On Thursday, February 20, 2025, departments in the Faculty of Science at Memorial University signed a Sustainable Science Commitment (SSC) – a student-led initiative based on the framework developed by Beyond Benign to unite the green chemistry higher education community around a common vision to: expand the community of green scientists, grow departmental resources, improve connections to job opportunities, while implementing systemic and lasting change in science education.

The Faculty of Science is committing to progressively implement the objectives outlined by the SSC throughout all departments. This includes the departments of Biochemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Ocean Sciences, Physics and Physical Oceanography, and Psychology, the Faculty of Science Supply Chain Management and the Dean of Science office.

This agreement looks at tracking the Faculty’s movement towards objectives and reporting the progress on an annual basis. The first report will be available in March 2026. 

If you have questions about the Sustainable Science Commitment, or would like to report progress in your department, please contact adsu@mun.ca (faculty contact), Olivia Wyper (omwyper@mun.ca), or Mikhailey Wheeler (mdw631@mun.ca).


The Green Chemistry Student Learning Objectives

Upon graduation, we believe all science majors at Memorial University should have proficiency in following essential green chemistry competencies:

Theory: Have a working knowledge of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, an outline proposed by Profs. John Warner and Paul Anastas to encourage greener practices.

Toxicology: Understand the basis of toxicology, the molecular mechanisms of how chemicals affect human health and the environment, as well as having the resources to identify and assess molecular hazards.

Laboratory Skills: Possess the ability to assess chemical products, processes and design greener alternatives when appropriate. Incorporating sustainable concepts throughout the Faculty of Science will hopefully lead to collaboration within departments and the faculty.

Application: Be prepared to serve society in their professional capacity as scientists and professionals through the articulation, evaluation, and employment of methods and chemicals that are benign for human health and the environment.

Furthermore, we will strive to equip all graduates of the Faculty of Science with a strong foundation in environmental stewardship, ensuring they recognize and integrate sustainable practices within their respective disciplines.

“By making this commitment, we are pledging to implement sustainable practices in education and research, expand our green chemistry community, enhance departmental resources, strengthen industry connections, and work toward systemic, lasting change in how science is taught and practiced.” 

 – Dr. Travis Fridgen, Dean of Science