Innovation Day 2026
The Science History Institute and the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) America will present the 23rd annual Innovation Day on September 21, 2026.
This hybrid event features a combination of in-person and online programming. In-person programming will be held at the Science History Institute Conference Center in historic Old City Philadelphia.
Overview
The Innovation Day Steering Committee—made up of R&D staff from SCI America’s member companies—has built an exciting agenda for this year’s meeting. We open with a panel on professional development, followed by a poster session and networking. After a lunch, the annual Warren G. Schlinger Symposium will include an address from 2026 SCI America Gordon E. Moore Medalist Lyndsay Leal. Next, panel experts will participate in engaging presentations and discussions on topics that explore this year’s themes: AI & Sustainability, AI & Digital Transformation, and AI & Workforce of the Future.
Morning Programming
Details to follow.
Afternoon Sessions
Details to follow.
Schedule
Attire: Business/Business Casual
| 8:30am–10:15am In-Person | Check-in Opens (Lobby) Coffee and continental breakfast until 9:45am | |
| 9am In-Person | Museum open 9am–3:30pm Self-guided scavenger hunt available throughout the day | |
| 8:45am–9:45am In-Person | Morning Programming | |
| 10am–11:15am In-Person | Poster Session | |
| 11:30am–1pm In-Person | Innovation Day Luncheon | |
| 12:15pm In-Person/Online | Welcome David A. Cole, President and CEO, Science History Institute The Warren G. Schlinger Symposium Lyndsay Leal, Dow Chemical Company2026 SCI America Gordon E. Moore Medalist 20-minute talk followed by Q&A | |
| 1pm–1:45pm | Break and Networking Activity Options: Continuation of Poster Networking Museum Programming (Self-guided scavenger hunt available in museum) | |
| 1:45pm–3:10pm In-Person/Online | Fireside Chats: Sessions 1 & 2 | |
| 3:10pm–3:20pm | Break Museum closes at 3:30pm | |
| 3:20pm–4pm In-Person/Online | Fireside Chats: Session 3 | |
| 4pm–4:40pm In-Person/Online | Fireside Chats Workshop | |
| 4:40pm–4:45pm In-Person/Online | Concluding Remarks | |
| 4:45pm–6pm In-Person | Cocktails and Networking | |
Awards
SCI America Gordon E. Moore Medal
The Society of Chemical Industry America established the SCI America Gordon E. Moore Medal to recognize early-career success in innovation, as reflected both in market impact and improvement to quality of life. By highlighting extraordinary individuals and their work, SCI America aims to promote public understanding of research and development in modern chemical industries, enhance the interest of students in applied chemistry by providing role models, and emphasize the role of creative research in the global economy.
The 2026 Moore Medal honoree is Lyndsay Leal.
SCI Perkin Medal
The SCI America Perkin Medal was established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of mauvene. Today the medal is widely acknowledged as the highest honor in American industrial chemistry. William Henry Perkin was a founding member of SCI, and this medal was first presented in New York to Perkin himself.
The 2026 Perkin Medal honoree is Jennifer Doudna, Li Ka Shing Chancellor’s Chair and Professor in the Departments of Chemistry and of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Steering Committee
Deep Bhattacharya
Group Vice President, Global Technology
Eastman Chemical Company
Erin E. Burke
North America Technical Director
Univar Solutions
Andre Frodl
VP of R&D, Metals, Metalworking and
Operating Solutions
Quaker Houghton
Sudhakar Jale
Senior Director, Technology & Sustainability
W. R. Grace & Co.
Wen Li
Chief of Polymer Products
ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering
William Liechty
R&D/TS&D Director, Dow Coating Materials
Northeast Dow Center Site Director
Peter Loggenberg
Executive Vice President of Specialty Polymers and Corporate Strategy
Trecora
Arthur W. Martin
Vice President R&D North America
Arkema Inc.
Felicia Parks
Technical Director, North America
Hallstar
Mitchell D. Refvik
Director – Polyolefin Technology
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Elizabeth I. Ross-Medgaarden
Sr. Manager, Acetyls and Basic & Fundamental R&D
Houston Technology Center
LyondellBasell
Deidre L. Sandrock
Director of Sustainability and Innovation
Milliken & Company
Anand Tanikella
VP, R&D and Innovation
Trinseo LLC
