Dear ACS San Diego Members,
August marks a transitional moment as summer winds down and we gear up for a new season of events and engagement. It’s also a month with several noteworthy milestones in the history of chemistry. On August 1, 1774, Joseph Priestley famously identified oxygen gas after heating mercuric oxide—an experiment that would later play a critical role in the development of modern chemistry and our understanding of combustion. On August 12, 1865, German chemist Adolf von Baeyer published early research on indigo dye synthesis, laying the foundation for what would become a major advancement in the chemical industry. These moments remind us how far the field has come—and how much innovation still lies ahead.
In keeping with the spirit of groundbreaking science, we were proud to co-host the 2025 San Diego Medicinal Chemistry Symposium in July, alongside SABPA and UC San Diego. This exciting event brought together leaders in drug discovery to share cutting-edge research and foster collaboration across sectors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers, speakers, and attendees for making it a standout success. Make sure to check out the photos of the event!
We’re also looking forward to our annual 50-Year Member Luncheon on Saturday, August 23, held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse. This special tradition honors our longest-standing ACS members and their lasting contributions to the field of chemistry. We invite all members to attend, celebrate their achievements, and enjoy the scenic waterfront views and excellent company. If you have not RSVP’ed yet, make sure to do so.
And don’t forget—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 20th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 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! See the link to the Eventbrite in this issue.
As summer draws to a close, we’re also reminded that the end of the year is fast approaching, bringing with it some of our most anticipated annual events—including the Distinguished Scientist Banquet and our Year-End Party. Stay tuned for announcements, and be on the lookout for exciting programming from our Women Chemists Committee (WCC) and Young Chemists Committee (YCC) as well
Thank you for being an active part of ACS San Diego. Whether you join us for science, celebration, or community, your involvement strengthens the fabric of our local section. We look forward to seeing you soon—virtually or in person!
Warm regards,
Max Mahler and Jackie Trischman
Co-Chairs, ACS San Diego Section