Dear Local Section Leader,
Happy New Year! We are excited to kick off the new year by welcoming our new ACS Local Section officers! As part of our ongoing Monthly ACS Webinar Series, we will be hosting the "Welcome New Local Section Leaders" webinar on January 15, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:15 PM EST. This is a great opportunity to connect with other leaders and learn more about the upcoming Leadership Institute and tracks featured for local section officers. Register now and join us if your schedule allows it.
I would also like to encourage you to register for the 2025 ACS Leadership Institute (January 31- February 2, 2025) before registration closes on January 10, 2025. The event is packed with insights and tools that are invaluable for effective leadership.
Beth Lorsbach,
Chair, Local Section Activities Committee
Submit Your 2024 Annual Reports in ACS Community Connection
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 November, 2024 eRosters are now available to download in ACS Community Connection. The December roster files will be available starting January 14, 2025.
Local Section Innovative Project Grant (LS-IPG)
Ignite innovation and community strength with the Local Section Innovative Project Grant. Administered by ACS LSAC, this grant offers up to $3500 to empower the local section in innovative events and activities. Apply by January 15, 2025, and stimulate member and local section involvement. Please review grant details here. Let us pioneer change and forge lasting community connections. Learn more, gain inspiration from other local sections, and apply now.
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.
Global Innovation Grant Closing soon!
The Global Innovation Grant (GIG) assists International Chapters, International Student Chapters, Technical Divisions, and Local Sections with travel, projects, and events. Grants up to $5,000 are available annually in support of IAC strategic interests and priorities and to catalyze new international collaborations and partnerships dedicated to solutions to global challenges. Collaboration between entities listed above is especially encouraged. Co-sponsored submissions from Divisions, Local Sections, and Committees with International Chapters will be given special consideration. Deadline Extended! Applications are open until January 10th, 2025.
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.
Save the Dates!
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January 10, 202
Last date to register for the 2025 ACS LI
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January 13, 2025
Last date to access NOV, 2024 Roster.
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January 15, 2025
Welcome New Local Section Leaders Webinar.
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January 31- February 2, 2025
ACS Leadership Institute.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Call for Programming Proposals: Spring 2025 Expo Theater
Are you traveling to San Diego to attend ACS Spring 2025? Are you passionate about enhancing safety culture in research laboratories, or are you part of a Laboratory Safety Team (LST)? The ACS Office of Safety Programs is accepting applications for presentations in the Spring 2025 Exhibit Hall Expo Theater. We encourage creative session formats, including trivia sessions and panel discussions. Travel stipends will be awarded to the selected presenters. Please contact the ACS Office of Safety Programs at safety@acs.org for the full set of proposal requirements, as we will be closing the application phase on January 15, 2025!
Nominate an Early-Career Chemist to C&EN’s Talented 12
C&EN’s Talented 12 program celebrates early-career chemists making a global impact in academia, industry, and government. C&EN is looking for diverse backgrounds, work areas, and scientific disciplines. Recognition in the Talented 12 can boost an individual's career, offering visibility, funding opportunities, and collaboration. Selected chemists will be featured in a special issue of C&EN and will be invited to speak at the ACS Fall 2025 Symposium. Submit a nomination by January 21 for the Talented 12 Class of 2025.
Attend Our Interactive CHAS Peer-Led Workshop!
The ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety (CHAS) Peer-Led Workshop “RAMP in the Research Lab” will be facilitated on Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 2:00—5:30 PM EST via Zoom. This highly-interactive workshop is designed for frontline researchers in academic institutions, including graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students. Participants will be introduced to the principles of the RAMP risk management framework and have the opportunity to practice each step in this process using a series of case studies and discussion sessions. Interested parties must register by Friday, January 31, 2024 on EventBrite. The registration cost is $25.00.
Apply Now for Spring 2025 Corporation Associates Grants
The Committee on Corporation Associates (CA) invites ACS Local Sections and International Chapters to apply for grants to support their industry-focused events, including job fairs or panel discussions with industry leaders. For more information and to apply, visit the CA Local Section and International Chapter Grants webpage.
CA also offers SEED grants to support the start of recurring programs or events focused on education in the chemical sciences, education of the public on the role of the chemical industry, and promotion of professionalism or safety in chemistry. To apply, visit the CA SEED Grant webpage. Apply today! Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2025, to be considered for the fall awards. Winners will be notified after the Spring 2025 meeting.
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.