Dear Local Section Leader,
Last year, an LSAC Working Group was formed to review all unassigned territory within the United States and propose the assignment of such territory to existing local sections. The working group identified over 900 unassigned counties and nearly 1k members (within those counties) that do not belong to an ACS Local Section.
I am pleased to announce that preliminary recommendations to assign all unassigned counties (and members) to individual local sections are now available. I encourage all local sections to review the proposed assignments and provide feedback by April 30, 2025. You may also raise your questions and/or feedback at the District Caucuses that will be held virtually and at the ACS 2025 Spring meeting in San Diego, CA. A petition for the assignment of any uncontested (and resolved) assignments will be presented at the Fall 2025 ACS Council Meeting for action.
I look forward to hearing your input!
Beth Lorsbach,
Chair, Local Section Activities Committee
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!
Join the Progress: ACS Strategic Plan 2025-2029
In January 2025, the ACS Board of Directors approved a new Strategic Plan that focuses on supporting ACS’s global community, which includes members and all of those engaged with the organization. The plan also broadly supports the sciences, with chemistry at its core. Principles of Inclusion and Belonging are embedded throughout, strengthening ACS’s efforts through action. Our core values of lifelong learning, sustainability, passion for science, and inclusion and belonging form the foundation of our strategic goals. We encourage you to review the ACS Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and align your upcoming Local Section programs and activities with our current strategic goals. Your Local Section's alignment with the strategic plan is key to implementing and amplifying ACS's message within the scientific community and beyond.
Enhance Your Leadership with On-Demand Webinars
The ACS Local Section Webinar Series is a valuable resource designed to support ACS leaders at every stage. This on-demand library covers essential topics such as event planning, member engagement, and effective governance, equipping you with the tools to strengthen your Local Section, International Chapter, or Division. Whether you're a new officer or an experienced leader, these webinars provide practical insights to help you succeed. Access the full library anytime to stay informed and inspired.
Access eRosters in ACS Community Connection
The January, 2025 eRosters are available to download in ACS Community Connection until March 13. The February, 2025 roster files will be available starting March 14, 2025.
CCEW Call for Coordinators
The American Chemical Society (ACS) invites you to join us in celebrating Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) 2025 from April 20-26 by registering as a CCEW coordinator. This is a fantastic opportunity for members active in their Local Section to make a positive impact in As a CCEW Coordinator, You Can:
- Organize a Community Service Event
- Promote Events on Social Media
- Share Educational Materials
- Create and Inspire with our Illustrated Poem Contest
Questions? Contact us at outreach@acs.org. Join us in making a difference and celebrating the role of chemistry in sustainability. Register now to become a CCEW coordinator and lead your community in this important initiative!
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.
Save the Dates!
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March 3, 2025
Committee Preference Submission Form opens.
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March 13, 2025
Last date to access January 2025 eRosters.
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March 22 - 27, 2025
ACS Spring 2025, San Diego, California.
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March 31, 2025
Submit Abstract for ACS Fall 2025.
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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.
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.
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.
Important Events For Local Section Leaders At The
ACS Spring 2025 National Meeting
The Local Section Showcase and CCA/LSAC Open Meeting
Don't miss the ACS Local Section Showcase at SciMix located in San Diego Convention Center, Hall B2/C taking place on Monday March 24, 2025, 08:00pm - 10:00pm PT. This event is the perfect opportunity to view the unique programming that Local Sections from District VI have done and appreciate the value of being involved with ACS through local sections.
Also, please plan to attend the the Committee on Local Section Activities and Committee on Community Activities Open Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 25th at 2pm PT. The meeting will be held at the Indigo Ballroom B (Hilton San Diego Bayfront) and via Zoom (Registration required.) A reception will follow from 3:00pm – 5:00pm PT in the Indigo Terrace (Hilton San Diego Bayfront).
ACS Orientation Program & Reception for New Councilors and Alternate Councilors
The 2025 New Councilor Orientation Program for all newly elected Councilors and Alternate Councilors will be held on Saturday, March 22 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. PT at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, Indigo Ballroom C in San Diego, CA. A networking reception with Committee Chairs, caucus leaders, and mentors will follow from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with other ACS leaders, establish mentoring relationships, and learn more about the Society and its committees. Special remarks will be given by the ACS President and other ACS leaders. If you are a newly elected Councilor or Alternate Councilor, please place these important dates on your calendar and RSVP to let us know that you are planning to attend.
District Councilor Caucus – Schedule Changes for Spring 2025
The schedule for the District Councilor Caucuses to be held at the ACS Spring 2025 before the Council meeting on Wednesday, March 26, has changed. Please click here to review the specific District Caucus details. Please contact the Office of the Secretary at secretary@acs.org if you have questions.
