Dear Local Section Leader,
I hope that you are all gearing up to join us for the exciting Local Section events we have lined up at the ACS Spring Meeting in New Orleans, LA. Don't miss the third ACS Local Section Showcase at SciMix located in Hall C at the Ernest N. Morial Convention taking place on Monday March 18, 2024, 08:00pm - 10:00pm CT. This event is the perfect opportunity to view the unique programming that Local Sections from District IV have done and appreciate the value of being involved with ACS through local sections. In addition to District IV local sections, the Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC) will participate in this event to promote our mission of providing opportunities, resources, and networks to partner with and serve our diverse member communities.
I would also like to highlight the ACS Speaker Directory mini-grant opportunity we have made available for you to help reach the goal of all local sections booking at least one speaker using the directory for an event in 2024. Be part of the first 100 local sections to receive $200 by hosting a Speaker through the ACS Speaker Directory and submitting the mini-grant request this year!
Beth Lorsbach,
Chair, Local Section Activities Committee
Local Section Member Engagement and EnhancemenT (LS-MEET)
Does your Local Section need funding that can be used for specific events, ongoing programming, and purchase of technology or materials? Potential new funding opportunities may include targeted events to communities of local chemists who are not currently involved in the local section, i.e., schoolteachers, industrial chemists, or creating events to bring local section members together outside of efforts funded under programs such as the LSAC Science Café or IPG. Grant awards up to $2000. Deadline May 31, 2024. Learn more and apply.
2024 Global Innovation Grant Accepting Applications
The ACS Global Innovation Grant is now accepting applications for 2024 from International Chapters, Local Sections, and Technical Divisions. Internationally collaborative and innovate events can receive up to $5000 USD of support. Apply today!
Add Your Local Section Events to the ACS Events Hub
We are pleased to announce that local sections may now post their events on the ACS Events Hub. A sample of local section events may be found here. Want to add your event, please complete this intake form.
Book a Speaker Today with the ACS Speaker Directory
The ACS Speaker Directory provides users with access to speakers from around the globe who are available to present technical science talks, lead career development & professional advancement presentations, explore general interest, popular science topics, and more. Book your speaker today at www.acs.org/speakerdirectory. (ACS ID and login required) A limited number of mini-grants are available to the first 100 local sections that host an event with a Speaker Directory speaker.
Reminder to Send Annual Tax Returns
Attention all Local Sections officers! This is a reminder that a copy of your annual tax return must be sent to the ACS Tax Office at tax@acs.org. This is a requirement per the ACS Governing Documents and your bylaws. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Updated ACS Governing Documents and Petition Deadline
The January 1, 2024, edition of the ACS Governing Documents is available at http://www.acs.org/govdocs. New petitions to amend the Constitution or Bylaws must be received by the Chief Executive Officer (bylaws@acs.org) by May 1 to be included in the Council agenda for the Fall 2024 meeting in Denver.
Questions or comments may be sent to C&B at bylaws@acs.org. C&B invites you to its open meeting on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 1:30 - 2:00 pm CT in the St. Charles Ballroom at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel in New Orleans, LA.
ACS Salutes to Excellence Award
This program gives ACS members an opportunity to underscore outstanding accomplishments, achievements, or service for individuals who have made a positive impact in their local community, via their creation or participation in chemistry outreach events and programs. A local section chair or designee can request up to 5 free plaques to present to any individual or organization it deems worthy of this recognition (cannot be a local section member). Please visit the Salutes to Excellence page for more detailed information. If you have any questions about recognition programs, please feel free to contact outreach@acs.org.
Help with the future of CPRC
The Committee on Public Relations and Communication CPRC is undergoing a strategic planning retreat before ACS Spring 2024. We are looking for input from as many entities from ACS to best improve the effectiveness of the committee. Please respond to this survey to share your thoughts!
Recruit members in time for ACS Spring 2024
ACS Spring 2024 is just around the corner! Don’t forget to reach out to your community and remind them to register. Non-members can join during the registration process. In addition, ACS has created a handful of templates like the “General Recruitment” Templates for Divisions/Sections to help engage with your current members, recruit new ones, and let everyone in your community know about upcoming events at the national and local level. Check out the Recruitment and Engagement Toolkit for volunteer leaders and download these copy-paste documents. Feedback? Email memberfeedback@acs.org.
