (2) Ferroelectric materials ranging from bulk and thin films (3) Heterogeneous catalysts for conversion of small molecules. The symposium will also discuss how structural/electronic properties and phases of inorganic materials affected and modulated by incorporating multiple components. The main aim of this symposium is to get solid prospects of such new generation of inorganic materials for application in energy and environment.

Late Transition Metal Complexes and Clusters: Novel Structures and Transformations

Organizers: Tetsuro Murahashi (CSJ)Joshua Figueroa (ACS)Roland Roesler (CSC)
|

This symposium covers the inorganic and organometallic chemistry of late transition metals (mainly Groups 8-10 metals), ranging from novel synthesis, structures, and transformations. Complexes and clusters of these late transition metals play important roles in stoichiometric or catalytic transformations, due to their electron-rich nature. Recent topics in this field, including rare oxidation states, new coordination modes of inorganic main group ligands, and unique organometallic clusters will be highlighted.

Metal-oxo Clusters: From Fundamental Science to Applications

Organizers: Tianbo Liu (ACS)Yang-Guang Li (CCS)Masahiro Sadakane (CSJ)Chris Ritchie (RACI)
|

Polyoxometalate (POM) chemistry continues to redefine its boundaries, both within the confines of the early d0 transition metals (Groups V & VI), and also outside of these Periodic Table borders. Beyond Group V-VI are the Group XIII clusters, which have been recently expanded from just Al to include Ga and In. Clusters featuring Pu, U, and Np are continuing to emerge from the bottom of the Periodic Table. Within the traditional POMs of V, Nb, Ta, Mo and W, we are discovering new compositions, dimensions, coordination chemistries, redox states, catalytic behavior and aqueous phase and interfacial hierarchical assemblies of clusters. All of these progressions were not expected, some are still not well-understood; and these are the hallmarks of a forward-moving science.
For the Pacifichem 2025 polyoxometalate symposium, our challenge is to bring together the broadly defined polyoxometalate chemists/physicists/materials scientists from different Pacific Rim countries, and beyond. At Pacifichem 2025, we will cover a wide range of the current metal-oxo cluster science, from their synthesis and reactivity (core chemistry), their solution and interfacial behaviors, their applications in catalysis, battery, biomedicine and nanofabrications (Chemistry for Global Challenges) to newly developed polyoxometalate-based organic hybrids and MOFs (A Creative Vision for the Future), which align with all three major Pacifichem 2025 themes. Emergent topics of interest include the metal-oxide clusters containing new transition metals, solution physical chemistry of clusters, functional and sustainable materials from aqueous clusters, energy and environmental related applications of clusters, theoretical studies of clusters, inorganic-organic hybrid materials including polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), compositions, and coordination chemistry of metal-oxo clusters. In addition, we also look forward to the new progressions in the more classic POM fields including single-molecule magnets, catalysis, biochemical applications, photochemistry and electrochemistry. The Pacifichem2025 POM symposium will most assuredly build, not only new intercontinental collaborations, but also bridge the emergent and disparate metal-oxo cluster forming regions of the Periodic Table.

Metals in Biological Chemistry. Metal-binding Active Oxygen Species Correlated to Sustainable Development Goals

Organizers: Shiro Hikichi (CSJ)Jaeheung Cho (KCS)Amy Rosenzweig (ACS)Guy Jameson (RACI)
|

Oxidation reactions of various substrates via activation of molecular oxygen by metalloenzymes in vivo are one of the basic chemical reactions that support biological activities. Elucidation of the catalytic reaction mechanism by metalloenzymes under mild conditions in vivo and the development of catalysts that mimic metalloenzymes are expected to lead to the construction of new reaction processes with less environmental impact. The behaviour of reactive oxygen species in vivo is also an issue related to human health. Some metalloenzymes are also involved in detoxifying such reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the chemistry of the metal-binding active oxygen species is becoming increasingly important for achieving the SDGs, which seek to achieve technological progress while preserving human health and the environment. This symposium will address these recent developments in the field from both the biological and synthetic perspectives. In this session, we will discuss studies aimed at elucidating the reactivity of metals with active oxygen species in the biological process, model complexes involved in the elucidation of reaction mechanisms, and the development of related bio-inspired catalysts. The symposium will bring together a diverse group of speakers and will attract researchers from a variety of disciplines, including bioinorganic, organic, and biological chemistry.

Novel Heme Proteins and Model Systems

Organizers: John Dawson (ACS)Takashi Hayashi (CSJ)Martin Stillman (CSC)
|

Heme proteins contain iron porphyrin as a cofactor and are ubiquitous in nature. They function in countless enzymes, as gas-carriers and as regulators in biology. For several decades, the study of heme proteins has led the way to our current knowledge of how metal ions function in nature. This continues in the present time with the discovery of heme proteins playing new functional roles including novel heme transport proteins, heme-dependent gas sensors and heme-containing transcription regulators. Considerable effort is underway in labs around the world to characterize these heme proteins to establish their biological significance. Additional work has focused on elucidating the unique relationship between the heme coordination structure and the influence of the protein matrix as a second coordination sphere.

In parallel to the investigation of naturally occurring heme proteins, the development of structural and functional model heme systems has been important in reaching our current understanding of how heme iron systems work. This includes artificially modified heme proteins prepared by mutagenesis and/or heme modification as well as synthetically generated heme complexes created to produce new bio-inspired metalloporphyrin catalysts and/or materials.
Our aim is bring together world-class heme scientists to present and discuss their latest results on heme proteins and model systems and encourage communication across the diverse interdisciplinary research lines of the field.

Opening Future in Triggered Assembling Functional Supramolecular Coordination Compounds

Organizers: Takafumi Kitazawa (CSJ)Daniel Leznoff (CSC)TAKASHI KOSONE (CSJ)Sally Brooker (NZIC)
|

Open gates in triggeerd assembly and multi-functional supramolecular metal coordination compounds have very attractive reserach area in inorganic coordination chemical scineces using various kinds of metal ions. Triggering assembly materials linking to supramolecular isomers have different chemical structures but an identical chemical composition have received increasing attention in the area of coordination chemistry associated with Host-guest chemistry and crystal engineering in MOF's chemitryusing metal ions. A range of examples of triggering assembly in supramolecular coordination compound systems have been studied and many chemical factors such as temperature, pressure, light, solvent, template, guest, pH, catenation, molar ratio and concentration have been demonstrated. The chemical effect of controlling factors on the formation of supramolecular coordination compounds has been invistegated extensively by various research groups in the world. Supramolecular coordination polymer materials such as Hofmann-type and Iwamoto-soma type with multi-stable systems between multi states, usually triggered by external stimuli, such as temperature, light, pressure and guest inclusion, are a family of large potential candidates for smart materials since the changes of chemical and physical properties are very large. Various supramolecular coordination compounds, especially those with polymeric 1D, 2D and 3D frameworks, have been intensively investigated due to their polynuclear geometries linked framework structures enhance cooperative effects which link to their potential technological applications as components of memory devices, displays and sensors so on. Now various sophisticated and valuable technique might be used for triggering assembly of supramolecular coordination compounds. In this session, we would like to discuss several aspects of "Opening Future in Triggered Assembling Functional Supramolecular Coordination Compounds" with various wonderful chemical researchers developing and opening new gates in this field deeply and extensively.

Second Coordination Sphere Designs and Strategies for Molecular Catalysis

Organizers: Eva Megan Nichols (CSC)Seung Jun Hwang (KCS)Charles Machan (ACS)
|

The second coordination sphere—the ligand environment in the periphery of a catalytic active site—plays a pivotal role in determining reaction kinetics, selectivity, and stability. A rich diversity of second coordination sphere modifications have been observed in enzyme active sites, including proximal amino acids or cofactors that engage in hydrogen bond donation, participate in proton relays, orient substrates appropriately, facilitate electron transfer, or stabilize otherwise energetic transition states through electric field effects. Drawing inspiration from these biological systems, this symposium will highlight ways in which second coordination sphere design can be applied to molecular catalysis. A broad selection of important catalytic applications will be featured, ranging from small molecule transformations for energy applications (H2, O2, CO2, N2, etc.) to more complex reactions related to upgrading renewable feedstocks or novel synthesis of organic molecules. Catalytic modalities will encompass reductive and oxidative electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, or thermal catalysis. Selected talks will showcase how the second coordination sphere influences catalytic outcomes through mechanistic investigations, spectroscopy, or theory with an overarching aim of inspiring design strategies to enable new transformations with unprecedented selectivity.

Straying Away From the Main Line: Unusual Properties and Reactivity of Main Group Elements

Organizers: Makoto Yamashita (CSJ)Frederic-Georges Fontaine (CSC)Xinping Wang (CCS)Alexander Radosevich (ACS)
|

This symposium aims at uniting established and up-and-coming researchers to discuss about the fast-growing field of main group chemistry. Since the turn of the century, several paradigm-changing discoveries have been reported where s- and p-block elements unveiled surprising properties, notably in catalysis and materials sciences. The symposium will explore how a better understanding of the structural and electronic properties of s- and p-block elements can help develop the reactivity of transition metal-free catalysts in organic synthesis, synthesize new materials for optoelectronic or energetic purposes, and lead to strong bond activation. By doing so, this symposium will help demonstrate that new-generation catalysts and materials can be useful in several subdisciplines of chemistry, bridging from pharmaceutical or modern electronic industries.

The Phthalocyanine Renaissance

Organizers: Daniel Leznoff (CSC)Taniyuki Furuyama (CSJ)Victor Nemykin (ACS)
|

Applications of the phthalocyanines and their structural analogs, such as tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines, subphthalocyanines, and tetraazaporphyrins, range from industrially important dyes and pigments to technologically advanced molecular electronics, semiconductors, solar cells, molecular magnets, fluorescent (bio)imaging, sensors, catalysis and electrocatalysis, as well as photodynamic therapy of cancer. Although a lot of work on synthesis, coordination chemistry, and spectroscopy of phthalocyanines and their analogs was done in the 1980s and 1990s, the development of the new spectroscopic and theoretical methods during the last two decades illuminated and explained many discrepancies in their electronic structure, magnetic properties, and spectroscopy. Thus, the chemistry, spectroscopy and applications of phthalocyanines and their analogs have undergone a new renaissance in recent years. The first phthalocyanine symposium was organized at Pacifichem in 1995. Over the years, this symposium transformed into more general conferences and discussions on porphyrinoids, which includes a small fraction of talks devoted specifically to phthalocyanines and their analogs. With this proposal, we would like to re-establish a focused discussion that centers around new directions and advances in phthalocyanine chemistry. We envision a 1.5 day-long phthalocyanine symposium, which will accommodate a cohort of well-established and emerging diverse groups of scientists worldwide. This tightly focused symposium will bring together the key players in phthalocyanine chemistry and allows us to share recent advances in the synthesis, spectroscopy, electronic structure and applications of such an important class of compounds.

Macromolecular

Advanced Synthesis of Macro- and Supra-molecules with Maximal Material Performance but Minimal Environmental Impact

Organizers: Makoto Ouchi (CSJ)Yan Xia (ACS)Myungeun Seo (KCS)Kazunori Sugiyasu (CSJ)Tsutomu Yokozawa (CSJ)
|

Macromolecular synthesis and engineering is at the forefront to address many challenges in developing high performance materials under demanding conditions and improving energy efficiency of various processes to minimize the carbon footprint and environmental impact of human activities. Creative molecular designs, exquisite control of polymer microstructures and supramolecular assembly, and recent advances in efficient synthetic methods offer exciting opportunities to create new generations of soft materials for a sustainable future. This symposium will showcase the interdisciplinary chemical approaches to efficiently and precisely construct and control macro- and supra-molecules with maximal materials performance to enable diverse new technologies, but achieving such capabilities at minimal environmental impact.

