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Comment: Better science through inclusion

by Mary K. Carroll, ACS 2024 President
December 19, 2024 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 102, Issue 39

Mary K. Carroll.
Credit: Christine Brennan Schmidt

One of the joys of serving as the president of the American Chemical Society has been the opportunity to see firsthand the many ways in which people bring their talents, expertise, and lived experiences to the chemistry community. In reflecting on my presidential year, I am inspired by the commitment of ACS to support a diverse community advancing evidence-based scientific innovation and education within the thriving global chemistry enterprise.

This commitment aligns with my own values. I pursued a career as a teacher-scholar at an undergraduate institution because of my desire to welcome more people to and prepare them for impactful science, technology, engineering, and math careers while contributing to scientific knowledge. Throughout my 30-plus years at Union College, I’ve witnessed how bright students from a variety of backgrounds bring creativity and fresh perspectives to scientific endeavors; they are motivated to make the world a better place.

It will come as no surprise that I’ve particularly enjoyed interacting with students and early-career professionals this year. For example, at AISES, SERMACS, and the ACS LEADS conferences, I met attendees from communities in the US and around the globe who are studying at a variety of types of educational institutions, such as community colleges and research universities, as well as postdoctoral researchers and individuals in early stages of their academic, government, and industrial careers. Many spoke with me about their commitment to making meaningful contributions to science and engineering and engaging with the professional community where they’ve found a sense of belonging.

Teams of scientists with a range of experience, talents, and perspectives yield more impactful chemistry.

There are so many ways to engage in science now. We are faced with global challenges, including those outlined in the UN sustainable development goals. We must also overcome the lack of trust in scientists, as ACS Immediate Past President Judy Giordan has emphasized. By working together to communicate more effectively with people outside the chemistry enterprise and with policymakers, we can help ensure that the infrastructure and resources necessary to make continued, sustainable progress in chemistry are in place for the future—resources that include people: teams of scientists with a range of experience, talents, and perspectives yield more impactful chemistry.

This summer, the ACS Board of Directors reiterated and reinforced that our ACS community understands the value of diverse teams in science by approving an updated statement on the core value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR). The statement reads, in part, “the pursuit of excellence in the global chemical enterprise is inextricably linked with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. Scientific innovation and discovery are enriched when we embrace and advance the inclusion of everyone.” When I gave talks in my role as ACS president, I often included a slide with a photo of each member of the 2024 ACS Board of Directors. It’s a striking visual: 12 women, including 3 Black women and 1 Asian woman among the 16 board members. I emphasize that this visible diversity provides a strong indication of the collective commitment of ACS members to including many perspectives in leadership because, with the exception of the ACS CEO, all board members are elected to their positions.

Over my year as president, I have seen more evidence that ACS members are truly committed to inclusion and belonging. We are making strides to strengthen ACS governance discussions by including representatives of the nearly 20% of ACS members who reside outside the US. The first International District director was elected this fall and will join the ACS Board of Directors in January. The petition for global representation on the ACS Council received the support of 90% of councilors and unanimous approval by the board. Elections for the first cohort of councilors from global zones will occur in 2025, with new councilors taking office in 2026.

Reflecting on the year, I am profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to help lead this community that understands that DEIR is integral to success in all aspects of the scientific enterprise. And our work needs to stay on course. I will continue to do my part by serving with a group organized by the ACS Committee on Committees to consider the formation of a committee to support and recognize LGBTQIA2S+ chemistry professionals and their allies. Working group members range from graduate students to past ACS presidents who are now retired. Having contributors with varied backgrounds and at different career stages enriches our discussions and will result in more impactful outcomes. Stay tuned for more information about this effort!

In 2025, Dorothy Phillips, a true trailblazer in chemistry, will serve as ACS president. I look forward to continuing to work with her, the ACS Board of Directors, volunteer leaders, and people throughout the global ACS community to achieve the vision of improving all people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.

Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of C&EN or ACS.

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