Energizing Global Thinking as a Dimension of ACS Diversity

Chapter 20

Energizing Global Thinking as a Dimension of ACS Diversity/Inclusion Efforts Downloaded by UNIV OF FLORIDA on January 5, 2018 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date (Web): October 26, 2017 | doi: 10.1021/bk-2017-1256.ch020

Ellene Tratras Contis,1,* Ricardo McKlmon,2 and Bradley D. Miller2 1Department

of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, 501R Science Complex, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States 2American Chemical Society, Office of International Activities, Washington, DC 20036, United States *E-mail: [email protected]

Many of the key issues facing the future of our planet are global in nature and are intrinsically interconnected, for example, climate change, food shortages, and safe and reliable drinking water. International collaboration and networking provide a useful mechanism to tackle, and potentially overcome, some of these challenges. By their nature, international collaborations encourage and promote diversity and inclusion. Research suggests that diverse groups are much more innovative in solving complex problems than their homogeneous counterparts. This may be due, in part, to the unique local perspective and information that groups with different backgrounds bring to the table. This article will provide examples of how the American Chemical Society (ACS) is addressing global thinking through its International Chemical Science Chapters.

Introduction As my father used to say in Greek, “Η δουλειές σου όμορφες”, “Whatever you do, do it well”, and that is just what the American Chemical Society does in terms of global inclusion. The American Chemical Society provides its leadership and volunteers a vital lens through which to contemplate the role of chemistry on the global scientific stage - “The SOCIETY shall cooperate with

© 2017 American Chemical Society Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.

Downloaded by UNIV OF FLORIDA on January 5, 2018 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date (Web): October 26, 2017 | doi: 10.1021/bk-2017-1256.ch020

scientists internationally and shall be concerned with the worldwide application of chemistry to the needs of humanity” (1). This constitutional vision for ACS catalyzes global thinking, and is a critical aspect for ACS to become a more diverse and inclusive professional society. As we heighten awareness of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, national and regional differences and congruities on a global scale, we create opportunities to better understand and contribute to chemistry communities within our own countries. Today there are shifts in the nature of the conduct of science and engineering. Chemists, chemical engineers, and chemistry educators are increasing the dispersion of chemistry knowledge around the world. Therefore ACS local sections, technical divisions, committees, members and staff are in a unique position to help the organization be more globally diverse and inclusive of chemistry communities and individual professionals worldwide. ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapters (ICSC), like ACS Local Sections in the US, represent a strategic resource supporting the growth and development of diverse scientific networks and collaborations around the world. They provide a means to • • • • • •

Gather and catalyze ACS members around the world Serve as a forum for member networking and collaboration Serve as local ambassadors of the Society’s activities, products and services Link domestic ACS members to scientific communities around the world Provide the ACS with a voice on the global stage Provide a space for diverse thought and different points of view as ACS contemplates growth and activity overseas.

It should go both ways. ACS needs to explore opportunities to identify and to help our ICSCs integrate with ACS member communities. These ACS efforts include making our ICSCs feel welcomed. It is also important to provide our overseas members with equitable, relevant and value-added offerings, services, support structures, recognition and policies. The ACS International Activities Committee (IAC) convened a taskforce to examine how ACS can become a more diverse and inclusive professional society through our ICSCs. In addition in 2013 and 2015, IAC held summits of international chapter leaders to catalyze and to act upon strategic development opportunities. Both the taskforce and the summits decided on two key recommendations. The first of these recommendations was to provide start-up and programmatic support to our ICSCs. The second recommendation was to build the capacity of ACS to deliver value to members with international interests – wherever they practice their science. What can ACS local sections, technical divisions, committees, members and staff do to better understand their own global interests, priorities and capacities for 2016 and beyond? How can we better include, serve and recognize overseas ACS members and chapters, respectively? What are the factors that accelerate and/or hinder fulfillment of those aspirations? In the process, how can we become a more diverse and inclusive professional society? 216 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.