Important Events For Local Section Leaders At The
ACS Spring 2024 National Meeting
LSAC/CCA Open Meeting and Reception
Please plan to attend the Committee on Local Section Activities and Committee on Community Activities Open Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 19th at 2pm CT. The meeting will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel in the Grand Salon A Sec 3/6.LOCATION and via Zoom (Registration required.) A reception will follow from 3:00pm – 5:00pm in the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Jefferson Ballroom.
The ACS Board presents “Pathways for Aspiring ACS Leaders”
Image credit ChrisBrenSchmidt Photography
Join the ACS Board of Directors as they highlight "Pathways for Aspiring ACS Leaders" on Sunday, March 17, 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom. Boxed lunches are available for the first 200 attendees. Wayne E. Jones, Jr. will provide a brief report and then turn the floor over to Lisa Balbes and Malika Jeffries-EL, who will host a short panel with both new and seasoned ACS Leaders. You will be able to discuss your interests with ACS volunteer leaders and identify potential pathways for your leadership journey. All registered attendees are welcome. Read more.
ACS Presidential Events-Spring 2024
These events and symposia, endorsed by the ACS President and the organizers, deliver content of greatest interest to ACS meeting attendees. Registrants can add events to their itinerary from the meeting program. For more detailed information on the events, please download the events flyer.
The ACS 2024 New Councilor Orientation Program & Reception
The ACS Council Policy Committee is hosting its 2024 New Councilor Orientation Program for all newly elected Councilors and Alternate Councilors on Saturday, March 16 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. CT at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, Kabacoff Room in New Orleans, LA. A special networking reception with Committee Chairs and mentors will follow from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This program provides an excellent opportunity for new Councilors and Alternate Councilors to meet with other ACS leaders, establish mentoring relationships, and learn more about the Society and how to get involved with ACS committees. Special remarks will be given by the ACS President and other leaders. If you are a newly elected Councilor or an Alternate Councilor, please place this important date on your calendar and RSVP to let us know if you plan to attend. Additional information is forthcoming. If you have questions, please send an email to CPC@acs.org.
Save the Date! ACS Spring 2024 Kids Zone
On Saturday, March 16th, ACS President Mary K. Carroll will sponsor Kids Zone, a free public event at Xavier University’s Convocation Center. Participants will enjoy hands-on science activities, the opportunity to meet real chemists, and educational giveaways! Learn more here.
Get The Word Out - Share with Your Local Section Members
Sign up for ACS' Speaker Directory!
Looking for a way to connect with speaking events in areas you have expertise in? Interested in building up your speaking resume? ACS' Speaker Directory is designed to connect experts like *you* with speaking opportunities! ACS Local Sections, Technical Divisions, and International Chapters are looking for a diverse range of speakers for in-person, virtual, hybrid, and asynchronous events.
- Gain visibility on a international level
- Share your expertise
- Grow your professional network
Whether you're a seasoned chemist or starting your career, the ACS Speaker Directory is your gateway to connecting with ACS members in need of talented speakers! Learn more and sign up for the ACS Speaker Directory Today!
ACS Proactive Membership Assistance Program
ACS has recently consolidated programs and resources that can be especially beneficial during life-changing events such as job loss and natural disasters under our new Proactive Membership Assistance Program. Our hope is that this resource creates an easier experience to orient our membership community to all that ACS offers should the unforeseen arise. As we face continued global challenges, please share this information with your members and let them know that if they’re experiencing hardships of any kind that we will provide support as best we can.
Visit Chemists with Disabilities in NOLA!
The ACS Committee on Chemists with Disabilities (ACS-CWD) invites you to visit our open session (NOLA National Meeting Sunday, anytime between 8:30 am-3 pm). The ACS-CWD promotes educational and professional opportunities in the chemical sciences for persons with disabilities. We promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities, supporting ACS Members and the Strategic Plan; promote a portfolio of programs, products, and services to increase participation and leadership by individuals with disabilities; and offer resources to the chemistry community on issues concerning the education and employment of individuals with disabilities. Please contact Partha Basu (basup@iu.edu) or Chris Hamann (chamann@albright.edu) for more information!
Younger Chemists Committee Celebrates 50th Anniversary
2024 is the Younger Chemists Committee’s (YCC’s) 50th Anniversary! The committee is excited to celebrate with those attending ACS Spring 2024 (March 17th- 21st). We are hosting symposiums and receptions highlighting diverse younger chemists, past YCC Chemluminary award winners, CIBA Travel and Leadership Development awardees, and previous YCC members. Hope to see you there and stay tuned for more details!
Now Accepting Abstracts for ACS Fall 2024 & Spring Regional Meetings.
