Kavli Foundation extends lecture series recognizing emerging scientific leaders with ACS

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 12, 2014 — The Kavli Foundation announced yesterday that it will continue sponsoring lectures that recognize the work of outstanding young chemical scientists at the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) national meetings for the next 10 years. ACS national meetings are held twice a year and attract 10,000 to 18,000 chemistry professionals and students. The extension of the popular lecture series will allow it to continue through ACS’s 2025 fall meeting.

“The Kavli Foundation Emerging Leaders in Chemistry Lecture” debuted in April 2013 at the 245th ACS National Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans. Held in conjunction with “The Kavli Foundation Innovations in Chemistry Lecture,” the pair is among the most highly attended events at every national meeting. The Kavli Foundation Innovations in Chemistry Lecture was instituted by the ACS and The Kavli Foundation in 2011 and is currently slated to run through 2025.

“The Kavli Foundation is honored to work together with the American Chemical Society to highlight the very best scientists and their work,” said Miyoung Chun, Executive Vice President of Science Programs at The Kavli Foundation. “Through ACS national meetings, outstanding scientists have an opportunity to share their groundbreaking discoveries in an arena with fellow colleagues and the public.”

The extension of The Kavli Foundation Emerging Leaders in Chemistry Lecture honors ACS Executive Director and CEO, Madeleine Jacobs, who is retiring at the end of the year. Jacobs has supported and encouraged young scientists throughout her career. Her dedication to leadership and commitment to quality and excellence have been influential to the overwhelming popularity of the series.

“I am overwhelmed by this thoughtful gesture,” Jacobs said. “I hold The Kavli Foundation in the highest regard and I am honored that this wonderful partnership with them will continue to be a highlight of ACS national meetings.”

The Kavli Foundation, an internationally recognized philanthropic organization known for its support of basic scientific research, is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity, promoting public understanding of scientific research, and supporting scientists and their work. ACS and The Kavli Foundation share a commitment to recognize and promote the work of young chemists and their innovative discoveries.

The Kavli Foundation was established in 2000 by business leader and philanthropist Fred Kavli (1927-2013), and is actively involved in establishing major research institutes at leading universities and institutions around the world. To date, 17 Kavli institutes have been established in the United States, Europe and Asia. It also supports scientific conferences and symposia, science journalism, endowed chair professorships and other activities that support and inspire advances in basic science and enhance the public’s appreciation of scientists and their work.

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 161,000 members, ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.