Advances in Polymer-Functionalized Soft Interfaces

Organizers: Shin-ichi Yusa (CSJ)Syuji Fujii (CSJ)Yuji Higaki (CSJ)Chun-Jen Huang Voravee HovenCatherine Whitby (NZIC)Ravin Narain (CSC)
|

The Interfaces occur just about everywhere; they separate biological systems, from organelles to cells, and are also found in high interface emulsions, foams and powdered liquids. Studies on physical and chemical properties related to bulk has been actively performed to date. At interfaces, various phenomena which cannot be explained only by bulk properties have been observed. The functional groups at the interface and textures of the interfaces are significantly modified their chemical and physical properties compared with the bulk nature itself. Recently, the development of surface-initiated controlled/living radical polymerization and click chemistry techniques provide precisely controlled soft surface structure. Everyone can modify and introduce various kinds of functional groups in the interface using the above techniques. Properties of interfaces are a source of biological system diversity. From the practical point of view, it is an important task to control interface of medical devices contacting with physiological environment. This symposium will cover the studies on the interface of soft materials such as polymers, colloids, surfactants, emulsions, foams, thin films, liquid crystals, gels, biomembranes, as well as biomaterials. The aim of this symposium is to expand our knowledge of interfacial science by accumulating the latest basic and applicable information.
This symposium welcomes the following studies related to interfaces.
1. Synthesis of interfaces
2. Analysis of interfaces
3. Interfaces of biomaterial
4. Interaction between interfaces
5. Stimuli-responsive interfaces

Advances in Understanding and Controlling Surface/Interfaces of Polymer Materials at Multiple Scales

Organizers: Daisuke Kawaguchi (CSJ)Biao Zuo (CCS)Eunji Lee (KCS)Rodney Priestley (ACS)
|

Surface and interfaces of polymeric materials play an essential role in various applications such as antifouling materials, adhesives, polymer nanocomposites and thin film devices, and so on. At the surface and interfaces, energy states undergo significant transformation compared to the bulk. The chains align themselves, adopting distinct conformations to minimize surface/interfacial free energy. Intriguingly, for block/graft copolymers and supramolecules, inter- and intra-molecular interactions interact with surface/interfacial effects, giving rise to captivating self-assembled architectures. Furthermore, the dynamics of surface and interfacial chains exhibit deviations from their bulk counterparts.
Such peculiar behavior of the surface and interfacial chains can be understood using various interfacial-sensitive techniques. Structural analysis using quantum beams, fluorescence, and nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy are powerful tools to examine the surface as well as the buried interface. Imaging techniques such as electron and scanning force microscopy provide information about heterogeneous structures. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations present a window into the molecular realm at the surface and interfaces.
The findings so obtained lead to alternative approaches to design and tailor the functional surface and interfaces of polymers. This symposium focuses on the intricate relationship between structures and dynamics at the molecular scale on surfaces and interfaces and their impact on the macroscopic physical properties and functionalities of surface and interfacial polymeric materials. Against the backdrop of increasing demand for safer, more reliable, sustainable, and recyclable materials, this symposium will address these pressing issues by examining the intricate relationships pertinent to polymers, soft materials, and supramolecular systems. In summary, this symposium offers a unique platform for participants to immerse themselves in the forefront of polymer surface/interface research and gain valuable insights into the development of advanced polymer materials. Note that the topics about polymer interfaces related to biology and medicine are covered with not this symposium but “Polymers at the interface with biology: Innovations in design, synthesis, and applications”.

Applying Reaction Fundamentals to the Development of Next Generation Polymer Processes and Products

Organizers: Robin Hutchinson (CSC)Tanja Junkers (RACI)Gregory Russell (NZIC)
|

Many approaches are being investigated to reduce the environmental impact and to increase the sustainability of polymeric materials. These range from the introduction of degradable linkages in polymer backbones to the synthesis of chemically identical commercial monomers from bio-based materials to the substitution of already available renewable monomers for current petroleum-derived structures. Other studies focus on the efficient chemical recycling of existing polymers back to their original feedstocks. Furthermore, the boundaries between the study of biodegradable polymers, natural polymers and synthetic polymers have begun to disappear, allowing us to propose more useful products for society.

While the approaches are diverse and potential monomer feedstocks are extensive, any steps toward commercialization will require a fundamental understanding of how polymerization rate and polymer architecture (and thus product properties) are affected by monomer structure and reaction conditions. Many bio-derived monomers have inherent lowered reactivity compared to conventional petroleum-derived monomers, for example, thus requiring innovative approaches for their efficient incorporation into new polymeric materials. This symposium will provide a forum to present progress made towards the development of next generation polymer materials and processes, with a primary focus on controlled-radical and conventional radical systems. Topics will include the application of specialized techniques to measure or estimate kinetic rate coefficients, the formulation of mechanistic models to represent polymerization kinetics, and the execution of targeted experimental studies toward the development of improved processes and products.

Beyond Single-Bond Macromolecules: Advances in Ladder and Framework Polymers and Their Applications

Organizers: Tomoyuki Ikai (CSJ)Fumitaka Ishiwari (CSJ)Hideto Ito (CSJ)Lei Fang (ACS)Wei Zheng (CCS)
|

The symposium focuses on the precise synthesis and cutting-edge applications of ladder and framework polymers. Ladder polymers, as the name implies, are macromolecules in the shape of a ladder at the molecular level, in which each monomer unit is linked by two and more chemical bonds. Derived from the ladder geometry, they exhibit unique properties and functionalities inaccessible from the conventional macromolecules linked by a single chemical bond (e.g., exceptionally restricted conformational freedom, intrinsic microporosity, thermal and mechanical stability, and excellent conductivity), offering game-changing potential in materials applications. Despite such attractiveness, ladder polymers have not been the key subject of polymer science until relatively recently due to many difficulties in synthesis, analysis, and handling. Recently, however, the situation has changed radically with the development of a variety of approaches for the defect-free construction of ladder frameworks and their characterization, paving the way for practically-useful applications, including but not limited to organic electronics, gas separation, energy storage, and catalysis. Framework polymers, including covalent organic frameworks (COFs), on the other hand, have a three-dimensional network structure with interconnected pores. These porous structures with tunable size/geometry allow for the incorporation of guest molecules or ions, enabling applications such as gas storage, catalysis, and drug delivery.
This symposium aims to create a global platform for leading researchers worldwide to share knowledge, collaborate, and accelerate the innovation in “ladder/framework polymer science”, leading to further breakthroughs in advanced materials development. The outcomes of this symposium will help to establish the position of these polymers in diverse technological domains. The study on graphene nanoribbons and other related ladder-type molecules and polymers are also welcome.

Bringing Order to Disordered Polymer Gels

Organizers: Tasuku NAKAJIMA (CSJ)Younsoo Kim (KCS)Shaoting Lin (ACS)Koki Sano (CSJ)Ryota Tamate (CSJ)
|

Polymer gels are soft materials in which polymer networks are swollen with solvents and have attracted great attention as biological materials, stimuli-responsive materials, dynamic materials, etc. Polymer networks in conventional gels are disordered and heterogeneous, which lead various problems such as mechanical fragility and poor functions. Recently, attention has been focused on introducing ordered structures into polymer gels by various strategies such as nano-phase separation structure, hierarchical multi-networking, and composite with inorganic materials to exhibit superior functionalities including high toughness, controlled stimuli-responsiveness, self-healing, and anisotropic responsibility. In this symposium, we will seek presentations on synthesis strategies, functional expression, and application development for polymer gels that bring various ordered structures. We will also discuss the potential of these materials in various fields such as biomedicine and environmental science. We hope that this symposium will provide an opportunity for researchers to share their latest findings and exchange ideas on the future of polymer gels.

Cyclic and Topologically Complex Polymers

Organizers: Scott Grayson (ACS)Michael Monteiro (RACI)Takuya Yamamoto (CSJ)
|

This symposium will involve the synthesis and characterization, the physical and mechanical studies, and the theory and computational modeling of macromolecular ring structures. These macrocycles have very different characteristics when compared to the linear macromolecules, including a reduction of the hydrodynamic volume, a slower reduction for the degradation of cleavable bonds, and a higher glass transition temperature especially for the lower molecular weights. Initially, these syntheses were very laborious, yielding only a fraction of impure cyclic polymer and then requiring purification of the cyclic polymer from the rest of the linear polymer. In addition to Grubbs ring-expansion metathesis polymerization and the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition ring closure approach that now achieve milligrams of pure cyclic polymers, new techniques, including the self-assembled daisy-chain initiator, can yield multiple grams of cyclic polymer. Recently the field has expanded into new avenues, including multicyclic macromolecules and supramolecular cyclic polymers. Efforts related to confirming their high cyclic purity and the multigram scalability of these cyclic products have developed over these last few years.

Data-Driven Polymer Chemistry – From Automation to Deep Learning

Organizers: Tanja Junkers (RACI)Adam Gormley (ACS)Adam Gormley (CCS)
|

The approach to materials chemistry has not changed much in the past 100 years. Chemists still use highly manual methods to produce new compounds and explore the chemical space. While this approach certainly has its advantages, it is inherently slow, highly dependent on the skill of the experimentalist, and associated with considerable noise and scatter. High throughput experimentation or highly parallelized modes of synthetic operation is an emerging field of study but has not yet matured to a point of broad implementation.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) has in recent years impressively demonstrated in the chemical domain what quick developments are possible if enough data is available to make ML-based predictions. From comparatively simple regression models to deep learning approaches, ML can identify correlations and infer chemical knowledge in ways that human experts would be unable to access due to the high dimensionality of the accessible parameter space. The use of ML, however, requires a distinct disruption in the workflow of most synthetic chemists. However, the potential advantages of embracing data science in the polymer field, where reactions and material properties are governed by complex chain reactions and properties of materials depend on a multitude of parameters, is highly promising and will allow to quantitatively map complex structure-function relationships.

In this symposium, we will explore all facets of data-driven polymer chemistry. This includes the development of robotics and automated reactors to provide the necessary data to achieve meaningful ML. Further, the symposium will deal with fundamental discussions around standardization of methods, data handling and sharing, feature engineering, nomenclature and best practices, and how ML can be generalized to obtain refined mechanistic pictures and a better understanding of chemical principles. This field is growing rapidly with great potential, but requires domain experts to consolidate and align approaches so that future explorations are streamlined.

Expanding the Macromolecular Periodic Table: Polymers and Supramolecules Containing Non-Hydrocarbon Elements for Enhanced Functionality

Organizers: Kensuke Naka (CSJ)Ikuyoshi Tomita (CSJ)Kevin Noonan (ACS)Eric Rivard (CSC)
|

Polymers and supramolecular structures possessing elements such as boron, phosphorus, chalcogens, transition metals, lanthanides, etc. are attractive materials that exhibit (or potentially exhibit) high thermal stability, flame retardant properties, tunable dielectric constants, high refractive index, high optical transparency, etc., as well as advanced functions for optical, electronic and magnetic applications.
This symposium will focus on synthetic methods and precise techniques to control the molecular structure and nanostructure of hybrid materials bearing inorganic elements. In addition, some applications of these novel organic, inorganic, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials will be discussed.
Remarkable progress has been achieved in fundamental and applied studies on hybrid materials in the past twenty years. A variety of new techniques have been disclosed to introduce interesting element-containing building blocks into polymers. Novel next generation-materials with advanced functionality have been utilized in applications such as light emitting devices, as well as energy conversion and storage. There are many important areas (e.g. optical and magnetic materials) in which the hybrid concept is critical, as the incorporation of a desired element can play a key role in function.