Submitting an abstract for ACS Fall 2024 or a Spring Regional Meeting is an excellent opportunity for chemical professionals and students to showcase their work and connect with colleagues in all areas of chemistry internationally or within your region.
Abstracts are now being accepted for ACS Fall 2024, August 18 - 22, the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM), June 5 - 8, and the Northwest Regional Meeting (NORM), June 23 - 26. All meetings will feature robust technical programming, networking opportunities, and more!
Career Pathways Presents Two Exciting March Events
Career Pathways is excited to announce our March events: Virtual Office Hours: 'LinkedIn Profiles for Chemists' - March 7th, 12pm ET. With LinkedIn being the #1 source of quality hires, have you thought about how to maximize your LinkedIn presence? Gain invaluable insights on optimizing your LinkedIn profile, and discover strategies to find new career opportunities! Free for all members and non-members! Virtual Workshops: 'Setting Yourself Up for Success in an Interview', March 20th, 12pm ET. Learn to conduct job search exploration, analyze job descriptions, navigate multiple interview processes, and land your dream job! Free for Standard and Premium ACS members!
A Request for Chemical Safety Content Ideas
The Emerging Issues Subcommittee (EIS) of the Committee on Chemical Safety (CCS) assists in promoting best chemical safety practices. One EIS project is a series of short technical guidance documents designed to address a variety of safety issues to support safer chemistry research. Thus far, developed content covers laboratory ventilation and considerations for working safely with particularly hazardous materials like hydrofluoric acid. Publication of the CCS “Tipsheets” on the CCS website will occur on a rolling basis, with the first release scheduled for early 2024. Contact our ACS Staff Liaison Support Rachel Bocwinski (r_bocwinski@acs.org) with questions or suggestions for topics!
ACS PRF – Making Our Future Brighter Through Fundamental Hydrocarbon Research
The ACS PRF accepts research proposals from Monday, February 12, 2024 to Friday, March 8, 2024. 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.
Postdoctoral scholars interested in faculty positions - This workshop is for you!
The Postdoc to Faculty Workshop is hosted annually by ACS to provide postdoctoral scholars interested in pursuing faculty positions at institutions of higher education with guidance and resource that support their job search. The workshop consists of several panel discussions and presentations on topics ranging from finding positions to the application and interview process to navigating the first year. Key features include individual consultations with current faculty, mock interviewing, and networking opportunities. All selected participants will receive free housing and meals during this event. Travel assistance will be available for those who qualify. Learn more and apply!
Integrating the RAMP Framework into Chemical Safety Education
On March 3rd, two graduate student researchers will lead a 3.5-hour workshop titled Empowering Academic Researchers to Strengthen Safety Culture. Participants will discuss the risk management process, evaluate elements of a strong safety culture, and learn about the growing network of laboratory safety teams (LSTs). A second workshop scheduled for April 13th, RAMP in the Research Lab, will guide participants through each step of the RAMP framework using case studies. The target audiences for both workshops include graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students; however, faculty and staff are also encouraged to attend. Visit https://dchas.org to register for these workshops!
Volunteers Needed for the 2024 Postdoc to Faculty Workshop!
Do you want to give back in 2024? ACS is looking for faculty interested in the role of workshop facilitators to support the ACS Postdoc to Faculty (P2F) Workshop in Philadelphia, PA July 19 – 21, 2024. P2F faculty volunteers will serve as panelists and/or moderators, review 5-6 mock faculty applications from postdoc participants (prior to the workshop), lead mock interviews, and may be asked if they’d feel comfortable presenting on a specific topic (e.g., teaching strategies, mentoring tips, or DEI statements etc.). ACS will cover travel, hotel accommodations and meals for volunteers! Learn more and volunteer!
Calling All Sustainability Stars!
Attention global change-makers! We want to celebrate YOU and your inspiring journey toward a sustainable future. Over the next 8 months, we are searching for 30
chemists from diverse backgrounds to join in a worldwide celebration of Sustainability Stars. Chemists globally play a pivotal role in addressing sustainability challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you're conducting experiments in a lab, shaping minds in a classroom, or navigating the early stages of your career, we invite you to share your impactful journey in solving global challenges with chemistry – and nominate yourself for well-deserved recognition! Winners not only receive global recognition across ACS social media channels but also enjoy exclusive perks like a complimentary registration to the Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (Virtual or in-person) and a free ACS Premium Membership for one year.
Join the movement, share your story, and nominate yourself to help make chemistry synonymous with sustainability on a global scale! Submit your nomination today, and let's shape a sustainable future for all!