ACS Senior Chemists
The ACS Committee on Senior Chemists encourages engagement and collaboration across the Society, its local sections, and within the scientific community. The objectives are to:
- Improve communication among senior chemists
- Increase the number of senior chemists’ groups and their level of engagement within local sections
- Encourage the involvement of senior chemists in programs focused on K-12 education, undergraduate networking, and mentoring
- Encourage Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect within the chemical enterprise
Learn more about the ACS Committee on Senior Chemists.
Senior Chemists Committee presents “Chocolate Chemistry!”
On March 29, 2022, the SCC hosted its virtual “coffee hour social” event. The theme was “Chocolate Chemistry.” The keynote speakers for the event were Cordelia Running, an assistant professor in Nutrition & Food Science at Purdue University, and Matt Hartings, an associate professor of Chemistry at American University and author of Chemistry in Your Kitchen.
ACS Members can view the presentation here.
Under the ACS Scholars Program, African American, Hispanic/Latino and American Indian students enrolled in chemical science programs are eligible to compete to receive up to $5,000 per year in renewable college scholarships.
Since the program’s inception in 1994, many of the more than 3,500 men and women who have participated are now established in important roles in industry, academia, and government. Examples of former ACS Scholars, recently featured in Chemical and Engineering News (insert date), include: Chyree Batton, a chemist at SC Johnson; Bart Bartlett, a chemistry professor at the University of Michigan; and Corina McClure, an analytical chemist at the Food & Drug Administration.
To support tomorrow’s chemistry leaders, please go to www.donate.acs.org/scholars. The site provides instructions for how to donate by credit card or mail. For information on how to contribute via an individual retirement account (IRA) or estate plan, please visit www.acs.org/legacy or contact Mary Bet Dobson at m_dobson@acs.org.
Great Connections
In 2021, the Senior Chemists Committee conducted a pilot program of outreach to students grades 3-5. Senior volunteers performed virtual visits to classrooms to share an activity from the National Chemistry Week 2021 booklet. The visits involved a video and script and were designed for less than 30 minutes. Schools with high underrepresented populations, as indicated by free lunch programs, were targeted for this activity. The script and video are available at Slow the Glow – Great Connections at ACS - American Chemical Society. In 2022, a SCC subcommittee will finalize revisions and announce plans for future expansion of the Great Connections program
Senior Chemists Committee (SCC) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) Grants
In addition to the two programs developed in 2020 (ACS Scholars Program and Great Connections), the SCC has allocated funding for new activities to advance the DEIR goals of the ACS. The project must be led by a senior ACS member (i.e., over 50 years in age) and a proposal submitted by a technical division, international section, or any official ACS entity other than a local section. After review by the SCC Awards Subcommittee, grants up to $500 will be awarded to a limited number of the submitted proposals. All applications must be submitted by Friday, April 29, 2022
The proposal should address:
- Impact of the project on diversity, equity, inclusion and/or respect
- Estimated potential magnitude of the impact on systemic racism
- Level of engagement by senior ACS members and/or other seniors
- Current and potential support from partners, including the possibility of long-term continuation of the proposed activity
A report on the project must be submitted within 30 days of the event or the start of the activity. The proposed event or activity can be scheduled in 2022 or 2023. If you have any questions, please send them to seniorchemists@acs.org.
Looking for another grant or award?
Local Section Senior Chemists Committees
Senior Chemists Committees can be created in any ACS Local Section with a focus on creating opportunities, representing the needs of, and offering programming and services for senior chemists in a particular geographical area. In addition, senior chemists are in a unique position to share a lifetime of experiences with students, young chemists, and the public.
Benefits of Participating
Socialize With Peers
Stay Active After Retirement
Advocate for Chemistry Through Community Outreach
You can make a difference!
There are many ways to get involved through your local section or local community. Share a lifetime of experiences and help the next generation of chemists.
Science Coaches
Lend your expertise as a coach and help a teacher advance science education.
National Chemistry Week
Organize or participate in events in your community to promote the value of chemistry in everyday life.
ACS Career Consultants
Help an emerging chemist with career advice.
Let's stay connected.
SCC Zoom Guides
Senior Chemists Committee members have enjoyed using Zoom to stay connected. These Zoom guides are designed for novices and avoid the use of computer jargon. The illustrations are screenshots taken when the guide was written and may change as Zoom is updated. Please send us a note at seniorchemists@acs.org with suggestions for additional guides that you think would be helpful.
- How to Zoom with the ACS Senior Chemists Committee (PDF)
- How to Host a Zoom Meeting (PDF)
- 10 Suggestions for Local Senior Chemists Zoom Meetings (PDF)
Senior Chemists on the Move
Join Senior Chemists on the Move, the senior chemists group on the ACS Network. Engage in conversations, ask questions and post announcements of upcoming events from your local sections.
Newsletter
Stay up to date on volunteer activities by senior chemists, such as working in schools, leading science events for the community, judging science fairs, mentoring, and more. Browse our newsletter archive.
Questions?
Contact us at seniorchemists@acs.org.
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