Comment: Supporting our long-standing commitment to science

The American Chemical Society continues to navigate a rapidly changing global chemistry landscape as it approaches its 150th anniversary. In times of significant change and uncertainty, it is reassuring to reflect on ACS’s long-standing commitment to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. We see examples of these efforts throughout ACS in national activities, local sections, divisions, and even international chapters. Three recent initiatives highlight our continuing commitment to helping the chemistry community navigate these challenging times: our new strategic plan, our dedication to advocating for science and scientists, and the ongoing evolution of ACS meetings and governance.

This commitment begins with a strong foundation. As detailed in a recent C&EN article, ACS has implemented a new strategic plan, the result of a yearlong dedicated effort by the ACS Board of Directors, governance volunteers, members, and staff. This plan positions ACS to effectively serve its global community and the broader chemistry enterprise, regardless of future challenges. Our core values are at the heart of the plan: passion for science, lifelong learning, inclusion and belonging, and sustainability. With the incorporation of our updated, action-oriented mission to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity, the new plan builds on our previous mission of advancing the chemistry enterprise, and positions the organization to drive towards a vision of a world built on science, recognizing that a sound scientific foundation is required to address the most pressing global challenges.

At the heart of our mission is advocacy for science, with chemistry at its core. These efforts are particularly critical in times of rapid change and uncertainty at the national level. In February, ACS president Dorothy Phillips, CEO Al Horvath, and I sent a letter to ACS members addressing these changes in the political landscape. The ACS Board is firm in our commitment to being a welcoming home for those working in and interested in the chemical sciences. We stand ready to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity on behalf of this enterprise. At times like this, we must leverage our resources, expertise, and advocacy capabilities to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and math education. We also need to develop a skilled workforce, enhance business and innovation ecosystems, increase investment in research and development, and ensure scientific integrity and data accessibility.

Leadership has been engaging proactively with members of the legislative and executive branches of the US government to emphasize the importance of chemistry, the chemistry enterprise, and science in the broad sense for the continued success and prosperity of the US. You can find many of our letters from 2025 on our advocacy web page, which includes advocacy information from recent years, at www.acs.org/policy/washington-science.html. We are also leveraging our relationships within industry to support these efforts. We are gearing up to use our June board meeting in Washington, DC, to advocate personally on Capitol Hill. You can get involved, too. We encourage you to join our legislative action network, Act4Chemistry, where we can all come together to promote support for and trust in chemistry and science.

ACS’s approach to meetings and governance has evolved significantly over the past 3 years. In alignment with our core values of sustainability and inclusion and belonging, we have piloted alternative formats, reenvisioned modes of participation, and identified opportunities to enhance engagement and knowledge sharing while minimizing environmental impact. These efforts reflect the society’s commitment to responsible stewardship and its recognition of the changing needs of our community. You can learn more about the work of the ACS Committee on Meetings and Expositions on the Future of Meetings initiative and the Committee on Committees’ updates to ACS volunteering with the introduction of microvolunteerism.

The ACS Board of Directors has also been reflecting on opportunities to increase our efficiency and agility and modernize Board operations while ensuring the society’s long-term strategic success. We are in the process of carefully reviewing our committee structure, examining charges, and identifying areas of overlap. As part of our ongoing reflection, the Board reviewed our open meetings. In the spring, the Board will host the Priestley Medal award address and Open Board Session. In the fall, the Board will host the ACS ChemLuminary Awards and Open Board Session. These plenary-style events will bring more meeting attendees together to celebrate science and science advocacy across ACS.

Over its nearly 150-year journey, ACS has grown its community from a group of 35 men in New York to a vibrant global community of more than 200,000 members, authors, volunteers, and affiliates. We will continue to work together to realize our vision of a world built on science as we strive to achieve our strategic goals of elevating the reputation of science, enhancing community engagement, empowering scientists, and delivering innovative solutions.

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