Diversity, Inclusion and Community: An International Perspective Many of the key issues facing the future of our planet are global in nature and are intrinsically interconnected, for example: climate change, food shortages, and safe and reliable drinking water. International collaboration and networking provide a useful mechanism to tackle, and potentially overcome, some of these challenges. By their nature, international collaborations encourage and promote diversity and inclusion. Research (2) suggests that diverse groups are much more innovative in solving complex problems than their homogeneous counterparts. This may be due, in part, to the unique local perspective and information that groups with different backgrounds bring. Diversity and inclusion is not only the right and conscionable thing to do, it also has positive bottom-line implications. Of the leaders involved in Price Waterhouse Coopers 18th Annual Global CEO survey (2) whose companies implemented diversity or inclusiveness programs, 85% of them reported improved profitability and performance. The ACS vision and constitution embodies a global approach to science and community and, by extension, provides the framework for an inclusive environment for its members. The IAC 2016 Chair, Ellene Tratras Contis, noted in her Chemical & Engineering News Comment (3) (Aug 1st 2016), “I would offer that global thinking is a critical aspect for ACS to become a more diverse and inclusive professional society. As we heighten awareness of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, national and regional differences and congruities on a global scale, we create opportunities to better understand and contribute to chemistry communities within our own countries.” As a first step, we as an organization need to agree on and embrace a global definition of diversity and inclusion as well as develop organizational structures to do more on a global scale to foster connections and networks among our member scientists, engineers, and educators worldwide and recognize scientific excellence around the world. IAC is charged with the development and nurturing of international member communities around the world. These communities, known as the ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapters or simply as ACS International Chapters, are a great avenue through which the society encourages diversity, inclusion and community. The ACS International Chapters are formed by members outside of the USA to engage and advance the chemistry enterprise, and science in general, around the world. While each Chapter is recognized as an official ACS body in a specific geography, it is an independent entity operating under the regulations and laws of that specific geography. Chapters are the key to advancing the global chemistry enterprise by utilizing the convening power of ACS programs and activities, including access to global experts. The first ACS Chapter was officially established in Saudi Arabia on April 1, 1993. To date, there are 16 International Chapters representing countries and territories around the world including: Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Shanghai, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. 217 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.

There are continuing efforts underway by ACS members to establish additional international chapters around the world. Each of these is at a varying stage of readiness for ICSC application and approval. The increased interest and participation of members in forming an international chapter confirms the need for ACS to have a strategic approach and vision for the full engagement and inclusion of these communities of members. The Society benefits tremendously from the diversity that the International membership community and other groups bring. Chapters also accrue significant value from the association. Among the benefits are:


•

Supporting and shaping of the global agenda of the society International Chapters represent a strategic resource that supports the growth and development of scientific networks around the world. They also serve as an avenue through which ACS activities, products and services can be leveraged to provide a valuable link for scientists to better understand and work within the global chemistry enterprise.

•

Forum for inter- and intra-geography community collaboration and exchange Chapters gather and catalyze interactions among scientists in a particular geographic region and those in various other parts of the world. They provide an avenue for and access to ACS 157,000 members for the exploration of international scientific cooperation and collaboration.

•

Member engagement and support Chapters serve as the “local sections” in a particular country or region. Each International Chapter is recognized as an official ACS member community within the country or region and as a key to advancing the global chemistry enterprise. They facilitate local members’ networking and collaboration. In so doing, they assist in building the value for ACS membership, providing leadership development opportunities for members and providing access to the global chemical expertise.

Criteria for Establishing an International Chapter and Application Process 1.

2.

All proposed chapters are encouraged to gain the approval of the relevant national chemical society and chemistry-related professional / learned societies and industry within the country, although it is not required to apply for establishment. ACS is committed to cooperating with its sister chemical societies in other nations on matters of membership and scientific collaboration. The proposed Chapter must have a defined territory, normally not smaller than a state, province or similar geographical unit. The Chapter shall not 218

Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.

3.


4.

overlap with the territory of another Chapter or of a Local Section of the ACS. At least 25 members of the Society with mailing addresses within the defined territory must sign the application for Chapter status. These persons will be considered charter members of the Chapter if it is authorized. The application must also have: a) A formal letter of application to the CEO of the ACS b) Interim officers and a contact person c) The activities planned for the Chapter including a tentative firstyear schedule d) The location(s) at which the activities would take place e) A draft first year budget including expected sources of income and estimated expenses f) A timeline for developing a statement of the chapter’s mission and strategic plan g) Charter bylaws

5. 6.

