Making people's lives happier through STEM and societal leadership
Since 1954
Founded in 1954 by an industry steering committee to address the challenges and opportunities facing humanity, CME has evolved across seven decades as a forum for leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Today, CME works with NASA, ACS, and other leading institutions to advance sustainable innovation for the Quantum AI & Space Age.
Chemical Marketing & Economics, Inc. (CME) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a distinctive forum advancing pioneering STEM innovation for the Quantum AI & Space Age—bringing together societal leadership, inspiration, science, and the arts to empower the next generation.
Founded in 1954 within the American Chemical Society (ACS), CME has a longstanding tradition of connecting leaders across industry, academia, government, philanthropy, science, and the arts to advance sustainable innovation and enrich society. Today, CME carries this tradition forward as an independent organization fostering collaboration, dialogue, and shared purpose across disciplines and communities.
Through programs spanning energy, materials, and life sciences, CME engages NASA, the International Space Station (ISS), ACS Divisions and International Chapters, the American Chemistry Council, the U.S. Department of Energy, and leading arts and cultural institutions. Through the CME STEM Leadership Awards™, CME NASA Symposia, CME Student & Mentor Awards, and global initiatives, CME connects Nobel Laureates, executives, scientists, and visionary leaders in a forum that advances sustainable innovation and celebrates the intersection of science and culture.
CME’s founding committee included leaders from Vick Chemical Company (acquired by P&G), Allied Chemical and Dye (acquired by Honeywell), Celanese Corporation, The Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter (acquired by ICIS), and American Cyanamid (parts of which were subsequently acquired by BASF, Pfizer, and Cytec). The inaugural speaker was Dr. Joseph G. Davidson, president of Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Company, later acquired by Dow through Union Carbide. On CME’s Diamond Jubilee, the Lifetime Achievement honoree and first speaker of the 2014 CME STEM Leadership Awards™ was Andrew Liveris, then Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company.
CME’s current Board of Directors include thought leaders from McKinsey, Arsenal Capital, SK Capital, American Chemistry Council, University of Florida, and SafeRock as well as distinguished industry consultants. For profiles on board members, click on “Team Member Bios” below.
CME brings together Nobel Laureates and the leaders of industry, government, academia, investors, philanthropy, and the public to share cutting-edge insights in exciting events and award-winning programs such as the STEM Leadership Awards and the CME NASA Symposiums.
