International Engagement and Presence
The American Chemical Society is a global organization with a sizable percentage of its members living outside the United States. As a membership organization, we see our global presence in terms of helping all members achieve their goals in a global workforce and environment. In association with the Office of International Activities (OIA) is the indispensable resource that advises and helps the ACS, the chemistry community, and individual chemists to advance globally.
The ACS International Center had a very successful first year, attracting over 24,000 unique visitors and featuring opportunities in over 16 countries. The Center is web-based, featuring a host of curated online resources, professional content and funding opportunities from across the globe for internationally-minded chemists. The ACS IC achieved permanent reauthorization in 2013. The ACS IC contains significant content from many global stakeholders and now has 24 affiliate international funding organizations. These global networks enable ACS members and other scientists to keep apprised of international trends and information through a variety of social, physical and virtual channels—including monthly webinars and funding opportunities for educational exchange.
Two new alliances with sister chemical societies were formed and one was renewed. Memoranda of understanding were signed with the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) and the Latin American Federation of Chemical Associations (FLAQ). The alliance with the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS) was renewed. ACS also welcomed a new international chapter in Romania, bringing the total number of ACS International Chapters to six.
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 STEM scientists participated in the coursework. Participants were invited to apply for a travel award to attend a subsequent Trainer Leadership Institute in August in Thailand, which worked with these individuals to tailor the courses to their own local contexts, thereby ensuring that Malaysian and Indonesian citizens can continue workshops for young STEM talents even after ACS’ visits conclude. The 32 trainers are presently conducting training events throughout both countries.
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.
The China value and engagement plan was developed and began implementation to expand ACS presence and the engagement of members and prospective members in China. The plan aspires to extend relevant ACS programs in China, and is informed by recent visits with multiple stakeholders in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing —including the Chinese Chemical Society.
The first ever summit of all six ACS international chapters (Shanghai, Saudi Arabia, Romania, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Hungary) took place at the ACS Meeting in Indianapolis to inform leaders of key ACS services, elicit their ideas on expanding the Society’s global engagement and to help them develop strategic plans and reporting tools.