Dear Local Section Leader,
It was great to meet some of you in person during the ACS Leadership Institute last week! I hope that the Local Section track equipped you for your upcoming leadership journey.
I want to invite you to register for another upcoming LSAC webinar taking place on February 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm ET. This session will highlight 2025's Chemists Celebrate Earth Week and opportunities you will have to engage with other sections and connect with members of the Committee on Community Activities. Don't miss it, register today!
Beth Lorsbach,
Chair, Local Section Activities Committee
Reminder: 2024 Annual Reports Due February 15
ACS Community Connection, the online service for annual report and event submissions, is now available for the 2024 Local Section Annual Reporting cycle. Please bookmark the Annual Reporting web page for easy access to the Community Connection login page, user guides, and other important resources. All 2024 and 2025 local section officers may access Community Connection with their ACS ID and password.
The chair of your local section may designate additional non-officer volunteers (e.g., Community Activities Coordinator, YCC Chair, Webmaster, etc.) to access and complete your group's annual report and event forms. To assign a non-officer access to Community Connection, please send the non-officer's name, local section affiliation, and ACS ID to connection@acs.org.
The deadline for submitting your completed annual report and ChemLuminary self-nominations is February 15, 2025. Your local section's 2025 allotment will be released to your treasurer following your local section's annual report submission.
Access eRosters in ACS Community Connection
The December, 2024 eRosters are now available to download in ACS Community Connection until February 13. The January, 2025 roster files will be available starting February 14, 2025.
Join the ACS Local Section and International Chapter Volunteer Group on LinkedIn
This group is available for the volunteer leaders of the American Chemical Society's Local Sections and International Chemical Science Chapters. Group members can use this group to network, seek guidance, share successes and to collaborate on joint programming. Join now!
Prepare for Volunteer Opportunities with Kids
With National Chemistry Week behind us, and almost 2000 ACS Background Checks complete, the ACS Youth Protection Policy is in full swing. Remind those who may want to volunteer for an ACS Youth Event to also get their required background screening done. Getting checked is easy – one volunteer marveled that it only took one day for clearance! Sterling Volunteers is conducting checks for all adult volunteers at ACS Youth Events.
Visit the webpage, which includes a tutorial video, procedural information, and FAQs that include details about ACS and co-sponsored event requirements, and screening for student, non-U.S. residents and other volunteers. If you need advice about whether volunteers need to be cleared, send an email to VolunteerPolicy@acs.org.
Nominate Your Section, Division, or Chapter for an ACS ChemLuminary Award!
Submit a nomination for the 2025 ACS ChemLuminary Awards! The ACS annual ChemLuminary Awards celebrate exceptional programming, outreach, and operations of ACS local sections, divisions, regional meetings, and international chemical science chapters. Officers can submit their nominations through Community Connection as part of their ACS Annual Reports, due by February 15. To find the complete list of awards and nomination guidelines, please visit www.acs.org/chemluminary.
New! Joint IAC & CCA Award for Outstanding Public Outreach Event by an International Chapter. This award recognizes an international chapter for hosting an outstanding public outreach event (may be associated with Chemistry Festivals, NCW, CCEW, etc.).
New ChemLuminary Award Sponsored by CCS and YCC!
The ACS Committee on Chemical Safety (CCS) and the Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) are excited to announce a new joint ChemLuminary Award! The Outstanding Activity Promoting Research Safety ChemLuminary Award recognizes outstanding achievements for an impactful activity organized by or for younger chemists, to include young faculty, postdocs, and graduate students, that promote chemical safety in research laboratories. Nominations for this award open on November 1, 2024, and close on February 15, 2025. ChemLuminary Awards nominations should be submitted by Local Sections, Divisions, or International Science Chapter officers in their unit’s Annual Report. Please contact chemluminary@acs.org for more information.
Save the Dates!
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February 13, 2025
Last date to access DEC, 2024 Roster.