Microgels and Nanogels: Fundamentals and Applications

Organizers: Todd Hoare (CSC)Daisuke Suzuki (CSJ)Andrew Lyon (ACS)Ashley Brown (ACS)Walter Richtering
|

Microgels and nanogels have received increasing international interest due to their tunable sizes, elasticities, water contents, and chemistries, leading to significant practical advances in diverse areas including biomedical devices, drug delivery, tissue engineering, oil processing, separations, biosensing, catalysis, and adhesives. In parallel, the unique soft colloidal properties of micro/nanogels (in particular, how their intra-particle properties are uniquely linked to their inter-particle behavior) have sparked immense fundamental interest in understanding how soft materials like micro/nanogels can interact, assemble at interfaces, and dynamically reconform. Micro/nanogels based on smart materials that can adjust both their shape and volume in response to external stimuli (e.g., temperature, ionic strength and composition, pH, electrochemical stimulus, pressure, light) open even more opportunities for both applied and fundamental study given their potential to undergo reversible “on-demand” changes in their physico-chemical properties. This diversity of properties has been reflected in the increasing number of worldwide researchers working on this topic, with the number of publications in the area per year more than doubling within the last decade. While any microgel or nanogel-related research topic will be considered, papers about biomedical applications of microgels, data-driven/molecular dynamics modeling of microgels, microgels for industrial applications, structure-property applications in microgels, novel microgel chemistries/fabrication strategies, new frontiers in responsive microgels, and microgel mechanics are particularly welcomed.

Polymers at the Interface with Biology: Innovations in Design, Synthesis, and Applications

Organizers: Elizabeth R. Gillies (CSC)Michael Monteiro (RACI)Hua Lu (CCS)Timothy Deming (ACS)Sebastien Lecommandoux Orlando Rojas (CSC)
|

This symposium will feature exciting new advances in the application of polymer science to address global challenges in biology and medicine. Macromolecules that will be presented include synthetic polymers, as well as natural polymers including proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and natural polyaromatics, including polyphenols and lignins. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to the design, synthesis, and functionalization of degradable polymers, bioactive natural macromolecules, polymer conjugates, biomimetic polymers, self-assemblies, polymer scaffolds and hydrogels, coatings, and the applications of these materials in areas such as drug and gene delivery, imaging, sensing, and regenerative medicine. The symposium will highlight how recent developments in macromolecular chemistry, characterization, and other new technologies can enable precise control over the structure, properties, and function, allowing advancements in the prevention, detection, and treatment of disease to be realized. Furthermore, the application of (bio)macromolecules to better understand biological processes such as intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape will be highlighted. Researchers at all career stages and at the interface of chemistry with engineering, materials science, biology, and medicine are welcome.

Programmed Assembly of Pi-Conjugated Molecules and Polymers

Organizers: Shiki Yagai (CSJ)Roxanne KieltykaSo-Jung Park (KCS)Gustavo FernandezKazunori Sugiyasu (CSJ)Myongsoo Lee (CCS)
|

The optical properties of π-conjugated molecules and polymers render them attractive units to construct the next generation of smart materials. Non-covalent assembly of these π-systems often results in changes to their absorption and emission, while providing a handle for responsiveness to external stimuli and practical advantages related to their fabrication and use. The growing knowledge in the field over the past decades has led to a wealth of information on π-system assembly and properties with emerging strategies for control. However, rational design of the materials starting from their respective monomers and assembly pathways remains challenging. As structure precedes function, complete programmability of these processes that traverse the molecular to macroscopic scales are essential to secure their widespread application. In this symposium, we will cover the recent developments in the field of π-systems from theoretical to experimental perspectives, including supramolecular polymerization, precision assembly, stimuli-responsive and adaptive behaviour, and their application in areas from healthcare to optoelectronics.

Programmed Self-Assembly of Synthetic and Biological Macromolecules: From System Design to Future Materials

Organizers: Takaya Terashima (CSJ)Robert Grubbs (ACS)Per Zetterlund (RACI)Yoshihiro Sasaki (CSJ)Yoshiko Miura (CSJ)
|

Self-assembly is a universal phenomenon exhibited by biological and synthetic (macro)molecules, where organized structures spontaneously result from specific intermolecular interactions and selective recognition. In vivo, biological (macro)molecules self-assemble hierarchically in complex environments to form organized structures such as proteins, DNA, tissues, and cells. These assemblies express autonomous biological functions via dynamic interactions, intermolecular communication, and participation in catalytic cycles. Recent advances in controlled polymerization techniques have allowed the design and synthesis of macromolecules with precisely defined primary structures, including control over molecular weight, stereoregularity, monomer sequence distribution, degree of branching, and terminal functional groups. As a result, self-assembly of these well-defined synthetic macromolecules through precise association and recognition results in the formation of ordered nano/micro assemblies, gels, and microphase-separated materials. Self-sorting of several components into discrete or fused assemblies has also been realized in complex media such as biological systems. Importantly, the precise molecular structures of synthetic macromolecules, as well as the inherently precise structures of their biological counterparts, serve as programmable parameters to determine the structure and behavior of their assemblies, including complex or hierarchical organization. In this symposium, we will discuss the self-assembly of synthetic and biological macromolecules to create functional materials, focusing on: (1) design of self-assembled nano/micro systems with synthetic or biological (macro)molecules, such as micelles, vesicles, nanogels, colloids, and crystalline and microphase-separated materials; (2) self-sorting of synthetic or biological (macro)molecules in complex media; (3) characterization of their self-assemblies, including solution properties, association structures, hydration, dynamics, and biocompatibility; and (4) creation of self-assembled functional materials (e.g., hydrogels, organic/inorganic hybrids, protein conjugates) for biomedical applications including drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine. Bridging synthetic self-assembled systems and their biological counterparts has the potential to lead to synergetic innovations spanning materials science, polymer chemistry, and biochemistry to solve global future problems.

Progress in Polymer Dynamics

Organizers: Yuichi Masubuchi (CSJ)Quan Chen (CCS)Sachin Shanbhag (ACS)Kyu Hyun (KCS)
|

The dynamics of polymeric materials have garnered significant scientific and industrial interest. From a scientific standpoint, there has been extensive investigation into the universal dynamic behavior across different polymer chemistries. Building upon this universality, coarse-grained modeling approaches have been developed and widely adopted. On the industrial side, dynamics directly impact material design through processing.

Motivated by these considerations, researchers have advanced experimental, theoretical, and computational methodologies to investigate polymer dynamics. Experimental techniques for studying dynamics under non-equilibrium conditions have developed significantly in the past decade, including approaches like large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) measurements, extensional rheometry, microrheology, and dynamic scattering techniques. Theoretical discussions have revolved around shear banding, ring polymers, monomeric friction changes, dynamics in nanocomposites, and temporal networks. Progress has also been made in computational methods, encompassing coarse-grained modeling, multi-scale approaches, and boundary conditions. The use of machine learning and data-driven techniques is increasingly important.

This session aims to showcase recent developments in polymer dynamics, including (but not limited to) the topics mentioned above. It will provide a platform for researchers to present their work and exchange ideas in a multidisciplinary setting. Additionally, the session will foster collaboration among researchers working in closely related fields but from different societies.

Silicon-Containing Polymers and Oligomers: Synthesis, Structural Control, Functions, Hybridization, and Applications

Organizers: Atsushi Shimojima (CSJ)Kazuo Tanaka (CSJ)Yoshiro Kaneko (CSJ)Chang-Sik Ha (KCS)Timothy Su (ACS)
|

Silicon-containing polymers and oligomers, such as polysiloxanes and polysilanes, are important classes of materials due to their unique properties. As one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust, silicon holds significant importance in achieving a sustainable society. The demand for these compounds has considerably increased in recent years. For instance, siloxane-based materials play crucial roles across industries, thanks to their excellent durability, heat resistance, and UV resistance, which surpass those of conventional organic polymers. There is a resurgence of interest in the synthesis of novel polysilane structures and exploring the new properties and applications they may engender. Precise control of the composition, molecular structure, nanostructure, and interfaces of silicon-containing compounds and their nanocomposites is crucial for tailoring their properties and for creating new functionalities. The potential compounds discussed in this symposium include, but are not limited to, silicones, silsesquioxanes, silicas, polysilanes, silicon clusters, polycarbosilanes, and ceramics. This symposium aims to explore both basic and applied research on silicon-containing polymers and oligomers, as well as hybrid and nanocomposite materials that incorporate these compounds. Participation from researchers in a wide range of fields such as polymer chemistry, synthetic chemistry, catalysis, functional materials chemistry, hybrid materials chemistry, and nanomaterials chemistry will be expected.

Materials

Advances in Plastic Crystals

Organizers: Masahiro Yoshizawa-Fujita (CSJ)Jenny Pringle (RACI)Haijin Zhu (CCS)
|

In this symposium, the correlation between the chemical structure and physico-chemical properties of plastic crystals (PCs), which are emerging functional organic materials, and their applications in various research fields will be discussed from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints.
PCs are defined as solid materials that are composed of regularly aligned three-dimensional crystal lattices, but at the molecular level, there is a local orientational/rotational disorder. Since the molecular and/or ionic species in a plastic crystal phase have a higher degree of freedom than in the conventional (fully ordered) crystal state, PCs are crystalline solids exhibiting plasticity and diffusivity of constituents. The fundamental mechanisms leading to these phenomena are of great interest, and moreover PCs are attracting much attention for application as soft solid electrolytes, taking advantage of their properties.
The growing global demand for energy has led to the active development of electrochemical devices such as high-energy density rechargeable batteries. Conventionally in such devices, flammable liquid electrolyte solutions are used, causing problems including leakage and ignition. It would thus be beneficial to replace these electrolytes with solid stable electrolytes. Indeed, with the increasing size of electrochemical devices, there is a worldwide societal demand for improved safety. The development of high-performance solid electrolytes has become a highly active research field.
Therefore, PCs are beginning to attract attention as new candidates for flexible solid electrolyte materials. Furthermore, PCs are also being investigated as heat storage and ferroelectric materials, and the range of applications for PCs is clearly expanding. At the same time, the variety of PCs is steadily increasing year by year.
This symposium will provide a valuable forum for discussing recent progress in PC research. Thus, it will be of interest to many attendees, incorporating both fundamental aspects regarding the unique properties of these materials, and practical applications to novel/improved devices.

Application of Luminescent Materials for Ionizing Radiation Detection

Organizers: Masanori Koshimizu (CSJ)Takayuki Yanagida (CSJ)Safa Kasap (CSC)Jiang Li (CCS)Grant Williams (NZIC)Luiz Jacobsohn (ACS)Go Okada (CSJ)
|

Various luminescent materials have been used for the detection of ionizing radiation. Radiation detection using luminescence includes scintillation, thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, and radio–photoluminescence. These luminescence processes have been used to detect ionizing radiation in various fields of science and industry, such as basic physics, nuclear medicine, environmental monitoring, and security. The demand for higher-quality materials has increased owing to emerging applications in various fields and the nuclear plant accident in Japan. Novel high-quality materials can contribute greatly to various fields. In contrast to optical excitation in which well-defined excited states are produced, various kinds of excited states are involved in luminescence processes under ionizing radiation. At present, the greater part of the basic processes in luminescence under ionizing radiation is unknown. In order to develop higher-quality materials, the development of novel materials and an investigation into the basic processes associated with excited states are both quite important.
This symposium showcases the recent achievements in this field from the viewpoint of materials chemistry. The symposium focuses on the following areas: 1) the development of novel luminescent materials for radiation detection, 2) research on the novel functionality of conventional optical materials for radiation detection, and 3) investigation into the basic processes of luminescence under or after irradiation.

