Dear ACS San Diego Members,
August is always a special time for our local section. As summer begins to wind down, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we have accomplished so far this year while looking ahead to a busy fall filled with science, outreach, and opportunities to reconnect with our chemistry community.
July was an especially active month for ACS San Diego. We were delighted to support the 2026 San Diego Medicinal Chemistry Symposium, held in collaboration with SABPA and UC San Diego. The symposium brought together scientists and leaders from academia and industry to discuss exciting advances in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Thank you to our speakers, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who joined us and helped make the event a success. David Wallace, one of our Councilors, and Mark Tichenor were the main organizers of the event. David has also prepared a write-up highlighting the symposium, which you can read in this issue of the newsletter.
We also continued expanding our scientific programming through virtual events. In July, our organoid webinar brought together members interested in emerging technologies and their applications in biomedical research and drug discovery. We welcomed around 33 attendees from related fields, who contributed to a lively discussion and raised many thoughtful and interesting questions.
August also gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people who have helped build and strengthen our chemistry community over many decades. Earlier this month, on August 8, we held our annual luncheon honoring our 50-, 60-, and 70-year ACS members. We celebrated the remarkable milestones of Dr. Charles L. Perrin and Dr. Neal Langerman and had the opportunity to connect with many of our longtime ACS members. It is always inspiring to recognize colleagues whose careers and service span generations. Their contributions remind us that ACS is not only about scientific advancement, but also about the community, mentorship, and lasting relationships that sustain our profession.
As we head into the fall, there is much more ahead. One event I am particularly excited about is one of our biggest gatherings of the year is right around the corner! The ACS San Diego Local Section Picnic will be held on Saturday, September 26th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at San Dieguito County Park. This family-friendly event features catered tacos, lawn games, kids’ activities, a dessert contest, and a raffle with fun ACS prizes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow members in a casual, festive setting. Early registration is crucial to help us plan for food and activities, so be sure to RSVP soon! Register here.
As always, thank you to our volunteers, committee members, event organizers, and everyone who participates in ACS San Diego. Whether you attend a scientific program, volunteer at an outreach event, mentor a young chemist, or simply come to reconnect with colleagues, your involvement is what makes our local section a community.
I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events!
Warm regards,
Jiyue Chen, Ph.D.
Chair, ACS San Diego Section
