GLCACS 28th Annual Conference - Build a Fulfilling Career in a World of Accelerating Change
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Time & Location:
Apr 25, 2026, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Innovation Park
1940 Innovation Way, Libertyville, IL 60048
Event Agenda:
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Check - in (Coffee and light pastries available)
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM Opening Remarks:
Norman Li, Ph.D., GLCACS Board Chair; Member of National Academy of Eng; President of NL Chemical Technology
Salman Mir, President of AgroSolutions Division, Sumitomo Biorational Company (formerly Valent BioSciences)
9:20 AM – 12:30 AM Distinguished Speaker Plenary Presentation: Well-established leaders in industry and academia with career roots in chemistry and chemical engineering:
Highlight the landscape and major progress in their respective businesses and/or research fields, including the new trends as the AI era starts.
Present their personal perspectives on building successful careers by seizing opportunities and managing uncertainty, including insights and strategies for navigating today’s unprecedented challenges.
Each speeches for 30 mins which is followed by Q&A and audience-engaged discussion for up to10 mins.
12:30 AM – 3:00 PM Career Exploration Session
Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM)
Resume Clinic and Career Development Workshop (1:00 PM - 1:50 PM)
Receive expert’s feedback on resume and interviewing techniques.
Experience real-life interviews and learn Do's and Don’ts via practice.
Uploading your resume by 4/17/2026 to join - Register here! (On your resume, please note if you have any upcoming interviews and specify if you are interested in participating in a mock interview with an experienced interviewer.)
The workshop will also feature a discussion on "How to Navigate a Career in Today’s Work Environment," including guidance for those considering a career transition.
Company Tour (1:50 PM - 2:40 PM)
Tour of Global Biorational Research Center of the Sumitomo Biorational
Company (Valent BioSciences) by walking through its various functional
areas for development and manufacturing of biorational products
for agricultural industry.
Limited capacity - please check the sign-up box in the Conference Registration Form and sign up early at the conference check-in desk to secure your spot!
Career information booths (12:30 – 3:00)
AbbVie, Honeywell UOP, Abbott, Sumitomo Biorational Co, Baxter, Astellas, ChemScene, etc.
Mentoring and career counselling opportunity information booth (12:30 – 3:00)
GLCACS is lunching a mentorship program “Build the Bridge”, aiming to create connections between emerging professionals and experienced leaders across local companies and universities
Seeking mentors and mentees: Whether you're a student seeking a mentor or a professional ready to give back, join by filling in the interest form to connect and share!
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Student Research Presentation Contest
Discover the innovative projects of regional students and postdocs as they
compete to demonstrate their cutting edge research.
Each presenter will have 8 minutes to present his/her research, followed by 2 minutes to handle questions from the audience.
Presenters will receive comment and score from a panel of experienced professionals
First, Second and Third Place winners in each contest session will receive both certificates and monetary prizes
Click to Register by 4/17/2026 to participate in the contest and compete for big prizes!
Participants please follow Student Presentation Contest Guide
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Networking Dinner (optional)
Gather at a Chinese buffet restaurant nearby
Pay on-site ($10)
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