Carbon Nanotubes and Related Low-Dimensional Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Applications

Organizers: Yutaka Ohno (ACS)Michael Arnold (ACS)Seunghyun Baik (ACS)Yan Li (ACS)
|

This symposium will focus on the preparation, characterization, and application of carbon nanotubes and related low-dimensional materials such as graphene and other 2D materials. Presentations on recent developments in the following subareas are invited: (1) Preparation: new growth method, wafer-scale growth, purification, and alignment; (2) Characterization: optical spectroscopies, microscopies, and the other techniques; (3) Applications: electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, THz devices, biosensors, gas sensors, batteries, solar cells, energy harvesters, thermal devices, composite materials, and other applications.

Diamond Electrochemistry

Organizers: Yasuaki Einaga (CSJ)Greg Swain (ACS)jin ZHI (CCS)Takeshi Kondo (CSJ)
|

Conductive boron-doped diamond (BDD) is an alternative to metal electrodes or traditional carbon electrodes that provides superior chemical and dimensional stability, low background currents, and a very wide potential window of water stability. Recently, electrochemical applications using BDD electrodes are attracting much attention in many fields, not only in electrochemistry but also in fields such as functional materials science, analytical chemistry, environmental science, biomedical or biological science and so on. In fact, waste water treatment systems, ozone generation systems, using BDD electrodes have already become commercially available. Electrochemical sensor using BDD electrodes are also very near to commercialize. More so, the number of publications involving BDD electrochemistry research is drastically increasing year by year. Here, in this symposium, the current development on BDD electrochemistry such as electrochemical sensor including biomedical application, water treatment, ozone generation, electrochemical organic synthesis will be discussed. Furthermore, the fundamental studies on interfaces of BDD electrodes including theoretical analysis are also important topics.

Dynamic Exciton: Manipulation of Local-Excited, Charge-Transfer Excited, and Charge-Separated States for Energy Conversion

Organizers: Hiroko Yamada (CSJ)Hiroshi Imahori (CSJ)Yasuhiro Kobori (CSJ)Hironori Kaji (CSJ)Michael Wasielewski (ACS)Prashant Kamat (ACS)Yen-Ju Cheng
|

Molecular photoinduced charge separation systems have been designed and developed elegantly based on Marcus’s electron transfer (ET) theory. In stark contrast, how the movement of atomic nuclei influences the behavior of electrons and spins involved in ET reactions in a time-evolving manner has rather been overlooked. However, in recent years, the importance of dynamic fluctuations, vibrations, rotations, and collective motion (i.e., lattice vibration, phonon) in molecular donor- acceptor (D-A) systems involved in the excited-state generation, charge separation, and charge dissociation has gradually been revealed. In this regard, we propose a new concept, “dynamic exciton”. First, we redefine “exciton”. Here, “exciton” is not only redefined as the locally excited state in molecular D-A systems, but also this terminology is extended further to include the charge-transfer (CT) excited state and charge-separated (CS) state as the umbrella term of the three different states considering the emphasis on hole- electron pair. We aim to manipulate the three different states through mutual transformation in this new comprehensive photochemistry. Another important aspect of “exciton” is related closely with “dynamic” aspect of “exciton”. For molecular D-A systems, it is pivotal to understand the mutual interplay between behaviors of electrons and spins and movement of atomic nuclei as well as of their collective motion in time-dependent manner. By restructuring science in photochemistry under “dynamic exciton” and adopting the dynamic effects, it is high expected to develop versatile photofunctions in electronics, energy, medicine/medical care, and functional materials in future. The major goal of this symposium is to solve the above issues by merging rational molecular design based on the dynamic effects with world-leading high- resolution spectroscopies and unique theoretical analyses. In particular, we would like to focus on research related to manipulation of the above three states for energy conversion such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) and organic photovoltaics (OPV) in term of electron-vibration and spin-orbit couplings.

Free Radical and Spin-Based Functional Materials

Organizers: Alex Smirnov (ACS)Steven Bottle (RACI)Naoki Yoshioka (CSJ)
|

Materials and molecules that possess unpaired electronic spins exhibit a plethora of unique chemical and exotic physical properties. Such spins can produce powerful reactive chemical tools and sensitive spectroscopic probes. Recently paramagnetic defects in crystals and engineered free radical centers in synthetic materials are increasingly being explored as key components in quantum sensors and quantum information systems, as molecular magnets and redox active systems, and even in spintronic devices based on exploiting spin as another degree of freedom. The reactive chemistry of free radicals can also make them an essential tool for bond transformations and redox reactions. Taken together, spin-containing materials and free radical molecules possess unique properties that make them relevant to many fields – from reactive molecular species to spectroscopic probes in biology and to key components in all-organic electric batteries and new functional materials. This symposium builds on the success of three preceding symposia at Pacifichem 2010, 2015 and 2021 focused primarily on nitroxide free radicals. The 2025 Symposium is expanding to reflect further progress in new redox and antioxidant chemistry, as well as to include the chemistry and properties of functional materials with spin centers that exploit the chemical and quantum spin properties provided by these unique chemical architectures. Thus, the 2025 symposium will focus on:
1) Synthesis of organic radicals and materials engineering of spin centers with designed functionality;
2) Redox-active and reactive nitroxides – from biological probes to all-organic batteries;
3) Chemistry and physical properties of supramolecular spin assemblies 4) as the building blocks for spintronics and quantum information processing.
The Symposium will follow the common theme of spin centers and free radicals in chemical systems and materials of increased complexity: from organic synthesis of small molecules through to engineered quantum defects in crystals, to supramolecular assemblies, nanoclusters and low-dimensional bio-/nanomaterials. The transdisciplinary nature of the Symposium brings together organic synthetic, supramolecular and materials chemists as well as experts in spectroscopy, quantum information and materials science. The Symposium will provide unique means to disseminate recent research results in free radical chemistry and applications among the disciplines and diverse Pacific Rim scientific communities, thereby fostering new interdisciplinary collaborations, industrial development, and inspiring new discoveries that are expected to rapidly transform the field.

Luminescent Nanostructures for Biosensing, Bioimaging and Medicine

Organizers: Fiorenzo Vetrone (CSC)Niko Hildebrandt (KCS)Xue Qiu (CCS)Allison Dennis (ACS)
|

The primary purpose of this symposium is to provide an international forum to discuss recent developments in the field of luminescent nanomaterials, the fundamental properties and mechanisms underpinning the luminescence as well as their application in a broad range of applications in photonics and biophotonics. Materials and devices to be covered include (but not limited to): luminescent nanocrystals, plasmonic nanostructures, non-crystalline nanomaterials, and biomimetic or biocompatible nanoscale materials. The applications of these nanomaterials will also be covered and can include high resolution fluorescence imaging using luminescent nanolabels, diagnostics, therapeutics, biosensing, etc. All contributions that address recent advances in the field of luminescent nanomaterials, as well as reports on new applications, are encouraged.

Session topics will include:
Optical properties of colloidal nanoparticles (quantum dots, P-dots, carbon nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, dye-doped nanoparticles, rare earth doped/upconverting nanoparticles), 1D and 2D nanostructures
Biomimetic and biocompatible optically active nanomaterials
Fluorescence imaging using optical nanolabels (including super-resolution and single molecule/single particle imaging) and nanothermometry
Luminescent nanoparticles for biosensing, diagnostics and therapeutics
Luminescent nanomaterials for energy transfer (FRET, etc.)

Multicomponent Nanostructures: Novel Synthesis, Rational Design, and Materials Discovery

Organizers: Jingshan S. Du (ACS)Pengcheng Chen (CCS)Taegon Oh (KCS)Julie Fenton (ACS)
|

The history of human civilization is intertwined with the discovery and utilization of elements. In the face of modern challenges such as clean energy conversion, pollution mitigation, and green synthesis, there is a growing demand for complex nanostructures that combine multiple elements, crystal structures, and geometrical configurations to enhance and diversify materials functionalities. The key to these functionalities lies in the unique electronic structures, interfaces, and surfaces originated from either solid solutions or heterogeneous structures, which enable various properties from chemosorption to plasmonic resonance and lead to a range of promising devices such as (photo/electro)catalysts, sensors, and therapeutic agents.

This symposium will showcase the latest advances in the design, synthesis, and discovery of multicomponent nanostructures and their applications. It will cover topics such as novel synthesis methods for polyelemental nanomaterials, particularly inorganic ones, such as high-entropy alloys and heterostructures with diverse interfacial configurations; structural characterization and modeling of multicomponent nanostructures; simulations and combinatorial chemistry for exploring the vast phase and structural space; and design rules for tailoring properties of multicomponent nanostructures guided by large-scale computations and machine learning.

This symposium will bring together researchers from inorganic, physical, and materials chemistry and foster stimulating discussions on the field of multicomponent nanostructures in the Pacific Rim area and beyond. It will also highlight the diversity and inclusion efforts in this field and provide opportunities for younger and underrepresented researchers to present their work and pursue their career goals.

Nanostructured Oxides for Energy Harvesting, Conversion and Storage

Organizers: Miao Yu (CCS)Francesca Iacopi (RACI)Xiaogang Liu (ACS)Giovanni Fanchini (CSC)Federico Rosei (ACS)
|

Metal oxides in their nanostructured form, including 2D sheets such as transition metal oxides (TMO) and graphene oxides (GO), represent an emerging class of materials, whose properties cover the entire range from metals to semiconductors to insulators and almost all aspects of chemistry, material science, physics, and biology in a very broad application area. Significant progress has been achieved on the synthesis, structural, physical and chemical characterization of self-organized and hierarchically-assembled nanostructured metal oxides (1-100 nm range) that exhibit size-dependent properties. On this solid ground, recent research focuses on exploiting nanostructured metal oxides in a series of applications related to energy harvesting and storage, including solar cells, luminescent solar concentrators and building-integrated photovoltaics, supercapacitors, electrochemical / photoelectrochemical cells for water splitting and batteries.

In parallel to the possibility of fine-tuning the morphological, structural and electronic properties of oxides during their synthesis, the formation of composite systems using carbon-based materials (e.g. carbon nanotubes and graphene) and/or doping of the oxide structures has been shown to yield new charge separation and transport properties of particular interest in photovoltaic, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical systems, which can boost device performance.

Experts from Academia, National Laboratories and Industry will meet in this symposium dedicated to the synthesis, structural and functional characterization of self-organized nanostructures and architectures of emerging metal oxides, with emphasis on application of these materials for energy conversion and storage. This is a thriving area for both developed and developing nations that will allow us to meet future challenges in energy and environment.

