Vision
Improving all people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry
Mission
Advancing the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people
Core Values
In everything we do, we are committed to the following core values:
Passion for Chemistry and the Global Chemistry Enterprise
We harness the power of chemistry and the chemistry enterprise to provide solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. We promote the health of the chemistry enterprise by supporting investments in education, training, entrepreneurship, research, advocacy, outreach, and innovation.
Focus on Members
We develop and deliver programs, products, services, and experiences that make ACS indispensable to the lifelong success of all members worldwide regardless of race, religion, country or ethnic origin, citizenship, language, political opinion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, economic status and educational attainment. The Society promotes an environment that is supportive of all diverse groups in the interest of advancing science. Celebrating and recognizing the achievements and contributions of all ACS members is crucial to the Society’s member-value proposition.
Professionalism, Safety, and Ethics
We support and promote the safe, ethical, responsible, and sustainable practice of chemistry coupled with professional and inclusive behavior and technical competence. We recognize a responsibility to safeguard the health of the planet and the people who live on it, through chemical stewardship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR)
We embrace and promote diversity in all its forms, not only to create a more inclusive environment for the practice of chemistry, but also to provide fair and just outcomes for all to achieve their full potential. Inclusion of and respect for people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and ideas will lead to superior solutions to world challenges and advance chemistry as a global, multidisciplinary science.
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Your Guide to ACS Regulations
Goals
Goal 1
Provide Information Solutions
Deliver indispensable chemistry-related information solutions to address global challenges and other issues facing the world’s scientific community.
ACS will be the most trusted source of chemistry-related information solutions. The Society will provide products and services including high-quality publications, curated databases, and scientific conferences that advance the practice of chemistry and related sciences. Through customer collaborations, transformative technologies, and industry best practices, ACS will leverage its information products and services to offer the most authoritative and indispensable knowledge-based solutions for chemical professionals addressing the world’s challenges.
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Goal 2
Empower Members and Member Communities
Provide access to opportunities, resources, skills training, and networks to empower our global members and diverse member communities to thrive.
ACS will develop and provide resources to enable chemistry-related professionals to succeed in the global scientific enterprise. The Society will support members in their quest for technical competence, a strong ethics and safety culture, and professional advancement. ACS will also help members form and maintain inclusive communities worldwide — both traditional, established communities and limited-lifetime, self-organizing communities — as they work to collaboratively address the major chemistry-related problems and opportunities of our time.
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2,390+
Volunteers have served as science coaches since 2010-2011. (255 coaches for 2021-2022)
386+
Members attended workshops hosted by the ACS Leadership Development System
Goal 3
Support Excellence in Education
Foster the development of innovative, relevant, inclusive, and effective chemistry and chemistry-related education.
ACS will champion initiatives aimed at improving chemistry education, promoting safer laboratory practices, enabling inclusive and equitable education, and contributing to the preparation of technically competent, ethical, and competitive chemists ready to address global challenges. Through formal and informal educational resources, instruction, and mentorship, ACS and its members will encourage the incorporation of principles of safety and ethics throughout pre-college, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education. The Society will promote the development and dissemination of evidence-based practices in chemistry education and professional development to foster a global, scientifically literate citizenry and ensure a highly qualified chemical workforce.
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345+
Economically disadvantaged high school students supported by Project SEED in 2021
Goal 4
Communicate Chemistry's Value
Communicate — to the public and to policymakers — the vital role of chemical professionals and chemistry in addressing the world’s challenges.
ACS will be a leading voice for the field of chemistry. In collaboration with other professional organizations, ACS will advocate for support for science, engineering, innovation, and chemical stewardship. The Society will also encourage and support the active participation of members in public outreach efforts by providing training, connections, venues, and other assistance. Through its advocacy efforts, the Society will encourage the creation and retention of chemistry-related jobs.
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Goal 5
Embrace and Advance Inclusion in Chemistry
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect; identify and dismantle barriers to success; and create a welcoming and supportive environment so that all ACS members, employees, and volunteers can thrive.
ACS will exemplify diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect and highlight their importance to the profession at every level by embracing and celebrating our differences in our programs, products, services, and leadership. We recognize that the world has not been an equal nor equitable space for everyone, and science is no different. ACS will evaluate the impact of administrative and governance actions intended to enhance inclusion and will build sustainable processes for addressing inequities. The Society will speak out against injustice, establish professional standards, and provide training for creating an inclusive culture, both internally and externally. ACS will recruit, retain, develop, and recognize members, employees, and volunteers from all backgrounds by building an inclusive culture. ACS will support partnerships aimed at creating equal opportunities and a sense of belonging in science.
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300+
Name change requests received and fulfilled as a result of a landmark Author Name Change Policy
