Staying safe during stressful times

Times are difficult for scientists in the US. From undergraduate students to experienced professional scientists, many of us are facing uncertain futures because of recent cuts to government funding. On top of this, the very pillars that make science work—things such as academic freedom and access to international talent—are being curtailed. Even the validity of the scientific process is being challenged, especially in the areas of climate science and medicine.Thankfully, the American Chemical Society is responding to these challenges in a number of important ways: An expanded advocacy campaign is focused on reminding lawmakers of the critical importance of maintaining our country’s leadership position in science, engineering, and technology. At ACS Fall 2025, ACS announced its commitment of $2.5 million to support graduate students who were at risk of not finishing their degrees as a result of funding cuts. And additional ACS programs to assist members have been highlighted in recent C&EN articles, like those by Michael Adams, Katherine Lee, and John Gavenonis.During these times, I am especially concerned about how the many worries and distractions will impact the well-being of the people in our science community. Many of us work in safety-sensitive jobs where even a brief lapse in attention to safety can result in serious injuries or fatalities. From my 30-year career in industry, I know firsthand how stressful times can lead to an increase in safety incidents.To protect yourself and those around you during times of high stress, it’s essential to stay focused and keep safety top