Photo-Functional Molecular Nanosystems: Fundamentals, Applications, and Innovations

Organizers: Syoji Ito (CSJ)Grace Han (ACS)Yuna Kim (KCS)Tsuyoshi Fukaminato (CSJ)
|

Photo-functional nanomaterials, including molecules, molecular assemblies, supramolecular systems, nanoparticles, and nanocrystals, have recently been attracting considerable attention in terms of not only their interesting photo-responses from a scientific viewpoint but also possible applications towards the development of innovative photon-related technologies. Representatives can be seen in e.g., optogenetics utilizing photo-responsive proteins for controlling bioactivities of cells by light, and super-resolved imaging techniques attained by using photo-switchable fluorophores. Towards the next innovations, considerable investigations on photo-responsive materials are still ongoing with enthusiasm in various research fields, such as photo-energy conversion, photo-catalysis, photo-mechanical systems, and a new class of luminescent materials.
To foster the rational design and realization of innovative photo-functional materials, it is crucial to provide multidisciplinary researchers with a platform for exchanging cutting-edge information. The symposium we propose here will be thus dedicated to bringing together diverse chemical scientists primally from the Pacific area; their research topics cover photo-switchable molecules, photochromism, photothermal conversion, photomechanical systems, photochemical reactions, photophysics/dynamics, photo-energy conversion, photoinduced phase transition, photo-pharmacology, photoluminescence, and related areas. In addition to the scientists from Pacific-rim countries, several collaborators from Europe will also be involved in the symposium for diverse, international discussion. The symposium will focus on the following topics: 1) innovation of fundamental photo-responsive mechanism: multiphoton triggering, multi-exciton generation from single exciton, photon up-conversion, photo-response caused by photon momentum, etc., 2) design and synthesis of new photo-functional molecules/materials: molecular switches, mechanical nanosystems, luminescent materials, etc., 3) novel approaches for photon energy conversion and storage: photo-thermal response, stepwise photoreactions, photoinduced phase separation, etc., and 4) applications of photo-functional molecular nanosystems.

Polypeptide Folding and Assembly for the Materials Design and Therapeutic Applications

Organizers: Takahiro Muraoka (CSJ)Jeffrey Hartgerink (ACS)Young-Ho Lee (KCS)Tomohide Saio (CSJ)
|

The biological properties of proteins largely rely on the higher-order structures. Correct folding of the unstructured polypeptide chains to the native structures allows for physiological functions, whereas misfolding-induced insoluble assemblies, aggregates such as amyloid fibrils, often cause a number of degenerative diseases. The process of proteins to form dense assemblies with liquid characteristics, namely liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), plays key roles in cellular functions such as signaling and gene expression. Understanding of the folding and assembling mechanisms is one of the central subjects in biological science, which is also helpful for drug design to combat pathogenic assemblies and recover abnormal protein functions. In light of bioengineering, the control of the assembling nature of proteins provides materials design based on (poly)peptides with bio-functionalities. Non-toxic fibrillar assemblies consisting of collagen helices and β-sheet stackings have been extensively developed to mimic extracellular matrices for tissue engineering and drug delivery. In addition, coacervates made of polypeptides have also gained attention as dynamic media with stimuli responses. Efficient combination of various chemical methodologies will give us deeper understanding of the polypeptide folding and assembly, and their controlling to advance the materials design and therapeutic applications. In this symposium, we highlight the recent progress in the chemical biology of protein folding, aggregation, and LLPS, and discuss chemical approaches to develop the biofunctional and therapeutic materials.

Recent Evolution of Single-Atom Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Organizers: Sourav Biswas (ACS)Chang Hyuck Choi (KCS)Yongjun Ji (CCS)
|

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) became a popular and emerging research topic in recent times due to their maximized atom utilization efficiency compared to bulk metal catalysts in different heterogeneous catalytic reactions. SACs consist of isolated metal atoms singly dispersed on a support. The simplicity and uniformity of the SACs offer a great versatility to understand the catalytic active sites in theoretical level. Various factors including synthesis techniques and support structure play crucial roles in determining the properties and performance of SACs. This proposed symposium in the Pacifichem 2025 will provide a platform for discussing the recent developments of novel preparation methods and applications of SACs in heterogeneous catalysis. The topic is well aligned to a conference like Pacifichem 2025, as many of the research groups expertise on SACs are from the different pacific rim countries including China, Korea Japan, United States, and Canada. We anticipate a participation of diverse presenters and audience from different pacific rim countries at our symposium.

This symposium will highlight advances in SACs for heterogeneous catalysis applications, including (1) the novel preparation methods of SACs following mild, environment friendly and cost-effective process with good reproducibility, (2) the development of SACs-mediated catalytic process with enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability and (3) the future perspective of SACs especially in industrial heterogeneous catalysis applications.

Topics include but are not limited to:
1) Novel synthetic strategies for various SACs
2) Application of SACs in various gas phase heterogeneous catalytic reactions such as CH4 activation, water-gas shift, and NOx reduction
3) SACs in liquid-phase catalysis including aerobic oxidation, dehydrogenation, and catalytic reduction
4) SACs in electrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications such as CO2 reduction, oxygen reduction and water oxidation
5) Advanced analysis/characterizations of SACs by experimental and theoretical investigations
6) In situ study of changes in single atoms under reaction conditions.

Science and Application in Molecular Conductors and Related Compounds

Organizers: Toshio Naito (CSJ)John Schlueter (ACS)Kathryn Preuss (CSC)
|

The molecular solids have garnered scientific attention in Materials Science for decades because of their rich chemistry and unique physics in conducting, magnetic and optical properties. Following the great success in the corresponding sessions in a previous series of Pacifichem, the symposium proposed here covers a wide variety of topics regarding molecular conducting solids and related functional materials. They are expected to include, but do not limit, development and measurements on molecular devices, photo-, nonlinear- and superconductivity, Mott insulators, spin liquids, highly correlated systems, dielectric, magnetic, and topological materials. Thus, our session in Pacifichem 2025 will provide valuable platforms for international networking and collaboration among interdisciplinary research groups from the Pacific Rim countries. In addition to leading scientists from all over the Pacific Ocean, many young researchers and students are expected to attend the session, who will be certainly inspired by excellent talks disclosing cutting edge findings based on state-of-the-art methods as well as active discussion during the poster session. Our session focused on the molecular conductors will connect great minds, present and future, and dream to reality by making a Pacific circuit for new scientific current leading to clear future vision that chemistry can create better world.

Supramolecular Assemblies at Surfaces: Nanopatterning, Functionality, Reactivity

Organizers: Dmitrii Perepichka (CSC)Jennifer MacLeod (RACI)Federico Rosei Lifeng Chi (CCS)
|

Molecular self-assembly at surfaces is a burgeoning field dealing with the use of hydrogen bonds, metal-organic coordination, van der Waals forces and, in some cases, covalent bonds to form two-dimensional long-range ordered patterns. As this field matures, there has been a recent surge of interest in controlling the formation of covalent oligomers and polymers at surfaces, following the need to create more robust structures that may have advanced functionalities. The former are model systems for organic thin film growth to be used as active materials in, e.g. organic electronic devices; the latter are organic analogs of graphene, i.e. planar conjugated structures with semiconducting rather than ballistic conducting behavior.
This symposium will bring together leading scientists from inorganic and organic chemistry and surface physics communities presenting recent breakthroughs in the formation and characterization of functional molecular architectures at surfaces by self-assembly as well as using surface-confined reactions to facilitate bottom-up synthesis of linear conjugated polymers (aka molecular wires), graphene nanoribbons and two-dimensional polymers.

Trilateral Collaboration to Advance Sustainable Energy using Nature-inspired Variable-Property Materials

Organizers: Jingbo Louise Liu (ACS)Chunxiao Zheng (ACS)Yujin TongTianfu Liu (CCS)Dongling Ma (CSC)Jinxia Fu (ACS)
|

The symposium is led by a group of female professionals from industry, academia, and small business in bringing together interdisciplinary researchers from three societies (ACS, CSC, CCS) to explore innovative and feasible solutions to energy sustainability challenges with an emphasis to end plastic pollution. The overarching goal of this symposium lies in exploration of nature-inspired variable-property materials and their potential applications in sustainable emerging energy systems to contribute to net-zero emission and further advance circular economy. The topics of the invited presentations and discussions will focus on the latest research discoveries and leading-edge concepts in developing new and innovative solutions to address the challenges of energy consumption, waste management, and climate change through this trilateral collaboration of researchers. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue and share their knowledge and experiences in tackling these complex issues. This symposium is designed to promote community building to drive the development of new technologies and approaches in sustainable energy production, and to identify new opportunities in the field.
The topics are suggested, but not limited to the following, 1) hydrogen production and utilization, 2) CO2 capture and sequestration, 3) sustainable biofuel, 4) nature-inspired polymers, and 5) energy storage and conversion systems. The symposium will bring together experts and stakeholders from academia, industry, and government laboratories to provide a forum for open discussion, exchange of ideas, and networking. The goal of the symposium is to advance the use of nature-inspired variable-property materials, promote the development of new technologies and approaches, and create a sustainable future for us and future generations.

Wettability and Adhesion

Organizers: Kevin Golovin (CSC)Atsushi Hozumi (CSJ)Xu Deng (CCS)
|

This symposium will focus on interfacial phenomenon relating to wetting, adhesion, and surface modification (chemical and/or physical) used to control these. Topics of interest include super-wetting surfaces (superhydrophobic, superomniphobic, superaerophilic, lubricant-infused surfaces, etc.), low-adhesion surfaces (anti-icing, anti-fouling, anti-biofouling, nonstick, anti-stain, etc.), and surface modification techniques that enable these type of interfacial properties (laser texturing, lithography, self-assembly, chemical patterning, wettability patterning, etc.). Fundamental talks are very welcome, for example in in terms of contact line dynamics, droplet physics, polymer brush phenomenon, interfacial fracture, or nanomechanics. The symposium also welcomes application-specific content that utilizes wettability and/or adhesion phenomena to modify performance, such as dropwise condensation and heat transfer, sustainable replacements for perfluoroalkylated substances, microfluidics / liquid transportation, and advanced coatings.

Organic

Anion Recognition Chemistry

Organizers: Valerie Pierre (ACS)Philip Gale (RACI)Hiromitsu Maeda (CSJ)Radu Custelcean (ACS)
|

Anions play a vital role in numerous chemical, biological, physiological, and environmental processes. As such, molecular recognition of anions is one of the pillars of supramolecular chemistry that enables selective binding, detection, transformation and ultimately control of these species. Chloride, for instance, is involved in maintaining osmotic balance, regulating pH, and transmitting nerve signals. Bicarbonate is essential for proper functioning of the respiratory and renal systems. It is also a key target in the development of negative C emission technologies. Phosphates are integral components of DNA, RNA, and ATP, playing key roles in energy transfer and cell signaling. They are also vital to securing our food supply, underlining the increasingly urgent need for new approaches to close the P cycle. Many critical aspects of the sustainability of water focus on nitrate, sulfates, and PFAS. Consequently, recognition, sensing, separation, transport, and transformation of anions have developed into important and vibrant research thrusts in supramolecular chemistry, with applications in human health, energy, and sustainability. The symposium will focus on all aspects of anion recognition and transport, spanning the entire spectrum from fundamental to applied research. Topics of interest include: design and synthesis of anion receptors, structural and thermodynamic aspects of anion–host interactions, anion-driven self-assembly of supramolecular architectures and crystals, anion sensing and separation, and biological, medical and environmental applications of anion recognitions.

Beyond Exogenous: The Direct Visible Light Activation of Transition Metal Catalysts

Organizers: Bruce Arndtsen (CSC)Vladimir Gevorgyan (ACS)Marisa Kozlowski (ACS)Yao Fu (CCS)
|

The field of visible light activated transition metal catalysis is rapidly emerging as a powerful approach for developing new synthetic transformations. By combining direct photoexcitation with the ability of metals to mediate reactions within their coordination sphere, these systems open the possibility to create catalytic transformations not typically possible in thermal chemistry, do so under mild conditions, and lead to streamlined approaches to synthesis. Ongoing research in this field has demonstrated the ability of numerous active metal catalysts to directly harvest visible light energy. This symposium will highlight the many advancements in this exciting area of research beyond that of photoredox chemistry, and its applications in organic synthesis, materials science, Green chemistry and polymers. The mechanisms by which these transformations occur will also be discussed.

