Beyond Duke Leadership Award Recognizes Co-Founders of ChemFORWARD

Dr. Lauren Heine (Ph.D. ‘97) and Stacy Glass (GEMBA ‘99) have been awarded the prestigious Beyond Duke Service and Leadership Award for their groundbreaking work and collaboration in co-founding ChemFORWARD, a science-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating toxic chemical exposure.

Heine and Glass, combining their expertise in science, engineering, and business, have partnered with industry leaders to transition towards safer products. Their work exemplifies Duke University's mission to advance knowledge in service of society.

Founded in 2018, ChemFORWARD aims to reverse the negative impacts of toxic chemicals by identifying and promoting safer alternatives. While benefiting all consumers, their work particularly focuses on protecting vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by hazardous chemicals.

ChemFORWARD acts as a neutral platform, connecting companies seeking safer alternatives with experts who can provide critical data. They have created a unique digital repository of comprehensive toxicology data, enabling the identification of safe substitutes for harmful chemicals. Their innovative business model incentivizes data sharing, making critical information accessible and affordable.

With technical expertise, business acumen, and a passion for collaboration, Heine and Glass have built an ecosystem driving the elimination of hazardous chemicals. Their work has garnered support from major corporations across industry sectors.

By addressing the problem at a global scale, Heine and Glass are making a significant contribution to human, economic, and environmental health. The pair will be honored at a ceremony on September 28th at Duke University.