7.

8.

The Application must include a statement that the Chapter will keep all of its activities open to all members of the Society. The Application must include a statement that the signatories are familiar with the current governing documents (Constitution, By-Laws, etc.) of the Society and will abide by them, including, but not limited to, the By-Law IX on International Chemical Sciences Chapters. This shall include awareness of the limitation on political activity or lobbying and agreement that the name and logo of the Society shall not be used improperly. Chapter applications are reviewed and recommended for approval by the ACS International Activities Committee (its relevant regional subcommittee and the full committee), the ACS Council, and the ACS Board of Directors provides formal approval. The application can take up to one year to formalize from the date of application submission. Chapters do not receive direct allocations of funding from the Society but they are eligible to apply for selected grants and awards.

Key Elements of Successful International Chapter Development 1. A strong champion Every efficient machine needs an engine to drive its parts. The chapter will benefit from the impetus of a leader to guide its preparatory work, keep membership informed and organized and – perhaps most important of all – to fuel their enthusiasm for the importance of developing and maintaining the chapter in a particular geography. 219 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.

Key traits of a chapter champion: •


• • • • • • • •

Good knowledge of the ACS and International Chemical Sciences Chapters Influencer in his/her field and geography Vitality and energy to ignite their Chapter Great people skills Dependability Time to dedicate to the tasks of logistics coordination and membership growth Good planning skills Communication skills to clarify what must be done and how Optimism and faith in the value of the Chapter and its work

2. Critical mass of members This varies according to the size of the geography, enthusiasm of the members and willingness to commit time and energy to the chapter. Realistically, the number may be between 50 members for a small geographic area or more than 75 for larger areas. In cases where the membership is less than the desired critical mass, the chapter champion may make a plan to work with the ACS to recruit the minimum number of members necessary for the chapter formation.

3. Potential for growth The targeted geography must possess a strong chemical enterprise and economy supporting strong earnings for chemists and related scientists. A strong, active chapter depends on continuing volunteers to launch new activities, and a healthy influx of new members to keep the programs, meetings, services, publications and other activities of the chapter operating at the highest possible level. Volunteers from the existing group will become exhausted without new members to assist them and take on the work they have begun. For a Chapter to achieve long-term success, reach its goals and do a better job of representing the chemistry profession in various venues, it must continue to attract and engage new members.

International Chapters as Agents of Inclusion and Community Since the beginning of the 21st century, global spending on research and development (R&D) has nearly doubled, publications have grown by a third and the number of researchers continues to rise. North America, Japan, Europe, Australia and Asia have all witnessed growth, each increasing spending by around one-third between 2002 and 2007. In the same period, ‘developing countries’, including the emerging economies of China, India and Brazil, more than doubled 220 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.


their expenditure on R&D, increasing their contribution to world R&D spending by 7%, from 17% to 24% (4). In light of increased participation and spending in these markets, geographic inclusion is extremely beneficial. There is a shared interest for global collaboration and inclusion across the ACS. In particular, the ACS Technical Divisions, comprising an average of almost 20% international members (data as at the end of 2015), are the major forces and channels to foster the objectives specified in ACS’s global vision. The technical divisions can increase their engagement in international collaborations, such as joint meetings, joint projects, use of international facilities and resources, and recruitment of international talent. In this way, as ACS technical division members, we can enrich the science that underlies divisional activities and stimulate the interest of international scientists within ACS divisions. We can also facilitate recruitment of international scientists to be divisional members. Furthermore, we can engage ACS International Chapters and encourage the chapter members and their colleagues to become active in ACS divisions. ACS has made some progress. Given below are some of the suggested or implemented practices by divisions: a)

