“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie
This quote perfectly captures the spirit of Rachel Mamlok-Naaman – a scientist, leader, and mentor whose strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to understanding and education have profoundly shaped the field of chemical education. Her influence extends across generations, disciplines, and continents.
Rachel has been awarded the American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Women into Careers in the Chemical Sciences. This prestigious recognition honours individuals who have significantly influenced the advancement and success of women in chemistry. The award was formally presented during the ACS Spring Meeting 2025 in San Diego. It was a moment of deep appreciation and recognition for her decades of tireless work and mentorship.
A special symposium organised by Cathy Middlecamp was held in Rachel’s name, serving as both a celebration and a heartfelt reflection on her extraordinary work. The event brought together a distinguished group of international colleagues and friends, including Avi Hofstein, Marcy Towns, Ingo Eilks, Renee Cole, Mary Carroll, Zafra Lerman, Silvija Markic, and Nineta Hrastelj. Their presentations offered not only insights into current topics in chemical education but also personal tributes to Rachel’s inspiring role in shaping the field. The symposium became a space for collective reflection, acknowledging both her scientific leadership and the countless personal connections she has fostered over the years.
Rachel has long been a pillar of the international chemistry education community. For many years, she served as Chair of the EuChemS Division of Chemical Education, where she worked tirelessly to build bridges between chemical educators across Europe and beyond. Her leadership was characterised not only by vision and strategic thinking but also by empathy, inclusiveness, and the ability to bring people together. Through countless conferences, collaborative projects, and mentoring relationships, she fostered a vibrant international community of educators who continue to benefit from her insights and encouragement.
At the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, Rachel mentored countless educators and researchers. Her projects and publications have had a lasting impact on science education policy and practice. Through her international work, she has helped shape global dialogues around curriculum development, equity in science, and the support of underrepresented groups — especially women.
Rachel’s influence is not just found in policy papers or conference proceedings, but in the people she has empowered: students, teachers, colleagues, and collaborators. Many of us remember the quiet encouragement she offered at a critical moment or the thoughtful question that challenged us to grow. She has led not with fear, but with understanding — just as Curie’s words remind us.
Her recognition by the American Chemical Society is not just a personal milestone, but also a celebration of the values she has championed: excellence in science, equality of opportunity, and the importance of community.
Congratulations, Rachel — and thank you for lighting the way for so many.
