ACS International Activities: Mechanisms To Advance Member

Chapter 5

ACS International Activities: Mechanisms To Advance Member-Serving Global Engagement Downloaded by RMIT UNIV on March 17, 2016 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date (Web): September 2, 2015 | doi: 10.1021/bk-2015-1195.ch005

William F. Carroll* Occidental Chemical Corp., 5005 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy, Suite 2200, Dallas, Texas 75244-6100, U.S.A. *E-mail: [email protected].

In today’s global environment, innovation requires international collaboration, ideation, implementation, and increased value creation. As the world is becoming more globalized, ACS has also increased the development of member-serving opportunities to facilitate networking, collaboration, and innovation endeavors. ACS is unique in that its global engagement is informed and driven by an explicit constitutional provision: “The SOCIETY shall cooperate with scientists internationally and shall be concerned with the worldwide application of chemistry to the needs of humanity” (Article II, Section 3, ACS Constitution). ACS is fostering global engagement for the benefit of its members through a number of programs and activities, including alliances and partnerships, ACS International Chapters, international collaborative conferences, global outreach activities, and leadership coordination efforts to address human rights issues.

Introduction - Chemistry in the Global Context The world has changed with the increasing economic growth of many developing countries, the advent of new technologies, faster and cheaper information, increased competition, and rapidly evolving capacity. The chemistry enterprise is also changing by becoming more globalized and multidisciplinary, permitting greater mobility of people, money, products, and technology. As © 2015 American Chemical Society Cheng et al.; Jobs, Collaborations, and Women Leaders in the Global Chemistry Enterprise ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2015.

Downloaded by RMIT UNIV on March 17, 2016 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date (Web): September 2, 2015 | doi: 10.1021/bk-2015-1195.ch005

the information revolution facilitates increasing communication around the world, there are also increased opportunities for international collaboration and scientific exchange for global chemistry professionals. Thus, the global chemistry community is becoming more and more interactive. Most countries in the world have active chemical and chemical-related industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care, petroleum, polymers, and materials. As happens normally, many specialty chemical products can become commoditized in an increasingly competitive environment. To sustain growth, innovations and new products are needed for the future. Indeed, there are ongoing R&D in many companies as well as research activities in academia and government laboratories around the world. Some of the issues of interest to the chemistry community include jobs, careers, education, information management, and improved public perception of chemistry. In its Strategic Plan, ACS has four strategic goals: 1) Provide information. Be the most authoritative, comprehensive, and indispensable provider of chemistry related information. 2) Advance member careers. Empower an inclusive community of members with networks, opportunities, resources, and skills to thrive in the global economy. 3) Improve education. Foster the development of the most innovative, relevant, and effective chemistry education in the world. 4) Communicate chemistry’s value. Communicate the vital role of chemistry in addressing the world’s challenge to the public and policymakers. Note that three of the above goals (italicized) have a global scope. In addition, the ACS Constitution has an explicit global provision: “The SOCIETY shall cooperate with scientists internationally and shall be concerned with the worldwide application of chemistry to the needs of humanity" (Article II, Section 3, ACS Constitution). Thus, it is not surprising that for many years ACS has been active in international activities. Moreover, ACS has redoubled its international efforts in recent years in order to take advantage of the global trends and to better serve its members (1).

ACS International Activities Currently ACS has 25,000 members in over 100 countries, with approximately 200 programs having an international component, and 4,500 yearly international attendees to ACS meetings. ACS has also cosponsored seven Pacifichem Congresses since 1984. ACS Publications have a heavy international presence, with 67% of articles written by international researchers and 4,700 worldwide organizational Chemical and Engineering News (C&EN) subscribers. Furthermore, over 50% of the content in the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) is from international origins. 60 Cheng et al.; Jobs, Collaborations, and Women Leaders in the Global Chemistry Enterprise ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2015.


ACS currently has five strategic alliances worldwide (Figure 1). These include the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS), the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS), the South African Chemical Institute (SACI), and the Federacion Latinoamericana de Asociones Quimicas (FLAQ) (2).

