Our ACS community—and you—shaping the future of science

As the American Chemical Society marks its 150th year, I find myself reflecting on a legacy built through the dedication and service of generations of leaders. This milestone invites us to honor the long arc of progress that has shaped ACS and to renew our shared commitment to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry.ACS leadership at every level has always been fundamental to our success. This may make you think of award-winning scientists and presidential leaders from our past, like those highlighted in the first issue of C&EN this year. Yet it doesn’t stop there. I would call your attention to the thousands of community members who lead our society every day. From local sections to divisions, from governance committees to international chemical sciences chapters, ACS thrives because of committed volunteers who lead with purpose. Your commitment strengthens the society and ensures we continue to serve the ever-evolving global chemistry enterprise and adapt to dynamic global demands.This leadership ecosystem also depends on the next generation, and ACS is deeply committed to supporting undergraduate and graduate students as emerging scientists and leaders. Whether through the ACS Leadership Institute, student programming, professional development opportunities, scholarships, or the mentorship that connects students with professionals across the society, ACS continually invests in equipping early-career chemists with the skills, networks, and confidence needed to shape the future. Building on this foundation, the newly established Catalyst Scholarship, launched in 2025, provides $10,000 in renewable funding and is designed to both expand financial support