First Trust in Science Grants awarded

The Trust in Science and Scientists initiative began in 2023 as part of Judith Giordan’s year as president of the American Chemical Society. The initiative began with workshops and expanded in 2024 to include grants to be awarded to applicants for programming and efforts that would move the needle on trust in science and scientists.

“With these grants, ACS members can build and deliver their own ideas and vision for helping to create trust in science and scientists with those who are the ones we hope to benefit from the science! All people!” says Giordan.

Twenty-four applications were submitted in 2024. The applications were reviewed by an ACS roundtable consisting of the Division of Professional Relations, the Committee on Public Relations and Communications, and the Committee on Chemistry and Public Affairs. Two winners were selected from the applicants to receive the grants: the University of Arkansas Local Section was awarded $1,500 to start a science ambassador training program and outreach project, and the Federal University Wukari International Student Chapter in Nigeria was awarded $4,320 to build trust in agrochemical science and scientists.

The grantees will have until December 2025 to complete their programs, and C&EN will follow up to share the impact of each grant-funded project in their respective communities.