A glimpse into the vibrant and collaborative world of regional scientific exchange.
In early November 2018, the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, became the epicenter of chemical innovation in the American Southwest. The 2018 Southwest Regional Meeting (SWRM), hosted by the American Chemical Society (ACS), transformed the city's Marriott and Statehouse Convention Center into a bustling forum for scientists, educators, and students 1 . Under the theme "The Natural State of Chemistry," the event beautifully mirrored Arkansas's nickname, exploring the fundamental nature of chemical substances and their interactions.
This meeting was more than just a conference; it was a critical incubator for ideas, a career launchpad for students, and a testament to the power of collaborative science. It offered a unique snapshot of the trends and topics shaping the future of chemistry, from drug discovery to the safety of the labs where discoveries are made.
Bringing together scientists from diverse disciplines
Showcasing cutting-edge research and discoveries
Nurturing the next generation of chemists
The technical program at SWRM 2018 was meticulously designed to cover a broad spectrum of chemical disciplines, reflecting the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of the field.
Attendees were treated to a rich selection of symposia that highlighted both cutting-edge research and foundational knowledge. A key highlight was the Cope Scholars Symposium, which honored outstanding achievements in organic chemistry 1 .
Researchers discussed novel techniques for analyzing biological systems and developing new therapeutic agents.
Scientists explored the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale, with potential applications in medicine, electronics, and materials science.
Innovators shared new pedagogical strategies, including a focus on the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) project, which emphasizes a student-centered approach to learning 1 .
Experts examined the effects of chemicals on living organisms and the environment.
The meeting was also a platform for inspiring keynote addresses. John Wright from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, delivered one such talk, though the specific topic remains a testament to the high-level science presented 1 .
One of the cornerstone events for educators was the workshop on Reaxys Education. This session was specifically tailored to empower faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs), providing them with tools to revolutionize how chemistry is taught and learned.
The workshop introduced a systematic approach to incorporating the vast Reaxys database into the academic curriculum. Reaxys is a comprehensive resource containing millions of documented chemical substances, reactions, and properties 1 . The workshop's goal was to move beyond traditional textbook learning by giving students direct access to the same kind of information professional researchers use.
Educators were guided through the Reaxys platform, learning how to navigate its complex database efficiently.
Participants learned to create assignments that require students to search for specific chemical data, such as reaction pathways or physicochemical properties.
The workshop focused on strategies for weaving these resources into existing course structures, from introductory chemistry to advanced laboratory projects.
A significant push was made towards creating and sharing freely accessible educational materials, with the long-term aim of building a dedicated education portal for PUIs 1 .
The core result of this initiative was the direct empowerment of both teachers and students. By integrating Reaxys into their learning experience, students gain:
They learn to navigate professional databases, a crucial skill for any future chemist or researcher.
Students move beyond memorization to actively querying a database, assessing the reliability of information, and solving chemical problems.
The push for open resources helps level the playing field, giving students at smaller institutions access to the same high-quality tools as those at major research universities.
The scientific importance of this work lies in its long-term impact on the chemical community. By training undergraduates in sophisticated data-mining and research techniques, the workshop helps cultivate a more skilled and confident generation of scientists, ready to tackle complex challenges from their first day in a professional setting 1 .
Beyond theoretical knowledge, modern chemistry relies on a suite of essential resources and tools. The 2018 SWRM highlighted several key "reagent solutions" that are fundamental to research and education in the field.
| Tool / Resource | Primary Function | Context at SWRM 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Reaxys Database | A vast repository of chemical substance, reaction, and property data for research and literature search. | Featured in an education workshop for integrating real-world research data into undergraduate curriculum 1 . |
| Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) | A student-centered teaching pedagogy focusing on teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. | Presented as a workshop for educators to adopt innovative teaching methods 1 . |
| ACS Chemical Health & Safety Resources | Guidelines, tools, and best practices for managing risk and ensuring safety in laboratory environments. | Central to a dedicated workshop on identifying key educational chemical safety objectives for lab workers 1 . |
Comprehensive chemical data for research and education
Student-centered teaching methodology
Guidelines for laboratory safety and risk management
The 2018 SWRM placed a strong emphasis on nurturing the next generation of chemists.
For undergraduates and various sessions to guide students on their career paths after graduation 1 .
Poster sessions and podium presentations providing valuable platforms for students to present their research 1 .
The undergraduate poster session and podium presentations provided a valuable platform for students to present their own research, gain feedback from established scientists, and practice communicating their findings—a cornerstone of scientific progress.
The 2018 Southwest Regional Meeting in Little Rock was far more than a simple gathering of professionals. It was a dynamic ecosystem where established researchers shared groundbreaking discoveries, educators acquired new tools to inspire their students, and the next generation of scientists took their first steps into a larger world.
By weaving together high-level research symposia, practical workshops, and vital networking opportunities, SWRM 2018 fulfilled its mission of exploring "The Natural State of Chemistry." It demonstrated that the fundamental state of chemistry is, in fact, collaborative, educational, and perpetually forward-looking.
The connections made and the knowledge shared in those four days undoubtedly continued to resonate within labs and classrooms long after the convention center doors closed, proving the enduring value of such regional scientific exchanges.