Boise Centre East will serve as the gathering point for hundreds of chemists, researchers, educators, and students when the 2026 Northwest Regional Meeting gets underway June 28, running through July 1. The Snake River Section of the American Chemical Society is hosting the four-day event, with faculty from Boise State University taking on key leadership and planning responsibilities throughout the conference.
Nobel Laureate Opens the Program
M. Stanley Whittingham, who earned the Nobel Prize for his pioneering contributions to lithium-ion battery technology, is set to deliver the opening plenary lecture on June 28. His work laid the groundwork for the rechargeable battery systems that now power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles — a field with growing relevance to Idaho’s expanding technology sector.
Complementing the keynote, attendees will have the chance to tour a Micron Technology facility during the conference. Micron is among Idaho’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the Treasure Valley’s semiconductor industry, making the tour a natural fit for a gathering focused on applied science and innovation. Technical programming will also extend to the Boise State campus, where Bruker AFM workshops are scheduled for participants seeking hands-on laboratory experience.
Professional Development, Workshops, and Cultural Events
Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers will find dedicated programming in a session titled “Art of Negotiation,” facilitated by Geraldine Richmond. The workshop is designed to help early-career scientists develop skills that extend well beyond the laboratory environment.
The exposition hall will remain open from Sunday evening through Wednesday, giving vendors, academic institutions, and industry organizations sustained access to conference participants across multiple days.
Organizers have made a point of showcasing Boise’s distinctive cultural identity for the many out-of-town attendees expected to make the trip. A guided tour of the Basque Museum of Idaho is on the schedule, along with a Basque-themed dinner that will feature remarks from John Ysursa and a performance by the Oinkari Basque Dancers. Historic walking tours of downtown Boise also give visitors a chance to explore the city’s heritage between sessions.
High school science teachers who attend can earn up to two professional development credits through Boise State University’s Division of Extended Studies — an incentive designed to connect working educators with current research and strengthen chemistry instruction in Idaho classrooms. A Boise State Alumni Reception is also part of the event calendar.
Boise State Faculty Lead Organizing Effort
The conference organization reflects a strong institutional commitment from Boise State. Eric Brown holds the role of General Chair, while Don Warner and Olya Mass share duties as Co-Program Chairs. Rounding out the planning committee are Lisa Warner, Karen Hammond, Tom Greenbowe, and Marian Dewane.
The depth of Boise State’s involvement underscores the university’s growing presence in regional STEM networks and its role as an anchor institution for science education and research across the Treasure Valley.
What Comes Next
The 2026 Northwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society runs June 28 through July 1 at Boise Centre East in downtown Boise. High school educators interested in earning professional development credits through the conference should reach out to Boise State University’s Division of Extended Studies for enrollment details. Researchers, students, and chemistry professionals in Ada County and the broader Treasure Valley area can visit the American Chemical Society’s website for registration information and a full breakdown of the program schedule.