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February 15, 2025
Last date to submit 2024 Annual Report.
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February 15, 2025
Last date to submit 2024 ChemLuminary.
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February 19, 2025
Chemists Celebrate Earth Week Webinar.
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Join Us for the 2025 CCEW Program
Join us for the CCEW 2025 from April 20-26, as we celebrate glaciers with the theme, "Glaciers: Hot Topic, Cool Chemistry!" We highly value your involvement, as your coordination is essential to the success of our program (visit www.acs.org/ccew for program details). Confirm your participation by completing the coordinator survey form here. We look forward to your participation! New resources will be available in April.
CPRC ChemLuminary Awards Expanded
The Committee on Public Relations and Communications (CPRC) has updated what have traditionally been local section awards to include divisions and international chapters. When you complete your annual report, please consider nominating your group for the following ChemLuminary Awards.
Best New Communications Program
This award recognizes outstanding new efforts by local sections, divisions, or international chapters to promote chemistry to the public or to members.
Outstanding Continuing Communications Program
This award recognizes outstanding continuing efforts by local sections, divisions, or international chapters to promote chemistry to the public or to members.
If your group needs some assistance with communications, request a Communication Enhancement, a rebranded PR Makeover.
Add Your Local Section Events to the ACS Events Hub
ACS Events is the one-stop shop for all ACS events happening globally, online, in-person and on-demand. Filter by location and connect to events happening near you. Search conferences, workshops, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings and more! Submit your events.
ACS Board Approves New Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2029
The ACS Board of Directors has approved a new ACS Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2029. The plan, effective January 1, 2025, captures the dynamic nature of ACS and provides a clear path forward for the organization. It is built on the previous plan to ensure continuity. The plan focuses on supporting ACS’ global community, which includes members and all of those engaged with the organization. The plan also supports sciences broadly, with chemistry at the cornerstone. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) principles are embedded throughout the plan, strengthening ACS’ efforts through action. DEIR principles are in our commitment and the core values of lifelong learning and inclusion and belonging while the goals incorporate aspects of accessibility, equity, and belonging. You are encouraged to review and become familiar with the ACS Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029. This valuable roadmap will help guide the meaningful work accomplished every day in each Local Section. If you have questions about the Strategic Plan, please contact strategicplan@acs.org.
Guide to Inclusive and Accessible Hybrid Meetings
Hosting hybrid meetings can be tricky when trying to balance the needs of both in-person and virtual attendees. Considering the needs of people with disabilities in those hybrid meetings can be even more challenging for some. Review the newest addition to the ACS Office of DEIR resources. Use the quick 10-minute video as an inclusion moment or pre-work for your next meeting. If you’re short on time, distribute the 2-page quick guide (PDF) on inclusive and accessible hybrid meetings. Equip your group with the tools to hold effective meetings.
Get The Word Out - Share with Your Local Section Members
ACS Speaker Directory - Share Your Expertise!
The ACS Speaker Directory is a brand-new resource - free for all ACS members to join - designed to connect experts **like you** with exciting speaking opportunities!
Reasons to Join
- Elevate your profile within your local section by becoming a recognized leader in your field
- Utilize your talents to inspire and educate others in the world of chemistry
- Join a network of over 1,200 speakers who are experts in their fields
Share your passion, enhance the visibility of your work, and expand your professional network - apply to be a part of the ACS Speaker Directory today!
2025 GC&E Abstract Submissions Closing Soon!
Abstract submissions are open for the 29th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (GC&E) in all areas of green chemistry and engineering, particularly those addressing this year’s conference theme: Good Health and Well-Being Through Sustainable Chemistry. Share your innovative research with the chemistry community, gain valuable feedback from peers, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable practices in the field at GC&E June 23-26, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Plan now for IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast 2025
Join the global chemistry community in Accelerating Equity in Science and celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology on February 11, 2025. Learn more and register your event at IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast, including “ACS” in your event name.