Establish an international committee within each division. Examples are POLY and CHED. b) Create a Speaker Bureau of division (and international) experts and make the list available to all divisions. c) Build relationships with international students in the U.S. and maintaining the relationship after students return home, and recruit them as Division members and, where appropriate, International Chapter members. d) Forge a formal alliance with appropriate international organizations (designated as an “Affiliated Technical Organization”) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement. The RUBBER Division has three MOU’s with three Affiliated Technical Organizations in India, Brazil, and Canada. e) Co-program with major international societies. AGRO co-programmed the 13th IUPAC Congress on Pesticide Chemistry at the 248th ACS National Meeting & Exposition on August 10 – 14, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. MEDI and IUPAC co-sponsored the Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery and Development India 2015 on February 8-12, 2015 in Chennai, India. PMSE regularly holds collaborative symposia with the Polymer Division of the Chinese Chemical Society. f) Establish International Student Chapters. AGFD has chartered two international student chapters, one with the Technical University of Munich in Germany and another with the University of Modena & Reggio Emilia in Italy. g) Partner with ACS International Chapters to organize joint conferences or symposia. For example, AGFD and the International Chemical Sciences in Thailand jointly held the First International Symposium on Agricultural and Food Chemistry in Bangkok on March 4-5, 2014. ORG organized a conference with the International Chemical Sciences 221 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.


in South Africa (through the South African Chemical Institute) in Stellenbosch, South Africa in December 2014. h) Participate in short courses and seminars organized by a host organization in a foreign country. For example, MEDI contributed speakers to the Short Course in Medicinal Chemistry at the University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January 26-30, 2015. Another example is a seminar series in at a University in Brazil where AGRO members are invited as speakers/ lecturers. i) Establish awards geared towards international members. j) Utilize ACS resources to identify potential partners for joint activities, sponsorship, and award mechanisms. k) Make special efforts to recruit international members. Currently, several Divisions have a high percentage of international members.

Global Perspectives from International Chapter Leaders In this section, International Chapter leaders share their experience and personal opinions on the subject of Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Hongyu Chen (Figure 1), a Dow fellow, is the leading scientist in Dow Asia Pacific. Dr. Chen leads several major projects to support various Dow businesses. Hongyu has more than 60 granted international patents or patent applications and has authored more than 60 articles in scientific publications. He has served as an adjunct professor at Fudan University, the University of Queensland and Beijing University of Chemical Technology and has won numerous internal and external awards including Best Paper Award from Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), International Science and Technology Cooperation Award from Shanghai Municipal Government, Dow Asia Pacific Innovation Award and Dow Asia Pacific Core R&D Innovation Golden Award. In 2013, Hongyu was been elected as the Fellow of American Physical Society (APS) for pioneering polymer physics.

Figure 1. Dr. Hongyu Chen, 2016 Chair, Shanghai Chapter (5)

He noted that Dow has made tremendous efforts on building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive culture and strives to be the "Employer of Choice" in strategic markets where they recruit talent. They made significant progress on ensuring that women, minorities, and people with disabilities are represented at leadership 222 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.


levels. Dow has created a workplace characterized by respect and where people value diverse perspectives. Hongyu is the beneficiary of ‘diversity at work’ at Dow. He was promoted to Dow fellow position in 2010, the youngest fellow in Dow at that time. In his opinion, there is a very low female-to-male ratio of scientists in the chemical industry. Female scientist and scientist from ethnic minority groups are big contributors to the growth of the science and technology. Every effort should be made to encourage more female scientists to stay on the technical track. ACS is expanding its international presence by establishing more chapters. ACS is also attracting more international researchers to join ACS by reducing their membership fees. All these activities will help ACS to build more inclusive culture. The Shanghai chapter has several female members and members from a few different countries in the leadership team. These members are very active in supporting activities of the chapter. Looking to the future, the Shanghai Chapter will encourage more participation of minority groups in awards and will make sure that they are fairly evaluated and judged. The chapter will continue to promote minorities and non-Chinese members in its activities in an effort to enhance their participation and contribution. Professor Raluca van Staden (Figure 2) is a Senior Researcher and Head of the Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB Bucharest, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, Romania and Professor at the University Politehnica, Bucharest, Romania. She is the author and co-author of more than 235 articles in ISI journals (some of them highlighted on journals’ covers) especially in the fields of electrochemical sensors, process technology and flow systems. She has also authored and contributed to, three books: “Quality and reliability in analytical chemistry” (CRC Press), “Electrochemical Sensors in Bioanalysis” (Marcel Dekker, Inc.) and “Laboratory Auditing for Quality and Regulatory Compliance” (Taylor and Francis) as well as of numerous chapters for other books. She serves on the Editorial Boards of numerous journals and holds an h-index of 26 with more than 2500 citations. Raluca has been awarded with more than 40 national and international awards.

