Advocating for science, ensuring the next 150 years

Over the past 2 years, I have had the honor to serve on the American Chemical Society Board of Directors as the District VI director. In this role, I have engaged with the ACS global community, local sections, technical divisions, international chemical sciences chapters, and student chapters to work together to achieve ACS’s vision of a world built on science. One thing is evident in these interactions: Our community is passionate about the ACS commitment to improve all people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Having recently returned from Pacifichem, where we kicked off the yearlong celebration of ACS’s 150th anniversary, I cannot help but reflect on ACS’s legacy of impact within the scientific community, based in part on its advocacy programs.

ACS’s advocacy is a long-standing strategic priority—not just a reaction to current events. From its founding, the society has been a trusted, nonpartisan voice driving scientifically informed decision-making.

At our founding in 1876, ACS leaders believed that the society should “ensure a better appreciation of our science and its students on the part of the general public.” The goal of making chemistry accessible to the public paved the way for 150 years of collaboration with policymakers, teachers, and communities. A hallmark event occurred in 1937 with the signing of the ACS congressional charter by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, encouraging “the advancement of chemistry in all its branches, to promote research in chemical science and industry, and aid the development of our country’s industries, and add to the material prosperity and happiness of our people.” The federal charter honored ACS’s growing influence and affirmed that advocating for chemistry, whether in economic development, public health, or national defense, was a core responsibility of the society.

In 1965, ACS established formal channels to interface with government, including the Committee on Chemistry and Public Affairs. ACS leaders recognized that decisions in Washington, from science education to environmental regulation, needed input from the chemistry community.

ACS strengthened its commitment to ensuring science had a voice in policy discussions by establishing the ACS Public Policy Fellowship program in 1974 and the ACS Science Policy Fellowships in 1986. ACS Policy Fellows have contributed to critical legislation on issues such as sustainable chemistry, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, and public health.

Many alumni pursue impactful careers in education and public health, applying their chemistry expertise to improve lives and advance scientific understanding. A significant number also serve on Capitol Hill, in congressional offices, and within government agencies, where they leverage their training to address complex challenges facing our global community. Their work spans policy development, research, and advocacy, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of a strong foundation in chemistry.

Earlier this year, my board colleague, Carolyn Ribes, highlighted ACS’s steadfast commitment to supporting science through advocacy. She emphasized the critical importance of these efforts and shared ACS advocacy resources, our policy statements, and our recent advocacy efforts, which included over 20 letters written to engage with funding agencies, legislators, and the executive branch, and was elevated by the ACS Board’s visit to Capitol Hill. Our advocacy message encouraged sustained federal investment in R&D to foster scientific innovation; the strengthening of STEM education at every level, including the critical K-8 levels; and bolstering the STEM workforce pipeline.

Chemistry has always been about transforming matter for the benefit of humanity. While we don’t know what innovations and developments the next 150 years will bring, I am certain that ACS will continue to serve as a trusted global resource as we advocate for robust and sustained research funding and scientifically informed decision-making. Whether we are responding to requests for information on the Future of AI Regulation, endorsing legislation for safe, secure, equitable, and sustainable research, advocating for adequately funding fundamental research, or helping legislators effectively translate scientific research into public policy, ACS will continue our mission to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity for our legacy and our future. I am grateful for the past 150 years of ACS speaking up for science, and to the many voices, yours included, that will carry this important work forward.

As we embark on our 150th anniversary celebration, I invite you to partner with others to celebrate our legacy, generate new interest within our community groups, and ignite our base for the advocacy of chemists. This is a great time for members to familiarize themselves with all the amazing resources ACS offers to promote scientists and the chemistry enterprise!

The ACS community of the past and present has been influential in shaping the global chemistry enterprise. With your advocacy for science and scientists, our next 150 years are assured.