Global leaders of $3.5 trillion enterprise gathering for two days of talks

Note to journalists: Please report that this research was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society.

NEW ORLEANS, April 8, 2013 — Top leaders in chemistry — a $760 billion annual enterprise in the United States and $3.5 trillion worldwide — are gathering here today to consider a formula for ensuring the future success of the scientists whose work touches 96 percent of all the world’s manufactured goods.

The special symposium titled “Vision 2025: How to Succeed in the Global Chemistry Enterprise” is part of the 245^th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society. More than 14,000 scientists and others are expected for the meeting, which continues through Thursday, and features 12,000 reports on new developments in chemistry and other scientific fields that involve chemistry.

“The millions of scientists working in chemistry will see dramatic changes, including increased global competition for ideas and markets, in the years ahead,” said Marinda Li Wu, Ph.D., president of the ACS. “Their success is important, not just individually, but for society as a whole. We rely on them to develop better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases; for innovations in materials for electronics and other products; and in so many other ways. This symposium will provide a range of perspectives to help chemistry professionals thrive in the global chemistry enterprise of the future.”

Wu organized the symposium as part of a presidential initiative on the topic. Speakers include corporate executives, a federal science agency director, academic thought leaders, presidents of chemical societies worldwide and individuals who have succeeded in global collaboration projects. Speakers will share advice and perspectives about the challenges and solutions facing scientists in the years ahead. Wu noted that the ACS has committed to follow up on these ideas in support of the strategic goal to “Empower an inclusive community of members with networks, opportunities, resources and skills to thrive in the global economy.”

The symposium will include three topical sessions:

• Global Opportunities from Perspectives of U.S. Leaders
• Global Opportunities from International Perspectives

Shared Experiences of Successful Global Start-Ups and International Assignments.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society contact newsroom@acs.org.

###