The 11th Annual GCI Symposium: Minimizing Waste from Lab to Landfill

This year’s symposium, Minimizing Waste from Lab to Landfill, aims to instill an understanding in attendees that even small daily decisions they make in lab can minimize the chemical waste that our institutions output. By welcoming speakers from both academia and industry to discuss reaction optimization with lower solvent volumes, decreased temperatures, lower overall energy and safer reagents, we will highlight that efficient chemistry is green chemistry. This theme will be anchored in a talk by Professor Mark Lautens and enhanced by speakers from the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Initiative. This year’s conference will include an introduction to photocatalysis and low-cost flow chemistry from Professor Shawn Collins and its opportunities for selective, low-energy synthesis. Lastly, we will highlight research on designing materials for degradability and recyclability by applying innovative chemistry and a systems thinking approach, and learn about green chemistry from the perspective of the environment and human health.

This symposium is designed to connect students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members interested in Green Chemistry with current leaders in the field to discuss advances in chemical processes and the future of sustainable research practices

This symposium is a two day event, from May 19th - 20th, 2026. All events will be held at the McGill University Main Campus.

This year's Symposium highlights:

• Networking and a Montreal excursion event
• Student research talks (with awards to be given out)
• Research poster session (with awards to be given out)
• Seminar talks by academic and industrial experts in green chemistry and sustainability
• An excellent chance to network with current sustainability experts for future job opportunities
• All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, refreshments and coffee
• Travel scholarship opportunities available for students

Important Dates

· January 19th, 2026 - Registration opens

· April 5th, 2026 - Early bird registration closes at 11:59 pm EDT

· April 26th, 2026 - Regular registration closes at 11:59 pm EDT

· April 26th, 2026 – Poster and oral presentation abstract submission closes at 11:59 pm EDT

Poster Abstract Submission & Travel Scholarship Application

We encourage all our attendees to submit an abstract for our poster networking session, taking place in the evening of Tuesday May 19th, 2026, or research talks taking place on Wednesday May 20th - abstracts are limited to 200 words. Please note that posters do not require the inclusion/mention of Green Chemistry elements or aspects. However, all presenters are invited to look for opportunities to talk about Green Chemistry within the context of their research. Posters from previous conferences are welcome! Please make sure to submit your abstracts early, as they will be evaluated on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Link to abstract portal: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvgFmwLVqllD7dxug7Zw6UI8pYqcXkzBCZBRscBIRTuauX7A/viewform

Additionally, we will be providing travel scholarships to alleviate some costs. The amount awarded is on a need-basis. Stay tuned for the release of more information on how to apply for Applications for the travel scholarship.

Cost and Registration

· Early Bird Registration: Closes April 5th, 2026 at 11:59 pm EDT
Early Bird registration cost is $45 CAD.

· Regular Registration: Closes April 26th, 2026
Regular registration cost is $55 CAD.

The registration fee includes all symposium events, as well as lunch, refreshments and coffee that will be provided as part of the symposium program on the full-schedule days. Registration does not include accommodation and travel fees.

Accommodation

Student attendees are encouraged to arrange their accommodations at the McGill University- Royal Victoria College Residence with affordale single and double room availabilities!

More information can be found here.

Transportation

More information on transportatiom to McGill University will be provided shortly!

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