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Global Innovation Imperatives (Gii)

Society faces a variety of urgent issues of global significance that require targeted attention from the brightest minds in science. These issues can be described as ‘global imperatives’. Global Innovation Imperatives (Gii) is an ACS program that fosters creative solutions to local imperatives with global significance.

Gii’s mission is to create community and knowledge transfer to stimulate global scientific innovation that meets societal imperatives.

Gii Application Information

The Gii program provides funding to an ACS entity (international chapter, local section, technical division, international student chapter) to hold a multi-day research event to resolve/contribute to the resolution of global sustainability issues.

During this event, ACS members, committees, technical divisions, and local experts meet to present their existing research and to discuss additional solutions. Participants will then draft a white paper (typically with the help of a science writer) that includes the ideas and outcomes discussed during the program. The white paper is often presented during a press briefing at an ACS National Meeting.

Important: The project topic and research must be long-term, sustainable, and last longer than the project events that take place in the year you are awarded funding. Gii funds may not be used for short-term research.

While previous Gii programs included three days of symposia and programming in a host community, all future proposals must be exclusively virtual until local COVID-19 restrictions are fully lifted. Alternative and creative program structures in applications are welcome.

Typical funding available: up to $20,000 USD.

Please email intlacts@acs.org with any questions.

Application Components

Project proposals should include the following elements:

  • A focus on issues for a specific geographical area related to 1-2 science-related UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Virtual engagements, including, but not limited to: symposia, meetings, webinars, etc.
  • Coordinate and compose a white paper on your findings with suggested solutions.
  • Plans to present the white paper and any additional research at a press briefing during an ACS National Meeting.

Proposals can allocate grant funding to the following:

  • Materials related to the project (ex: lab equipment)
  • Any software required for the project (ex: Zoom meetings)
  • Travel expenses for participants to travel to an ACS National Meeting
  • Contracting a science writer
  • Translation of white paper technical content

Project proposals are strengthened by any of the following provisions:

  • At least 50% women scientists participation
  • Student/early career scientist involvement
  • Collaboration with and support of ACS Technical Divisions or Committees
  • Collaboration with Academia – Think Tanks, Universities, etc.
  • Collaboration with the public and private sector – NGOs, Non-Profits, Government, etc.
  • Collaboration with national labs or a national chemical society
  • Previously unfunded projects

About Global Innovation Imperatives

Global Innovation Imperatives (Gii) is an ACS program that was originally started and implemented in collaboration with the U.K.-based Society of Chemical Industry. Since 2012, the program has supported projects involving Malaysia, Brazil, Colombia, India, Nigeria, and Singapore with local workshops and symposia at ACS National Meetings. Previous projects have addressed imperatives in developing economies, such as water quality, education, healthcare, energy, and agriculture.

Previous Gii forums have been three-day events based on an issue in the host community, as mentioned above. Gii’s goal is to stimulate significant action among ACS members, who include:

  • Innovation leaders
  • Business executives
  • Academia/education leaders
  • Multinational businesses
  • Non-government organizations
  • Governments

By creating/joining a Gii project, you will be able to:

  • Contribute to developing pragmatic solutions to the global issues, including water quality, healthcare, or agriculture practices
  • Tap in to the valuable existing networks of ACS – both business and academia
  • Provide visibility for you, your ideas or your organization by being part of a global solution
  • Engage in collaborations with other companies and individuals
  • Access and share knowledge and technology
  • Optimize your resources - by combining what you can offer with others’ and avoiding the duplication of your efforts
  • Increase the perceived value/image of your company by linking your efforts to a socially responsible / non for profit cause
  • Have a greater impact on society by being part of the greater solution

ACS Network Group

If you are interested in previous Gii projects, join the Gii group on the ACS Network.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Gii program, please email us at intlacts@acs.org

Past Gii Projects

2016
 

2015

2014

2013

  • Session at 246th ACS National Meeting and Exposition, September 8-10, 2013.
  • Symposium on Nexus of Food, Energy and Water at the 245th ACS National Meeting and Exposition, April 7, 2013

2012

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