Figure 2. Prof. Dr. Raluca Stefan-van Staden, Charter Chair Romania Chapter (5) Raluca is of the opinion that science is not dedicated to just the place where it is being done and is not connected with gender or race. It is something that anyone can make a contribution to regardless of demographics or social situation. 223 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.


Science should be shared and it should be directly communicated to the public at large in the way they understand it, and the medium that is accessible. Diversity and inclusion are very important for globalization. The chapter has embraced this and has built partnerships with the Romanian scientific community including, the Romanian Society of Chemistry, University Politehnica of Bucharest (ACS on Campus event) and with the Romanian Academy – for very special workshops and lectures. All these partnerships assist with the visibility of the ACS and help with attracting new members. Prof. Jason Chruma (Figure 3) is an American chemistry professor at a major Chinese university. He was trained in the U.S. and taught at a U.S. institution for seven years before moving to China. He has been involved with ACS since he was an undergraduate student, serving on the board for the student chapter of his university. Prof. Chruma is the champion for the formation and development of the ACS South Western China Chapter.

Figure 3. Prof. Jason Chruma, Interim Director South Western China Chapter (5)

During his training in the U.S., he participated in many discussions about how to increase both gender and ethnic diversity in Chemistry, particularly Organic Chemistry. In his opinion, the efforts to generate better female representation within academia have been the most successful and it has been a huge benefit to Chemistry overall. He also opined that a diverse workforce results in opening new doors for research collaborations that would not have happened otherwise. Continued growth in diversity and inclusion should generate many more of these collaborative achievements. According to Jason, the South Western China Chapter is still in the early stages, but has already had a positive impact on inclusion for ACS members in southwestern China. It has served to unite chemists and chemical engineers with a diversity of research expertise who might not have ever met and interacted otherwise. Before starting the chapter, professor Chruma thought that he was the only active ACS member at his university but pulling the chapter application together proved differently. Moreover, as the application process continued, he has met with chemists in the region with a broad range of research interests, who are united in purpose to improve the public opinion of Chemistry and grow a thriving international community of Chemistry experts. The chapter activities and collaboration with other ACS chapters and members serve to foster a truly global community. The ACS can play a key role in continuing 224 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.

to encourage and support international chapters such as the South Western China Chapter.


Looking Ahead Despite the progress made, the road ahead is a long one. While the focus of this article has been on geographic inclusion, equally as important are the other categories of diversity, which include demographic, organizational and socio-cognitive. The Study on Global Diversity and Inclusion (6) presents informative findings on perceptions, practices and attitudes on global thinking and gives a solid framework from which to move forward and look ahead. That study informs the following framework for advancing diversity within ACS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Understand the current reality and the facts Create a strategy and plan, which includes input from across the organization and diversity groups Share the plan and celebrate successes Educate the organization at every level and make staff training mandatory Regularly update and measure impact Create a culture of support and mentorship

Note Parts of this chapter were previously published in reference 3.

Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the staff members of the ACS Office of International Activities for their research in gathering the information and presenting it for this chapter.

References 1. 2.

3. 4.

Article II, Section 3, American Chemical Society Constitution. Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), 18th Annual Global CEO Survey. www. pwc.com/gx/en/ceo-agenda/ceosurvey/2015.html (accessed September 1, 2016). Contis, E. T. Chem. Eng. News 2016, 94 (31), 34. UNESCO Science Report 2010 proposes a world tour of the status of science. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/science-technology/ prospective-studies/unesco-science-report/unesco-science-report-2010/ (accessed on September 1, 2016). 225

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5.


6.

All photographs of chapter leaders were supplied by them with their permission. Global Diversity and Inclusion: Perceptions, Practices and Attitudes, a Study for the Society for Human Resource Management; Society for Human Resource Management: 2008; ISBN: 978-1-586-44163-0.

226 Nelson and Cheng; Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2017.

Energizing Global Thinking as a Dimension of ACS Diversity

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