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 and increase the number of undergraduate scholars benefiting from our programs. In total, ACS awards over $20 million annually in research grants and scholarships. Students and the other young professionals ACS supports bring energy, fresh perspectives, and a spirit of discovery that strengthens our entire community.

The strategic plan guides our work with clarity and purpose. It affirms our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, empowering a global community, and championing scientific integrity as the foundation for addressing the world’s pressing challenges. Our core values—passion for science, lifelong learning, inclusion and belonging, and sustainability—anchor our vision for the future and reflect the same steady resolve that has carried ACS through 150 years of change.

As we advance toward our shared vision, the ACS Board is strengthening the global perspective essential to its success. We have just completed our first full year with an international director serving on the board, an important step in ensuring that ACS continues to evolve with the chemistry enterprise it serves. The board’s discussions and deliberations have been enriched by broader insights and an expanded global view, helping us better understand and support chemists wherever they live and work.

We also recognize that ACS’s impact is greatest when we bring members together across sectors to deepen our understanding of the chemistry enterprise and broaden our ability to meet community needs. Collaboration is essential to ensuring ACS remains relevant and responsive, and it allows us to better support the full spectrum of chemists whose pathways and professional contexts continue to evolve.

As we look ahead, the ACS Board remains firmly committed to supporting science and scientists. We will continue to:

Our future depends on each of us, working individually and together. I invite every member of the ACS community, students, professionals, volunteers, leaders, and science enthusiasts, to work alongside the board in carrying the society forward into our next 150 years. Together, we can build a future where chemistry continues to drive innovation, inspire scientific leaders, and strengthen our vision of a world built on science.