Green & Sustainable

Our Purpose

The Green and Sustainable Chemistry (GASC) Division aims to support all members by:

• Providing networking opportunities for all chemists and chemical/environmental engineers working in this field;
• Forming a collective force for advocating Green and Sustainable Chemistry (GASC) in chemistry education, practice, innovation and engaging with industry.
• Facilitating the debate for changes in government policies and regulations.
• Disseminating key research findings in the field by hosting symposia and conferences.
• Encouraging and supporting students to work in the field of green and sustainable chemistry and technologies.
• Providing a ‘home’ for chemists and chemical/environmental engineers who are more interdisciplinary, working towards green and sustainable solutions.

Our History

In 2019, more than 80 researchers in Australia in the field of chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science and engineering had come together and held the 1st International Conference on Clean Technologies for a Blue Planet on the Gold Coast (https://www.griffith.edu.au/queensland-micro-nanotechnology-centre/news-events/clean-technologies ). This event marked the most recent precursor of this Division, bringing together and connecting diverse areas in taking on some of the associated grand challenges facing humanity.  GASC aims to be inclusive and aspires to achieve outcomes that cannot be achieved if we continue to work in isolated clusters. 

Regular Events

• The Division held its first national conference in July 2023.  The regular national conferences will be held approximately every 24 months.
• Student-focused two-day symposiums will take place in every other year. 

Our Awards

The Inaugural RACI Green & Sustainable Chemistry (GASC) Division Awards, launched in March 2026, celebrate excellence and impact in green and sustainable chemistry across research, industry, education and student achievement. They recognise individuals and teams driving innovation, advancing sustainable technologies, and embedding environmentally responsible practices in chemistry. 

RACI GASC Division Real World Impact Award recognises outstanding contributions that translate green chemistry research into tangible societal, environmental, educational or economic outcomes. Celebrates impact beyond academia — including commercialisation, policy influence, community engagement and sustainability leadership aligned with the UN SDGs. 

RACI GASC Division Global Challenges Award honours a postgraduate student for exceptional innovation in developing a novel green chemistry solution addressing pressing global sustainability challenges.

RACI GASC Division Emerging Green Chemist Award recognises early career researchers (within 10 years post-PhD) who demonstrate innovation, collaboration and leadership in advancing green and sustainable chemistry or engineering. As part of RACI’s broader suite of divisional honours, these awards elevate the work of researchers, practitioners and students helping shape a more sustainable future through chemistry. 

Divisional Committee

Explore the Green & Sustainable Chemistry Community