Carbenes for Catalysis and Synthesis

Organizers: Karl Scheidt (ACS)David Lupton (RACI)Yonggui Robin Chi (CCS)
|

The importance of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as powerful Lewis base catalysts and intermediates in organic synthesis has exploded in importance due to their unique characteristics and reactivity patterns. These related divalent carbon species have the potential to impact all areas of chemistry, including catalysis, organic synthesis, and material science. The theme of the proposed symposium will be "Carbenes for Catalysis and Synthesis" under the topic area of “Organic” and will highlight broad advances in these interconnected areas with strong basic science and mechanistic approaches coupled to target-based activities and applications. The broad versatility of carbenes as catalysts for two electron and single electron processes and as ligands for transition metals in a wide variety of different transformations in synthesis will be a major focus of the presentations. The symposium will also seek to highlight the interplay between the fundamental physical organic chemistry aspects of carbenes and their distinctive utility in synthetic applications.

Chemistry of Nanocarbons – Fullerenes, Carbon Nanotubes, Nanographenes and Beyond

Organizers: Hiroshi Imahori (CSJ)Steven Stevenson (ACS)Yoko YamakoshiAkimitsu Narita (CSJ)Shangfeng Yang (CCS)
|

The major goal of this symposium is to highlight the recent advances in the chemical synthesis and functionalization of novel nanocarbons and related materials including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanographenes, nanodiamond, and two-dimensional materials for basic sciences and to explore their potential applications. Among the various fields of nanocarbon science, the chemistry of nanocarbons, more specifically their chemical synthesis and functionalization, still remains very active and continues to expand their field into emerging nanomaterials. Chemistry is the study of the transformation of materials, and it is crucial for the creation of unprecedented nanographenes as well as new functionalities in novel materials based on fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. The purpose of this symposium is to provide a forum for the presentation of all aspects of synthesis, chemical functionalization, property evaluation, characterization, and application of nanocarbons and related materials. In the course of this symposium the organizers intend to have presentations from leading scientists in the fields of organic, inorganic, physical, and theoretical chemistry, and materials science. We also intend to have presentations from scientists in both industry and academia.

Conspicuous Synthesis and Degradation of Organofluorine Compounds

Organizers: Hideki Amii (CSJ)Norio Shibata (CSJ)David Vicic (ACS)Jinbo Hu (CCS)
|

The present symposium focuses on the progressive fluorine chemistry based on organic synthesis. To date, new technologies of organic reactions such as metal-catalyzed fluorination, fluoroalkylations, C-F bond activation, metal- or organo-catalyzed photoredox, mechanochemical transformations, and flow technology have developed. These innovations have dramatically affected the fundamental situation of synthetic methods for organofluorine compounds. Most of organofluorine compounds which previously difficult to be synthesized, are going to be more available now. The challenging reactions, such as direct fluorination of organic molecules, using fluoroform for trifluoromethylation and trifluoromethyl cross-couplings reaction, and fluoro-functionalizations are going to be realized on a practical level. From the environmental viewpoints, controllable degradation of organofluorine compounds is a hot topic. The development of new reactions involving C-F transformation is quite important in chemistry. Therefore, it is the best opportunity to organize the symposium highlighting the remarkable progress of organofluorine chemistry. All the reactions covered widely in this symposium will include, new cross-couplings, C-F transformations, and fundamental studies on reactivity of organofluorine compounds. The papers may also cover the effect of metal, ligand structure and other variables on the rate, scope, selectivity, and functional group compatibility of these new emerging technologies. This symposium hopes to overview different approaches taken by organic, inorganic, and organometallic chemists to manipulate organic substrates containing fluorine atom(s).

Designed pi-Electronic Systems: Synthesis, Properties, Theory, and Function

Organizers: Michael M. Haley (ACS)Wesley Chalifoux (CSC)Aiko Fukazawa (CSJ)Ramesh Jasti (ACS)
|

Research on the synthesis, properties, and uses of functional pi-electronic systems has seen tremendous growth over the last two decades. Broadly defined as conjugated molecules with designed properties, functional pi-systems encompass a wide variety of molecular systems (e.g., acenes, annulenes, conjugated polymers, porphyrins, dyes) and research areas (e.g., supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition, nonlinear optics, organic semiconductors). In recognition of the burgeoning importance of this vast interdisciplinary field, we would like to organize a symposium on "Designed pi-Electronic Systems: Synthesis, Properties, Theory, and Function" for the 2025 Pacifichem meeting. The primary focus will be on new and improved synthetic methods and techniques for the assembly of conducting polymers, optical materials, magnetic materials, etc. Nonetheless, discussion of specific materials properties will also be an important part of the symposium. The potential speakers that we plan to invite will represent a diverse group in terms of background, gender, and geographical location, mixing well-established investigators with relatively new faces on the scene. We are convinced that the very high caliber of the scientists who will speak at this symposium will ensure excellent attendance, which in turn will foster a congenial atmosphere for the lively exchange of exciting, cutting-edge science.

Development of New Reactions and Technologies Adaptable to Process Chemistry

Organizers: Yujiro Hayashi (CSJ)Takahiko Akiyama (CSJ)Kevin Maloney (ACS)Dawei Ma (CCS)
|

Process chemistry underpins the competitiveness of chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Since the stagnation of process chemistry is estimated to cause the industrial depression, chemists focus on process chemistry consistently provide the stimulus by the development of novel and efficient new reactions and technologies. This symposium will draw focus to the technologies adaptable to process chemistry because the process development from molecules to pharmaceutical drugs will be involved in other symposia. This symposium will be concerned with new reactions and methods for the synthesis of functional materials including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, chemical raw materials and so on oriented in the direction of process chemistry including green and sustainable chemistry as one of the major topics. Furthermore, various isolation methods including crystallization, development of reactors and equipment, direct observational methods of reaction progress are important topics. Finally, the process design to scale up will be also considered.

Enabling Tools for Organic Synthesis

Organizers: Stephen Newman (CSC)Aiichiro Nagaki (CSJ)Tao Ye (CCS)
|

Modern research in organic synthesis involves numerous new tools and technologies that can be used to enable a broad range of chemical transformations. For example, flow chemistry can enable rapid, exothermic reactions to be controlled. Electrochemistry and photochemistry can harness electrons and photons to efficiently access high energy reactive intermediates. Mechanochemistry can initiate chemical reactions through physical force in the solid state rather than require solution-phase collisions. Biocatalysis can achieve astounding selectivity by exploiting and redesigning nature’s catalysts. High throughput experimentation can enable the generation of large data sets, and machine learning can aid in their interpretation and make accurate predictions about the next possible experiments. It is no doubt that these technologies are changing how molecules are made and will have an important role to play in the future of organic chemistry. However, synthetic chemists can be intimidated by the technological barrier for using these tools. This symposium seeks to bring together experts with diverse backgrounds to communicate the advantages embracing modern technology can bring to practicing organic chemists, as well as provide practical insight into how the listener can use these insights to solve their own challenges in synthetic chemistry.

Frontiers in Synthetic Organic Photocatalysis

Organizers: Corey Stephenson (ACS)Tehshik Yoon (ACS)Takashi Koike (CSJ)Eun Jin Cho (KCS)
|

Over the past fifteen years, there has been a remarkable renewal of interest in photochemical synthesis. Much of the initial reinvigoration focused on the use of photoredox catalysis to produce organic radical intermediates under exceptionally mild conditions. A symposium at the 2013 Spring ACS Meeting highlighting this theme was very well attended and helped to raise the profile of the field, with a follow up meeting focused on emerging investigators in 2018. As photochemistry has once again become a major theme in synthetic chemistry, the boundaries of the field are being expanded in several creative new ways. This symposium on Frontiers in Synthetic Organic Photocatalysis is being proposed to highlight these novel ideas, ranging from new strategies utilizing energy- and electron-transfer from photoactivated catalysts to organic molecules for organic synthesis, materials chemistry, translation to industrial applications, complex molecule total synthesis, and computational chemistry.

Green Catalysis Science for Sustainable Chemical Synthesis

Organizers: Takashi Ooi (CSJ)Tehshik Yoon (ACS)Eun Jin Cho (KCS)Aiwen Lei (CCS)Hirohisa Ohmiya (CSJ)
|

Organic synthesis has been consistently developed, serving as an indispensable technology for creating and providing value-added molecules for our society. However, upon looking toward the sustainable development of society, organic synthesis must consider effective utilization of omnipresent carbon resources, molecular transformations using renewable energy, and minimization of waste. In this regard, radical reactions hold significant potential to realize truly sustainable chemical synthesis with a wide range of resources as starting materials. Yet, it is still difficult to precisely control radical intermediates for eliciting full potential of the radical-mediated organic molecular transformations.
The goal of this symposium is to present and share the cutting-edge progress in the catalytic control of the generation of radicals and their bond formations by taking advantage of photo- and electrochemistry for synthetic methodology development. Green catalysis science based on the integration of inorganic chemistry, solid-surface chemistry, and organic chemistry will enable rational design of catalysts capable of harnessing light and/or electric energy for controlling radicals to achieve otherwise difficult selective bond-forming reactions, making it feasible to synthesize high-value-added organic molecules from any carbon resources in the shortest possible time. Fruitful discussion should lead to offer a perspective of catalysis science to revolutionize methods for the conversion of carbon resources, establishing the next-generation organic synthetic chemistry that is not dependent on the structure of molecules.

Green Techniques for Organic & Medicinal Chemistry

Organizers: Wei Zhang (ACS)Fen-Er Chen (CCS)Makoto Yasuda (CSJ)
|

This symposium focuses on the new development of green techniques for organic and medicinal chemistry applications. It covers following three areas: 1) Pot-, atom-and step-economy (PACE) synthesis (cascade reactions, multicomponent reactions, one-pot synthesis); 2) Green and alternative synthetic techniques (renewable solvents, flow chemistry, microwave, ultrasonic, mechanochemistry); 3) Green medicinal chemistry (toxicology, drug design & synthesis, drug formulation, separation, and process chemistry).

Modern Approaches to Total Synthesis in the 2020s and Beyond

Organizers: Richmond Sarpong (ACS)Toshiaki Sunazuka (CSJ)Sunkyu Han (KCS)
|

The goal of this symposium is to highlight the challenges and opportunities offered by the total synthesis of complex molecules, particularly natural products, in the 2020s and beyond. The symposium will highlight the use of emerging strategies and methods for total synthesis such as transition metal-mediated methods and catalysis as well as chemoselectivity in complex settings. Furthermore, divergent syntheses that facilitate the investigation of function of families of molecules that are synthesized will be discussed. Experts and leaders in the total synthesis of natural products will provide both a historical perspective on the field and outline the future opportunities for innovation in tackling the synthesis of complex molecules.

Organic Solid-State Chemistry: Advances from Structures to Properties

Organizers: Seiya Kobatake (CSJ)Leonard MacGillivray (ACS)Erin Johnson (CSC)Braulio Rodríguez-Molina
|

The proposed symposium aims to discuss recent developments and pertinent results in the areas of organic solid-state chemistry. The latest research on organic solid-state chemistry accomplishes great success in the broad fields of organic chemistry and physical chemistry, with current emphases on organic synthesis, chiral chemistry, photochemistry, coordination chemistry, luminescent materials, self-assembly, and electronic materials, to name a few. At this symposium, eminent chemists, researchers, and graduate students in Pacific-Rim countries will gather, share information, and develop key arguments on the organic solid-state chemistry to set the stage for future collaborations in various fundamental and technologically-relevant fields.