Priestley Medal Award and Board Open Meeting
Please join the ACS Board of Directors on Sunday, March 23 to recognize the world-renowned chemist Dr. Frances Arnold, the 2025 Priestley Medalist. Dr. Arnold is being honored for her contributions to the development of directed evolution as a method for chemical and biological design. The event will be held at the San Diego Convention Center, Room 6A/B at 4:00 PM PT and is open to all registered meeting attendees. It will begin with opening remarks from the ACS Board Chair, Wayne E. Jones, Jr., followed by the Priestley Medal address from Dr. Arnold. Immediately following the Board Open Meeting, attendees are invited to the ACS Connect Happy Hour that will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, in the Sails Pavilion and Terrace from 6:00-7:00 pm. Please send any questions you may have to secretary@acs.org.
Ethics Committee Spring Open Meeting
The ACS Committee on Ethics (ETHX) Spring Open Meeting will take place in San Diego, California and virtually on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm PDT. All are welcome to attend. Send an email to ETHX@acs.org or l_rembertlang@acs.org for additional details.
Join Us for ACS Spring Kids Zone
On Saturday, March 22 join us for ACS Kids Zone! A free public event designed to inspire young minds through hands-on science activities and engaging demonstration in a fun and safe environment. What you will Experience:
- Interactive Science Activities: Enjoy exciting experiments like "Snap, Crackle, Pop!" and "Ice Melt Race."
- Meet Professional Chemists: Engage with fellow chemists and share your passion for science with the next generation.
- Meet and Greet with Meg-A-Mole: Don't miss the opportunity to meet our friendly mascot, Meg-A-Mole!
- Educational Giveaways: Take home fun and educational materials to continue the learning experience.
Register Now! We look forward to seeing you and your family at this exciting event!
Chemists with Disabilities - Spring 2025
The Committee on Chemists with Disabilities’ mission is to promote educational and professional opportunities in the chemical sciences and in fields requiring knowledge of chemistry for persons with disabilities by championing the capabilities of those persons to educators, employers, and peers. Join us in-person in at the Spring 2025 Meeting in San Diego on Sunday March 23, from 8:00 am -10:20 am “Chemical Technician Professionals with Disabilities: A Panel Discussion with Successful Chemists” Organized by the ACS Committee on Chemical Technical Professionals and the Division of Professional Relations. For more information, contact cwd@acs.org.
Get The Word Out - Share with Your Local Section Members
ACS Speaker Directory - Share Your Expertise!
Are you passionate about chemistry and eager to share your knowledge with fellow chemists? Look no further than the ACS Speaker Directory, new resource designed to connect experts like you with exciting speaking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned chemist or just starting your career, this directory is your gateway to connecting with local section leaders in need of talented speakers. Learn more here!
Opening Soon – Online Committee Preference Form
The online preference form will be open March 3 through July 3, 2025, at http://www.cmte.acs.org for committee assignments in 2026. If you are interested in serving on an ACS committee, the online committee preference form for committee assignments is a keyway to let us know your committee preferences and your background.
Please make a committee preference only if you feel that you can attend and actively participate in a committee’s meetings either virtually or in-person. Your ACS membership must be in good standing to complete your committee preferences.
DEADLINE TODAY: 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.
Join us for ACS Fall 2025, taking place both in-person in Washington, DC, and virtually around the world, from August 17–21, 2025. ACS Fall 2025 is the chance to share your research with the chemistry community. The meeting brings together chemistry professionals, educators, and students worldwide to discover and share research, network, and advance careers. These meetings are an excellent opportunity for professionals and students to showcase their work and connect with colleagues in all areas of chemistry. The deadline to submit is Monday, March 31.
New ACS Membership Referral Program
ACS is thrilled to launch the ACS Membership Referral Program. Members & Society Affiliates with Premium and Standard packages can now invite colleagues, students, and friends to join and both will benefit. The new member
will receive a 10% discount on their package. The member referring will accumulate points to save on your next renewal.
How it works for you:
- Log in to the Referral Rewards Portal using your ACS ID
- .Accept program terms* to receive your personal referral link
- Invite your peers to join ACS with a 10% dues discount when they use your link
- You earn 20 points for each individual who joins through your link
1 point = 1 US dollar
It’s that easy to save on your membership and pass along savings to others in your community! Everyone belongs at ACS and can benefit from the network and resources you already know and utilize. Help build a stronger scientific community by inviting others into ACS membership.
*Read full terms & conditions in the Rewards Portal to review eligibility to participate.
***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
Interested in a Career in Academia?
Join us for the 2025 Postdoc to Faculty Workshop, a 3-day program designed for postdocs to explore faculty positions and expectations across U.S. higher education institutions. This workshop provides guidance on faculty applications, balancing scholarship, teaching, and service, and offers networking opportunities with mentors and early-career faculty. Participants will also engage with interactive teaching models and valuable resources. Selected applicants receive free housing and meals. The application remains open until Sunday, April 6, 2025. For questions, contact Postdoc@acs.org. Apply Today!
Present Your Research During an ACS Regional Meeting
ACS Regional Meetings features technical programming to help you stay up to date on the latest research and keep you connected with chemists in your region. Abstracts are now being accepted for the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM), May 28-31, and the Great Lakes Region Meeting (GLRM), June 4 - 6. Both meetings will feature robust technical programming, networking opportunities, and more!