For more than 135 years, ACS has been chemistry’s “hometown”: the central gathering point for chemical professionals around the world to meet, share information, and find tools and guidance that enable them to become stronger and more marketable scientists.

Over the years, our focus has shifted as our members’ needs have evolved. In the current, fluctuating economic climate, we are committed to supporting career and leadership training, bolstering international collaboration, enhancing chemistry education (particularly among underrepresented populations), and promoting communication to the general public in order to “put a human face on chemistry.”

We made significant strides in each of these areas – all of which were emphasized during IYC 2011 – and were priorities this year during Nancy Jackson’s ACS presidency. We believe these efforts on behalf of our more than 164,000 members at year-end 2011 will yield tremendous benefits for them in the years ahead.

As we end 2011 and this once-in-a-lifetime global celebration of chemistry, we look forward to continuing to share the transforming power of chemistry with others.

Nancy B. Jackson, President
Bonnie A. Charpentier, Chair, Board of Directors
Madeleine Jacobs, Executive Director & CEO