The proposed symposium will focus on the following topics: (a) Organic reactions and polymerizations in the solid-state; (b) Molecular dynamics in the solid-state; (c) Chirality and optical resolution; (d) Molecule recognition; (e) Crystal structure and design; (f) Mechanism of nucleation, crystal growth, and crystallization process design; (g) Polymorphism, phase transitions, and amorphous structures; (h) Electronic and luminescent properties; (i) Nanostructures and Nanoporous Crystals.

Recent Advances in Chemical Biology – in Memory of Koji Nakanishi, the Pioneer in Natural Product Chemistry on the Occasion of his 100 Year Birthday

Organizers: Xuefei Huang (ACS)Nina Berova (ACS)Babak Borhan (ACS)David Lynn (ACS)Craig Parish (ACS)Tatsuo Nehira (CSJ)
|

Professor Koji Nakanishi was a pioneer in natural products chemistry, spectroscopic methods and chemical biology with seminal contributions to the understanding of the chemistry of all life processes. With a prolific career spanning over 60 years in both Japan and the United States, Prof. Nakanishi made creative and foundational discoveries related to the structural elucidation of complex natural products, the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds, bioorganic chemistry, the chemistry of vision, and micro-analytical chemistry. The multifaceted reach of his research career was breathtaking, and his impact is still felt broadly across the field of organic chemistry.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth in 1925 and the lasting inspiration that Prof. Nakanishi had on so many chemists from around the world, this symposium will highlight the latest advances in chemical biology and bioorganic chemistry. International researchers from both academia and the pharmaceutical industry will deliver oral presentations on topics including chemical synthesis, biosynthesis, structural determination, spectroscopic studies, and drug development.

Synthesis Using Flow and Microreactor Systems

Organizers: Shinichiro Fuse (CSJ)Fukase Koichi (CSJ)Aaron Beeler (ACS)Jie WuYe-Jin Hwang (KCS)Anastasios Polyzos (RACI)
|

Continuous flow and microreactor systems are revolutionizing the field of chemical synthesis with their innovative impact. These systems offer significant safety and environmental benefits, surpassing conventional experimental setups by virtue of their high surface-to-volume ratio. They provide precise temperature control, efficient mass transfer, and the ability to control highly reactive intermediates. One noteworthy advantage of flow reactors is their modular design, allowing for the integration of multiple reactors to enable multi-step sequences, easy scale-up, and in-line reaction monitoring. The symposium will highlight the recent advancements in flow systems, particularly their role in developing new and innovative synthetic routes.

Physical

Accelerator-Based In Situ/Operando Studies in Advancing Chemical Sciences

Organizers: Hiroshi Kondoh (CSJ)Lin Chen (ACS)Tsun Sham (CSC)
|

Accelerator-based in situ/operando studies become increasingly important to the advancement of different branches of chemical and materials sciences. In particular, x-rays, neutrons and muons from accelerator based facilities have been used for in situ/operando studies that provide complementary probes that are non-destructive, high penetrating power and elemental specificity for chemical-analyses. They often play crucial roles in characterization of samples under well-controlled circumstances, under working conditions, and continuous evolving during chemical reactions. Studies of functional materials such as energy- and environmental-related catalysts, sensors and batteries using the accelerator-based analysis significantly contribute to understanding of their microscopic working mechanisms. The accelerator-based in situ/operando technique has been also considered as a powerful approach to pursue fundamental understanding of chemical reaction mechanisms on the spatial scales from sub-Å to micrometers at the level of electrons and atoms as well as materials and biological systems. The number of publications in these areas using these approaches has been increasing drastically and steadily over the past decades concurrent with the constructions of many new facilities around the world with the state-of-the-art capabilities. These advances demonstrate that these approaches is regarded indispensable in chemical sciences. Furthermore, upgrading of the accelerator facilities and continuous efforts to improve the approach promote development of new techniques which provide new insights into understanding of various scientific frontiers. In this symposium we focus on recent developments and emerging techniques of accelerator-based in situ/operando observation and its applications to the chemical sciences. Taking into account the emerging probes and techniques, future perspective of this approach will be discussed as an essential approach to innovate the chemical sciences.

Advances in Single-Molecule and Single-Particle Imaging

Organizers: Christy Landes (ACS)Gonzalo Cosa (CSC)Peng Chen (ACS)Takashi Tachikawa (CSJ)Di Li (CCS)
|

In the past two decades, single-molecule/particle fluorescence imaging techniques have led to ground-breaking advances in chemistry, biology, materials sciences, and energy sciences. It is the purpose of this symposium to bring together both junior and senior experimentalists and theoreticians leading this effort to overview the latest advances in the field and to foster new ideas to probe electronic, vibrational, magnetic, optical, and thermal phenomena. This symposium will showcase the latest advances in the development of single-molecule/particle imaging techniques as well as their applications in the aforementioned areas.

Chemical Electrostatics

Organizers: Simone Ciampi (RACI)Michelle Coote (RACI)Nadim Darwish (RACI)Xuefeng Guo (CCS)Jun Liu (ACS)Siowling Soh (KCS)Long Zhang (CCS)Laurence Marks (ACS)Long Luo (ACS)
|

Electrostatic interactions underlie all of chemistry, with a key textbook example being electronegativity differences and their effect on chemical bonding. Over the last decade there has been a growing interest towards exogenous fields to detect and direct chemical events. Our understanding of electrostatics on chemical reactivity and selectivity is growing and it is advancing chemistry. This symposium will be an opportunity to celebrate electrostatic forces in chemistry: from the nanoscale to the design of macromolecules. We plan to use 3 ½-day sessions to cover 1) electric double layer fields in chemical catalysis, microscopy and plasmonic techniques; 2) electrostatic catalysis in confined environments (single-molecule in STM or break junctions, AFM techniques, charged zeolites, nanopores, nanodroplets and nanobubbles); and 3) electrostatics on insulators (chemical origin of triboelectricity, electrostatic contribution to mechanochemistry, self-healing materials, electrostatic self-assembly).
The structure of the symposium is aimed at bringing together physical electrochemist, synthetic chemists, polymer chemists, material chemists, electrical engineers and microscopists to consolidate and launch collaborations across the Pacific basin and beyond on one of the most rapidly growing area of fundamental and applied chemical research.

Emerging Frontiers in Plasmonic Chemistry

Organizers: Kosei Ueno (CSJ)Stephan Link (ACS)Daniel Gomez (RACI)
|

We propose organizing a symposium titled "Emerging Frontiers in Plasmonic Chemistry". This symposium aims to focus on the latest advancements and evolving frontiers in plasmonic chemistry, providing a platform for discussing cutting-edge research findings and unresolved challenges. It will encompass a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
1. Development and applications of novel plasmonic materials (graphene, MoO2, etc.)
2. Coupled plasmonic systems with molecular vibrations and excitons (TMDCs, QDs, etc.)
3. Advancements in controlling nanostructures for enhanced photochemical reactions
4. Design and optimization of plasmonic catalysts
5. Plasmonic applications in light energy conversion
6. Theoretical approaches and modeling of plasmonic chemistry
7. Biomedical applications of plasmonic chemistry
8. Ultrafast spectroscopy and imaging in plasmonic systems
9. Plasmon-based bioimaging techniques
10. Environmental impact and sustainability considerations of plasmonic chemistry
The "Emerging Frontiers in Plasmonic Chemistry" symposium will feature presentations, lectures, and discussions on these diverse topics. It will provide a unique opportunity for researchers and scholars to share their latest findings, explore emerging trends, and address challenges in various areas of plasmonic chemistry. Moreover, it aims to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, encouraging experts from different fields to exchange ideas and perspectives.
We hope that this expanded symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in plasmonic chemistry, promote interdisciplinary interactions, and inspire further research and innovation in the field.

Emerging New Trends in Functional Solid-state Molecular Materials

Organizers: Masayuki Suda (CSJ)Kenichiro HashimotoAkira Ueda (CSJ)Natalia Drichko (ACS)Elena GatiFlavia PopWei Shu (CCS)
|

This symposium focuses on the chemistry and physics of functional molecular solids, specifically highlighting electrical conductivity, magnetism, dielectricity, optical characteristics, as well as their cross-correlated properties and device properties. It brings together not only physical chemists but also synthetic chemists and physicists to engage in discussions on their recent results, aiming to explore new aspects of functional molecular materials.
Molecular solids possess the potential to generate a diverse range of properties that are not anticipated from individual isolated molecules. The manifestation of numerous phenomena, including Mott transitions, unconventional superconductivity, quantum spin liquids, charge ordering, electronic ferroelectricity, charge glasses, and Dirac electrons, in charge transfer complexes composed of the BEDT-TTF (bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene) molecules, serves as compelling evidence of this potential. Such advancements are the result of collaboration among a wide range of experts spanning from chemistry to physics during the early stages of research field formation, clearly demonstrating that the fusion of chemistry and physics is crucial for creating new value.
In recent years, there has been a surge in research exploring a diverse range of molecular materials beyond traditional charge transfer complexes, including molecular framework materials (e.g. MOFs, COFs), low-dimensional materials, polymers and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. These studies have ventured into the interdisciplinary boundaries, opening up opportunities for the development of new fields.
This symposium aims to bring together promising young chemists and physicists at the forefront of these diverse fields to engage in discussions, with the expectation of generating new trends in the field of molecular solids.

Frontier of Colloid and Interface Chemistry

Organizers: Hideki Sakai (CSJ)Mineo Hashizume (CSJ)Takeshi Kawai (CSJ)Srinivasa Raghavan (ACS)Chien-Hsiang ChangSeong-Geun Oh (KCS)
|

This symposium will focus on the latest topics in colloid and interface chemistry, which play an important role in the advancement of sustainable science, and will bring together scientists from chemical societies in the Pacific region to share in-depth discussions on its future directions.
The symposium will discuss the basic scientific principles of colloid and interface science, including self-assembly by amphiphilic molecules, preparation of nano (colloidal) particles and control of their dispersion stability, membranes, gels, wetting, biocolloids, adsorption, and rheology. Furthermore, a wide range of recent applied research in this field will be covered, including functional nanoparticles and nanostructure for catalysts and electronic materials, and various self-assemblies for drug delivery systems, cosmetics, foods, inks, etc. We welcome presentations from a variety of research fields and hope to provide participants with an opportunity to actively discuss research interests, explore possibilities for future scientific collaboration, and deepen exchanges each other.

Isolation of Transient Species in Superfluid Helium Droplets

Organizers: Andrey Vilesov (ACS)Takamasa Momose (CSC)Susumu Kuma (CSJ)
|

The proposed Symposium will serve as a forum at Pacifichem 2025 for physical and theoretical chemists with interests in application of superfluid helium droplets, as unique hosts to form and to study transient species such as radicals, ions and clusters.
Molecular cations, for example, are important intermediates in the chemistry of condensed phases or in the
gas phase such as in earth’s upper atmosphere or in outer space. In comparison to neutrals, molecular ions
remain much less studied by spectroscopy. Recent works demonstrated that He droplets can serve as ideal
quantum hosts for isolation molecular cations and anions at ultralow temperature of 0.4 K and their study via
infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy.
Invited and contributed talks at the proposed Symposium will highlight resent advances in experimental techniques and the applications of the helium droplets to attaining the structure of molecular cations, radicals and clusters. The cations, for example, often have multiple isomers, whose existence is often implied from the quantum chemical calculations. Helium droplet experiments enable the observation of the infrared spectra of the cations, isomer assignments and even the determination of the relative energy of the isomers for the first time.
New exciting developments in the field call for better understanding of the dynamics of molecules and ions in superfluid helium, such as rotation, vibration and translation inside the droplets as well as ejection from the droplets. Thus, several experimental and theoretical talks will be focused on the dynamics of the quantum solvation, dissociative ionization of molecules and clusters inside the droplets as well as on the aggregation mechanisms in helium droplets. The proposed symposium will provide an opportunity to consider the future directions and applications of the quantum matrix research.