Figure 1. Regions of the world covered by ACS global strategic alliances (highlighted in blue). (Courtesy of the American Chemical Society.)

In addition, the ACS has cooperated and worked with many other international chemistry organizations, such as the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS), and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). More generally, where there is mutual interest ACS looks forward to partner with scientific societies; regional, global, and intergovernmental organizations; nongovernmental organizations; and industrial associations. International alliances and partnerships support the ACS Strategic Plan by engaging members and scientific professionals to advance the Society’s mission and address many challenges facing the world, such as improved publicity for chemistry, support for chemistry education, and discussions involving clean water, air, energy, and food. Alliances are typically set up for three-year periods and are usually renewable if there is mutual interest. The ACS Board of Directors reviews the progress and performance of the Alliances on a quarterly basis and in regular meetings with the partners’ leadership. In addition, individual units within ACS (e.g., committees, technical divisions, and local sections) may enter into alliances with international organizations. Areas of interest may include opportunities to generate and exchange information; create place-based or virtual scientific and educational networks; collaborate on projects involving global challenges; coordinate outreach activities; and advocate for an improved public image of chemistry. 61 Cheng et al.; Jobs, Collaborations, and Women Leaders in the Global Chemistry Enterprise ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2015.


ACS International Chapters ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapters are strategic resources which support ACS global engagements and its members (3). ACS currently has international chapters in Hungary and Romania in Europe; Saudi Arabia in the Middle East; Hong Kong, Shanghai, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea in the Asia Pacific, and South Africa (Figure 2). For the ACS members in these locations, the International Chapters provide a means for them to socialize, exchange information, advance their careers, and gain recognition for their work. For ACS, the International Chapters are useful in gathering and catalyzing interactions among ACS members in various parts of the world. They provide member value and a forum for member engagement through local networking and collaboration. They serve as sources for ACS local ambassadors in promoting the Society’s good will, activities, products and services. They provide a valuable link to connect ACS with its members in critical regions of the world and help those regions in their interactions within the global chemical enterprise. Overall, their role is to improve ACS’s communication on global and grassroots levels, and collaborate with local chemical communities (or national chemical societies) on issues of mutual interest.

Figure 2. ACS International Chapter locations and dates of inception. (Courtesy of the American Chemical Society.)

ACS Bylaws permit the establishment of International Chapters, provided they meet the appropriate criteria. The proposed chapter needs to define its territory (normally not smaller than a state, province, or similar geographical unit). At least 25 ACS members living in the territory must sign the “Application 62 Cheng et al.; Jobs, Collaborations, and Women Leaders in the Global Chemistry Enterprise ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2015.

for Chapter Status.” Interim officers and a point of contact must be specified on the chapter application. Detailed plans for chapter activities, including a tentative schedule with activity locations, and a first-year budget, must also be specified on the application. In addition, while not required, all proposed chapters are encouraged to gain the approval of the relevant national chemical society before submitting. In addition to their previously defined roles, each chapter is responsible for submitting an annual report to the Office of International Activities.


International Collaborative Conferences The international collaborative conferences represent an area of productive partnership between ACS and other international societies. Several examples may be mentioned here.

Asia America Chemical Symposium (A2CS) This is a collaboration between ACS and Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS). It started in 2011 and is ongoing on an annual basis. More detailed information can be obtained from the chapter written by Dr. Andy Hor.

Chemical Sciences and Society Summit (CS3) This annual event brings together some of the most accomplished chemists and chemical engineers from around the globe and challenges them to propose meaningful approaches to solving society’s most pressing needs. A theme is adopted every year, such as health, food, energy, materials, and the environment. The CS3 initiative is a collaboration between the ACS, the Chemical Society of Japan, the Chinese Chemical Society, the German Chemical Society, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. The symposia are supported by the German Research Foundation, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the National Science Foundation of China, the U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and the U.S. National Science Foundation.

