The Merck Fellowship in Analytical Chemistry Board of Directors of the AMERICAS CHEVICA4L SOCIETY a t its September meeting accepted a proposal that the Society administer a graduate fellowship in analytical chemistry, financed by Aferck Br. Co., Inc. The action of Merck 8: Co., Inc., and the Roard of Directors of the Society opens a new field of service to the chemical profession by the Society, the forerunner, we hope, of many similar proposals. For the first time in the history of the Society, it has undertaken to administer fellowships financed by industrial concerns. It has, of course, financed a number of predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships from its on-n funds, and for years has administered a number of medals and awards provided by industry. In March 1947, we proposed in AN~LYTICAL CHEMt s T m a four-point program for improving the profession of analytical chemistry. One of the suggestions was the establishment of a number of postgraduate fellowships. Again, in the April 1943 issue, we stressed the urgent need for support of analytical chemistry by industry, pointing out that industry is finding it increasingly more difficult to obtain personnel capable of initiating, directing, and interpreting research in analytical chemistry, including physicochemical and purely physical methods. Turning from a specific recommendation for the profession of analytical chemistry to the broad problem of assisting brilliant graduates in all fields of chemistry and chemical engineering, we stated in the August 9, 1948, issue of Chemical and Engineering N e w s : Today hundreds of scholarships and fellowships are provided for through funds made available by corporations, both large and small. In this regard the record of the chemical industry and industries allied to it is an outstanding one. But much more must be done before we can say truthfully that what is being accomplished is a corrective measure and will offset the efforts of those who would make higher education in the country the full responsibility of the Federal Government.
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sostrings are attached to the ~~~~k proposal, The fellowship, to be known as the Merck Graduate Fellowship in Analytical Chemistry, Tvillcarry $2500 for one graduate TvOrk, ~h~ company has agreed to maintain the fello~yshipfor at least three successive years, A fellow shall be eligible to have his felloTvship renewed twice, but no person shall hold the fellowship for longer than a total of three years. 885
Each applicant or nominee must establish to the satisfaction of the A.C.S. award committee that he is acceptable for graduate work in analytical chemistry at a specified, A.C.S.-approved institution in the United States or Canada and a proposed research and study outline must be submitted to the award committee. The A.C.S. an-ard committee will award the fellowship to that nominee whom it judges likely to contribute most to the advancement of the theory and practice of the science of analytical chemistry, not merely during the tenure of the fellowship but in his future career. The award committee will decide on the manner of payment of the fellowship money, and on \\lint. if any reports are to be required of the fellow. The committees of the Society which administered the predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships financed by the Society’s Educational Fund set a very high standard of performance. We have heard nothing but praise for the manner in which these committees carried on the admittedly difficult task of selecting applicants. The experience in administering the ACS fellowship program should make it relatively simple to develop procedures based on the previous methods of operation. Our heartiest congratulations and deep-felt thanks to the directors of Merck & Co., Inc., to George PtIerck who took a very personal interest in the proposal, and to Randolph T. Major and Beverly L. Clarke for active interest and support in bringing the company and the Society together on the fellowship plan. The action of Jlerck & Co., Inc., should stimulate other industrial firms to do likewise. Here is a very practical way of demonstrating that private enterprise in the chemical field has a deep and lasting interest in the progress of the chemical profession. Here is an opportunity for industry to assist the youth of America to gain professional training in one of the most challenging professions, as well as to help provide the scientific manpower which it will surely need if the present rate of progress is to be maintained and accelerated as it be in the future* Many members of the AMERICINCHEMICAL SOCIETY are in a position to influence management to offer fellowships similar to the one just presented by Merck & Co., Inc. If someone Jvill but take the initiative, favorable (Reprinted from Chemical and Engineering News”