Nominations for Heroes of Chemistry are now open!
Innovation paired with commercial success is worth recognizing. The Heroes of Chemistry Award is one of ACS's highest industry honors, recognizing companies that have developed successfully commercialized products that have had an impact on the welfare and progress of humanity. 2025 nominations are now being accepted through February 15, 2025.
Any private or publicly owned for-profit company may nominate a team of chemists or allied scientists. Information on team eligibility is found on the HOC page. The company nominating the technology must be the current owner of the technology. Celebrate your company's hard work and success in innovation – nominate today!
Spread the Word about PMAP
Don't forget about PMAP! The Proactive Membership Assistance Program is here for ACS members. You don't know when a crisis will strike and when it does, make sure you already have the PMAP bookmarked in your favorite web browser. Make sure your constituents are aware of all the benefits, dues, waivers, awards/funding and career resources that are available heading into the new year. Spread the word!
Celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in 2025.
This coming year marks 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics, leading the United Nations to proclaim 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)!
Help raise public awareness of the importance and impact of quantum science and applications on all aspects of life by visiting the IYQ website, incorporating quantum science into your 2025 plans, and sharing resources and events.
February Virtual Workshop, 'Introductions to Careers in Chemistry'
The hardest part of any journey is getting started. That's why ACS is here to help you launch your career in chemistry! Join ACS on Wednesday, February 19th at 12:00pm EST, as we present a Career Pathways Virtual
Workshop, 'Finding Your Path: Introductions to Careers in Chemistry'. The presentation will provide you with:
- Insight into the four primary job sectors in chemistry – academia, government, industry, and entrepreneurial
- Information on the latest employment trends and data
- A framework to help identify the sector best suited to your strengths and interests
ACS PRF – Making Our Future Brighter Through Fundamental Hydrocarbon Research
The ACS PRF accepts research proposals from Monday, February 10, 2025 to Friday, March 7, 2025. Proposals must focus on fundamental petroleum research, including research related to petroleum-derived materials in one of ten specified subject matter areas. It is important to note that while the PRF Trust imposes restrictions, PRF currently funds various topics of interest in sustainability and green chemistry. These topics include new catalysts and the upgrading/utilization of methane and carbon dioxide. For more information on supported research areas, interested individuals are encouraged to contact a PRF program officer or prfinfo@acs.org.
Grant programs are available for new professors starting their first tenure track position (DNI), as well as established tenured or tenure-track professors exploring a new research direction (ND). Separate grant programs exist for qualified professors in non-doctoral departments (UNI, UR). Departments of successful UR and UNI grant applications will be invited to apply for a competitive $25,000 supplement funds. Supplements aim to enhance research activities, capabilities, and engagement at the department.
Applications are made through a web-based portal, and additional information can be found at www.acsprf.org.
***NEW*** Arthur C. Cope Postdoctoral Fellowship in Organic Chemistry
ACS has introduced the Arthur C. Cope Postdoctoral Fellowship, a prestigious two-year program designed to recognize outstanding achievements and foster innovative research in organic chemistry in the U.S.. Fellows will receive $85,000 annually, providing the freedom to explore bold and creative research directions that contribute to a sustainable world. Nominations are open until April 1, 2025. (Note: Temporary U.S. residents, U.S. citizens, and U.S. green card holders are eligible to be nominated and to apply.)
For more details, visit: www.acs.org/CopePostdoc
Try the Chemical Technical Career Quiz
Inspired by the recommendations set by the National Science Board, and the urgent economic need for more chemical technical professionals - trained and qualified STEM professionals that do not possess a Bachelors degree - ACS has launched a new strategic initiative, 'The Skilled Technical Workforce'. As part of this initiative, we are excited to announce the Chemical Technical Career Quiz, a brief questionnaire for students and teachers that can help match students with a technical chemistry career that matches their interests! We encourage you to take the quiz and share it with others in your community!