ACS Global Innovation Imperatives (Gii) This is an ACS program that was originally started and implemented in collaboration with the U.K.-based Society of Chemical Industry. Now administered exclusively by the ACS, the Gii program fosters creative solutions to imperative global issues (e.g., clean water, food, and health). Gii’s goal is to promote action among ACS members, which include innovation leaders, multinational businesses and business executives, leaders in academia, government, and non-government organizations. For example, in December 2014 a Gii meeting was held in Singapore as a collaboration between ACS and Singapore National Institute of Chemistry, with the theme of “Water Innovation Treatment & Solutions 2014.” 63 Cheng et al.; Jobs, Collaborations, and Women Leaders in the Global Chemistry Enterprise ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2015.

Global Outreach and Educational Activities ACS is also involved with a number of outreach and educational activities in different parts of the world. For example, ACS is working with Pittcon to send early-career scientists to attend the Pittcon meeting; this program is described in detail in the chapter written by Richard Danchik. Two worthwhile programs are the ACS International CenterTM and International Research Experience for Undergraduates (IREU), both of which are separately described by Brad Miller in his chapter. Two other successful programs are described below.


BOOST Program With $198K in support from the U.S. Department of State, in February 2013 ACS International Activities conducted eight in-country, soft-skill workshops for young scientists, engineers, and technologists in Indonesia and Malaysia as part of the Building Opportunity Out of Science and Technology (BOOST) program. Over 700 young Malaysian and Indonesian Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) scientists participated in these workshops. Participants were invited to apply for travel awards to attend a subsequent Trainer Leadership Institute in August 2013 in Thailand. ACS representatives worked with these individuals to tailor the workshops to their own local contexts, thereby ensuring that Malaysian and Indonesian citizens can continue these workshops for young STEM talent even after the conclusion of ACS visits. Most of the 32 trainers have now completed their training events throughout Indonesia and Malaysia.

Festival de Quimica Under the ACS Festival de Quimica program, 11 educational outreach events were organized in Colombia, Chile, and Puerto Rico in 2013 to encourage and engage middle and high school students and other enthusiasts in chemistry through activities geared toward the impact of chemistry in their local communities. The events drew nearly 800 students volunteering and performing chemistry activities in their local communities and more than 14,000 participants overall. In 2014, ACS organized 2 festivals, one during the Chinese Chemical Society meeting in Beijing in August 4-7 and the other during the Congreso Latinoamericano de Química in Lima, Peru in October 14-17. For the festival in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai International Chapters sent representatives to the training so they could organize additional festivals at the Hong Kong and Shanghai locations having the Chapters leading the effort. During the festival in Lima, Peru, for the first time one organizer from Colombia, Ms. Carolina Lizarazo Castillo, helped to lead the volunteer training. In addition, local organizers from Puerto Rico, Chile and Colombia continued to host trainings and Festivals during 2014.

64 Cheng et al.; Jobs, Collaborations, and Women Leaders in the Global Chemistry Enterprise ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2015.

Science and Human Rights


The ACS has a history of coordinating leadership and working internationally on cases where the rights and welfare of professionally engaged chemists, chemical engineers and chemically related practitioners are threatened. These efforts are informed by protections afforded by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and directed towards human rights, scientific mobility abridgments and issues where ACS is uniquely positioned and qualified to impact cases in a meaningful way (4). ACS also offers quarterly webinars on science and human rights. This issue is also featured regularly in the on-line ACS International News (5).

References 1. 2. 3.

4.

5.

ACS International Activities Home Page; www.acs.org/international (accessed January 27, 2015). ACS Global Strategic Alliances Home Page; www.acs.org/content/acs/en/ global/international/alliances.html (accessed January 27, 2015). ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapters Home Page; www.acs.org/ content/acs/en/global/international/chapters.html (accessed January 27, 2015). ACS Science & Human Rights Home Page; www.acs.org/content/acs/en/ global/international/science-and-human-rights.html (accessed January 27, 2015). ACS International News Home Page; www.acs.org/content/acs/en/global/ international/intlnews.html (accessed January 27, 2015).

65 Cheng et al.; Jobs, Collaborations, and Women Leaders in the Global Chemistry Enterprise ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2015.

ACS International Activities: Mechanisms To Advance Member

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