Joseph Breen Memorial Fellowship

Purpose

Each year, the ACS Green Chemistry Institute (ACS GCI) awards one or more Dr. Joseph Breen Memorial Fellowships. The award sponsors the participation of a young international green chemistry scholar in a green chemistry technical meeting, conference or training program.

Description

The amount of the award is based on the estimated cost of travel, accommodation, and fees associated with the event, up to $2,000. If two Breen Fellowships are given in any one year, one of the awards will be given to an undergraduate student and the other award to a graduate or post-graduate student.

Eligibility

“Young” international scholar is defined as undergraduate students and above, but below the level of Assistant Professor and within the first seven years of a professional career. Applicants residing both within the U.S. and internationally are eligible for this award.

The travel must be to a green chemistry technical meeting, conference or training program. Students should consider attending the Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference. Award funds cannot be used to attend the ACS Summer School on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Energy.

The applicant must demonstrate research or educational interest in green chemistry. Green chemistry for this purpose is defined as “the discovery and design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.”

The fellow also must give an oral or poster presentation on his/her interest area during the conference as well as submit a report to ACS GCI on their experience after the conference in order to receive reimbursement.

Deadline

The deadline for the award is October 9, 2022 at 5 p.m. EDT (GMT-4).

How to Apply

Please apply using the ACS Green Chemistry Institute application portal. To use the portal you will need to have or create a free ACS ID.

Be prepared to submit the following:

• Applicant’s name and contact information
• Name of applicant’s faculty advisor (or supervisor) and contact information
• Academic information including institution (or company), department or field of study, expected degree, academic interests and motivations, and career plans
• Name, date and location of the conference or meeting the applicant is requesting funding to attend.
• Estimated budget for travel expenses, up to $2,000. Reimbursable expenses include the conference registration fee, accommodations, and travel to participate in the meeting. Meals and entertainment expenses are not reimbursable. ACS will provide instructions to receive the reimbursement (up to the award amount) after the conference. 
• Word or PDF upload containing a brief essay (no more than one page) by the applicant concerning their interest in green chemistry, including any previous experience with the field, how they will benefit from participation in the selected conference (including intent to present), and why they should be selected to receive the award.
• A curriculum vita or résumé no more than two pages in length (Word or PDF file). Make sure to include:
  • Field of study, degrees (including month and year earned or expected), education experience, including GPA or other measure of class standing, and work experience (if any).
  • List of recent presentations and publications (if any).
• Letter of recommendation from the applicant's faculty advisor, supervisor or department chair (Word or PDF file no more than two pages in length). The applicant may either upload the file or send their advisor a link to directly upload it into the portal.

Judging Process

A panel of experts selected by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute will judge the applications. This panel might include members of the scientific, educational, industrial, governmental, and environmental communities.

Notification

Notification of the award and award amount will be made on or before December 16, 2022. The ACS will transfer the award via direct deposit or wire transfer after the conference takes place. To receive the reimbursement, a 1-page written report, travel expense receipts, and banking information will be required.

Sponsor

ACS International Endowment Fund

History

The ACS established the Dr. Joseph Breen Memorial Fund through the ACS International Endowment Fund in 2000. Dr. Joe Breen was the first director of the Green Chemistry Institute (prior to the Institute becoming part of the ACS) and was instrumental in establishing the green chemistry movement. This fund commemorates Dr. Joe Breen’s commitment and accomplishments for the advancement of green chemistry.

Contact Information

Questions about the Breen Memorial Fellowship should be directed to the ACS Green Chemistry Institute.

Email: gci@acs.org 
Telephone: +1 (202) 872-6102