Latest Development of Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopy

Organizers: Koichi Iwata (CSJ)David Phillips (ACS)Judy Kim (ACS)Shinsuke Shigeto (CSJ)
|

In this symposium, we focus on the present and the bright future of both linear and non-linear vibrational spectroscopy in an open, friendly, and frank atmosphere. Both infrared and Raman spectroscopy have a long history and are utilized as major analytical tools in many scientific laboratories. At the same time, the field of vibrational spectroscopy continues to grow rapidly. Linear and non-linear vibrational spectroscopy combined with high-level quantum chemical calculations is used to probe isolated molecules and molecular complexes, liquids, self-organized structures including monolayers and biomembranes, reaction intermediates, interfaces, and living cells. It is currently possible to record a Raman image of a single molecule or to measure infrared or Raman spectra of molecular species with a lifetime of 100 fs. Vibrational spectroscopy is also applied to monitor physiological activities in cells and in the diagnosis of disease. Sophisticated analyses of large data using machine learning and deep learning techniques can reveal hidden spectra and provide new insights. Twenty researchers from seven countries in the Pacific Rim are expected give invited talks on the latest development in their field of vibrational spectroscopy.
Contributed papers will be presented in oral sessions and in a poster session. This symposium will provide an excellent opportunity for us to learn the latest developments of advanced vibrational spectroscopy and to discuss the future direction of this fruitful research field.
We welcome contributions from all the people who are interested in vibrational spectroscopy.

New Era of Chiral Light-Matter Interaction Effects

Organizers: Hiromi Okamoto (CSJ)Takuya Nakashima (CSJ)Chie Hosokawa (CSJ)Alexander Govorov (ACS)Nicholas Kotov (ACS)Ki Tai Nam (KCS)
|

The chiro-optical effects have been extensively utilized over the past several decades for the identification of chiral molecules. There have also been numerous studies on achieving chiral materials (absolute asymmetric synthesis) through the irradiation of circularly polarized light. Generally, it has been observed that the dissymmetries resulting from chiro-optical effects and absolute asymmetric synthesis by light are very small. However, recent advancements in laser science and nano-optics have led to the anticipation of potential enhancements in dissymmetry through innovative concepts of optical fields, particularly optical vortices and near-field circularly polarized optical fields. This symposium will cover topics related to these recent advancements, including the following examples:
- Fabrication of chiral molecules, molecular assemblies, nanomaterials, and tissues using chiral light (circularly polarized light and/or optical vortex)
- Light matter interactions and 'giant' chiroptical phenomena;
- Novel materials that exhibit significant dissymmetries in optical absorption, scattering and/or luminescence;
- Innovative measurement methods for chiro-optical effects;
- Chirality-driven self-assembly processes of particles;
- New light sources for generating chiral light;
- Chiral metamaterials across scales;
- Other relevant topics exploring new phenomena in chiral light-matter interaction

Outdoor/Indoor Atmospheric Chemistry

Organizers: Rachel E O'Brien (ACS)Nadine Borduas-Dedekind (CSC)Manabu Shiraiwa (ACS)Allan Bertram (CSC)Bingbing Wang (CCS)Mijung Song (KCS)Emily Barnes Franklin (RACI)
|

Outdoor and indoor air quality is a critical issue that requires a detailed understanding of chemical transformations occurring in both the gas-phase and in aerosol particles. Atmospheric aerosols have strong impacts on air quality, visibility, human health, and the global climate. To decrease the negative impacts, we need a better understanding of the chemical and physical properties of the particles as well as how these characteristics vary with chemical reactions during transport. Chemical reactions occurring in indoor environments can play an especially important role on human health. Research in the field of atmospheric chemistry utilizes multi-dimensional measurements with complementary modeling approaches. This symposium will cover recent advances in cross-disciplinary areas of physical and analytical chemistry of aerosols and trace gasses and it will be focused on the following topics:

1. Multi-phase reactions of aerosol particles and environmental surfaces
2. Chemical and physical properties of aerosol particles with impacts on optical properties and cloud formation potentials
3. Indoor air quality: outdoor/indoor exchange, biomass burning/smoke, bioaerosols, surface interactions, and chemical transformations
4. Aerosol formation, growth, transport, and atmospheric lifecycle
5. Frontiers in modeling studies of outdoor and indoor aerosols and air quality

Recent Advances and Future Developments in Solid Matrix Isolated Species 

Organizers: Takamasa Momose (CSC)David Anderson (ACS)Yuan-Pern Lee
|

The proposed Symposium on will serve as a forum at Pacifichem 2025 for physical and theoretical chemists with interests in physics and chemistry of matrix isolated species. Matrix isolation is an experimental technique that generally involves a material being trapped within an unreactive matrix such as rare gas solids and has been used by chemists and physicists for more than half a century. The enduring feature of the matrix isolation has been the ability to synthesize and characterize chemical entities that are not accessible by other routes. This has provided huge insight into chemical structure, bonding, and reactivity over great swathes of the periodic table. Naturally, the application of matrix isolation spectroscopy covers a wide range of research fields from astrophysics & astrochemistry to medical and pharmaceutical sciences. Matrix isolation spectroscopy is still expanding by involving new researchers, both young and old, in this wide range of research fields. In this Symposium we will discuss hot topics in recent progress in chemistry and physics of matrix isolated species. Examples of current interest include novel reaction pathways at low temperature including quantum tunneling reactions, the search for unidentified molecules in interstellar space, chemical reactivity of molecules trapped in quantum environments such as solid parahydrogen, spectroscopic characterization of bio-related molecules, and the application of matrix isolated species to fundamental physics. These, as well as further developments in this field that appear over the next 12 months, will be highlighted in the invited talks. The symposium will provide an opportunity to consider the future directions and applications of matrix isolation spectroscopy in various fields in chemistry and interdisciplinary research.

Spin Polarization in Molecular Systems

Organizers: Nobuhiro Yanai (CSJ)David Shultz (ACS)Martin Kirk (ACS)Yasuhiro Kobori (CSJ)
|

Enhanced spin polarization can significantly increase the sensitivity of magnetic resonance techniques such as EPR, NMR, and MRI. Furthermore, in the context of quantum information science (QIS), the generation of spin polarization is also important for initialization and sensitivity enhancement in next-generation quantum computing and quantum sensing applications.
Molecular materials have a promising potential in enhanced magnetic resonance and QIS because of their inherent nanoscale size, synthetic tunability, and the ability to precisely control spin states via magnetic exchange, dipolar interactions, and spin-orbit coupling. However, exactly how to design these molecules for the production of desired spin polarization properties presents a considerable challenge to researchers in this emerging area.
This symposium will bring together a diverse group of experts from the fields of synthesis, measurement, and theory to discuss this important and interdisciplinary topic in depth. Proposed topics will include:
-Enhanced electron spin polarization in the ground and excited states
-Experimental and theoretical understanding of spin polarization processes
-Dynamic nuclear polarization
-CIDNP, CIDEP
-Spin polarization in natural and biological systems
-Molecular-based MASER

Synergy of Theory and Experiments in Exploring Molecular Functionality in Supramolecules and Molecular Clusters in the Gas Phase

Organizers: Asuka Fujii (CSJ)Evan Bieske (RACI)Shun-ichi Ishiuchi (CSJ)Ling Jiang (CCS)Yasuhiro Ohshima (CSJ)Sotiris Xantheas (ACS)Yunjie Xu (CSC)
|

Utilization of molecular functionality is a key in chemistry and biochemistry in this century. A variety of molecular functionality emerges from combinations of intermolecular interactions. Underlying mechanisms of the functionalities still remain to be explored. Recent remarkable advances in experimental techniques and computational capability enable physical chemists to investigate molecular assemblies/clusters, even highly complicated and very large-sized ones, in the gas-phase isolated condition. Such non-covalently bonded systems now open access to explore origins of molecular functionality at the microscopic level. From basic properties of hydrogen bonds to complex protein functions, studies on molecular clusters and supramolecules are widely applied. This symposium will focus on the recent progress in experimental and theoretical approaches on such molecular systems under the isolated condition.
The topics include intra- and intermolecular interactions, structure determination of molecular assemblies in the gas phase, their dynamics in the electronic excited states and ionic states, photoinduced reactive processes involving proton/charge transfer, water migration, isomerization, chiral recognition, noncovalent and metal-ligand interactions in solvated and biomolecular assemblies, and etc. The interplay between theory and experiments in determining the unique properties of these complex systems will be stimulated in the symposium.

System Level Descriptions and Control of Self-Organizing Chemical and Biological Systems

Organizers: Istvan Z Kiss (ACS)Oliver Steinbock (ACS)Jichang Wang (CSC)Joern Davidsen (CSC)Nobuhiko Suematsu (CSJ)Hiroyuki Kitahata (CSJ)Qingyu Gao (CCS)Lin Ji (CCS)
|

Far-from-equilibrium conditions can induce macroscopic pattern formation that in turn affect microscopic processes altering product yields, device performance, and the dynamic states of living matter. This interplay of nonlinear kinetics and transport continues to attract considerable interest and today emanates into modern fields of chemistry such as active matter, biochemical networks, and origins-of-life research as well as applied electrochemistry. Our symposium will bring together researchers from these interdisciplinary areas to discuss recent trends including but not limited to network science, chemical waves, chemobrionics, synchronization, self-assembly, self-propulsion, and chemical computers. Given the complexity of most of these systems, progress often requires theoretical and computational studies that complement and/or evaluate experimental studies by unveiling underlying principles and fundamental limits. In this context, our symposium will present a cross-section of current theoretical and experimental works based on reaction-advection-diffusion simulations, network analyses, and kinetic investigation in terms of bifurcation analyses and nonlinear dynamics. A third emphasis is the search and demonstration of technological applications of system chemistry and related fields to problems ranging from polymer chemistry to dynamic diseases.

Ultrafast Intense Laser Chemistry

Organizers: Kaoru Yamanouchi (CSJ)Robert Levis (ACS)Francois Legare (CSC)Qihuang Gong
|

Recent advances in ultrashort and intense pulsed laser technologies have
enabled the generation of extremely intense pulses in the femtosecond
time domain and extremely short laser pulses in the attosecond (10-18
s) time domain. With these advances we are now measuring ultrafast
chemical phenomena such as motions of protons and electrons within a
molecule occurring during 100 as, controlling chemical bond breaking and
formation, and producing laser filaments for air lasing and for remote
detection. It is also possible to investigate an effect of carrier
envelope phase on chemical bond breaking and rearrangement processes
proceeding within a few-cycle intense laser pulse. For interpreting such
extremely fast processes induced by attosecond pulses and intense and
few-cycle laser pulses, theoretical approaches beyond Born-Oppenheimer
approximations have been developed. Furthermore, coherent molecular
vibrations have been investigated in time domain by few-cycle laser
pulses, and high-resolution spectroscopic information has been obtained
by Fourier transform spectroscopy. On the other hand, high-order
harmonics generated by ultrashort laser pulses are now combined with
X-ray free electron laser to generate intense X ray light pulses, which
can be used for optical microscopy in the water-window wavelength region
and time-resolved X-ray diffraction. The symposium will focus on these
latest developments in strong field chemistry as well as in femtosecond
and attosecond laser science and explore the newest applications to
laser chemistry and frontiers in a newly developing branch of physical
chemistry.