Proposal for an ACS International Center - Your Ideas

[kmdelak]

Your opinion matters! 

Read the task force’s proposal (attached) and tell us what you think by adding your comments to this discussion.

The ACS International Center was first conceived by Immediate Past President Joe Francisco as a mechanism to encourage U.S. talent to engage in international research experiences, learn about innovation in the global chemical enterprise,and transfer this knowledge to the U.S. marketplace. In 2010, the Presidential Task Force on Implementing the Concept of an ACS International Center, led by Judy Benham (IAC Chair), provided recommendations for development of the ACS International Center, with the goal to assure that the next generation of ACS members and chemical practitioners are prepared toengage in the global chemical enterprise.

As currently conceived, the ACS International Center will help to prepare chemical practitioners to participate in the increasingly global scientific enterprise.  Its objectives are: To provide global and national leadership in research, education, and technology transfer for the chemical enterprise; to assure that the next generation of chemical scientists is prepared to engage successfully in the global chemical enterprise and to address global chemical challenges; and, to encourage, engage, and support international exchange of chemists at all levels by building strategic alliances and partnerships between ACS and chemical institutions abroad.

The International Center will be primarily a virtual, internet-based resource.  It is based on four areas of opportunity:

1. An information clearinghouse that would assist chemical practitioners who seekto participate in international exchange and collaboration.  This aspectof the Center would include listings of and links to available exchange programs.  It would also include suggestions for facing the challenges associated with exchange programs, options for foreign language training,content regarding cultural adjustment, etc.

2. A compilation of studies and evidence for the value of international collaborations.  Here, the Center would seek to answer the question, “Why participate in international exchange?” With the answers to this question, materials would be developed for circulation and presentation to appropriate audiences, in order to promote the value of exchanges.

3. How can chemical practitioners be educated to become better innovators in a global environment?  The Center will seek to develop and disseminate bestpractices where education and training can catalyze innovation in the global chemical enterprise.  This would include existing publications and reports about methodology, successful practices, educational form and content, and additional resources for acquiring skills, as well as links to external sources of information.

4. Finally, the Center will seek to develop and implement the effective ways in which scientific information can be used to influence domestic and international policy.  This would build upon ACS’s successful advocacy efforts to focus attention on the gap in international education/training, as well as funding, immigration, and other related issues.  Effective science-based policy would enhance U.S. competitiveness and facilitate engagement in and actions to address global issues and challenges.