How ACS will support the next generation of scientists

The landscape of careers in the chemical sciences is at an inflection point. Emerging fields in chemistry are being driven by discoveries, innovations, and technological breakthroughs that are rapidly redefining sectors. At the same time, the chemical sciences are facing some headwinds. As the American Chemical Society works to support the development of future scientists and leaders in the chemistry enterprise, some students in the US face an uncertain academic future because of reductions in federal funding for universities and research. I am pleased to announce that to support students in pursuit of degrees in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields, ACS is launching a new undergraduate scholarship program to build a robust pathway of future leaders in the chemical sciences. The new scholarship program will deepen our partnerships and increase financial investment in scholarships, allowing ACS to empower students and further promote an inclusive chemistry enterprise. Applications for the new scholarship program will open later this year for the 2026–27 academic year. We are scaling up resources to support the new scholarship program in alignment with our goals, as outlined in our new strategic plan, which ACS introduced Jan. 1. Our desire over the next 10 years is to significantly increase our impact by supporting up to three times as many students as we have in the past decade. Details will be shared on ACS’s website over the next 6 months, including new application guidelines and professional development and partnership announcements. I am proud of the talented ACS team