ACS Fellows Program

Purpose

The ACS Fellows Program was created by the Board of Directors in December 2008 “to recognize members of the American Chemical Society for outstanding achievements in and contributions to Science, the Profession, and the Society.” Unlike ACS national awards, the distinguished honor of a Fellows designation will go to those who have distinguished themselves in multiple areas, including promoting the science, the profession, and service to the American Chemical Society. Ultimately, the body of Fellows is intended to reach approximately 1-2% of ACS membership.

Eligibility

Nominees for ACS Fellows must be current members in good standing of the American Chemical Society.

The selection of ACS Fellows will be based upon demonstrated contributions in two defined areas:

• Excellence in Science/Profession and
• Outstanding Service to the American Chemical Society.

Excellence in Science/Profession could be achieved via excellence in basic or applied research; distinguished accomplishment in teaching or education; or demonstrated leadership or managerial excellence in an organization within the chemical sciences.

Outstanding Service to the ACS could include, but not limited to, governance on a divisional, local, regional and/or national level; publications such as editor, assistant or associate editor; meetings through organization of symposia or major presentations; involvement in National Chemistry Week, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, environmental efforts and similar outreach activities or public communication by press, radio, TV or electronic media.

Nomination

Nominations for ACS Fellows will be solicited from:

• Technical Divisions
• ACS National Committees
• Local Sections, and
• Individual ACS Members

Each nomination will require a primary nominator and two secondary nominators. No more than one nominator may be from the same educational or governmental institution or industrial location as the nominee.

Nominations will be accepted via a completed nomination form by a primary nominator and accompanied by two secondary nominations. Each primary and secondary nominator must write a letter of recommendation for the nominee.

The nomination packet must consist of:

• A completed Nomination for a Fellow for the American Chemical Society Form
• Letters of recommendation from the primary nominator and the two (2) secondary nominators
• Any supplementary information

Nominations for the second class of ACS Fellows will open in the first quarter of 2010.

Selection

Fellows will be selected by a Selection Committee appointed and chaired by the Immediate Past President. Membership on the Selection Committee will be representative of the American Chemical Society. Members of the Fellows Selection Committee or current ACS Board of Directors will not be eligible to be nominators or nominees.

Presentation

ACS Fellows will be recognized and honored at the Fall ACS National Meetings. Each Fellow will receive a pin and a certificate.

Additional Information

Additional information on the ACS Fellows Program can be obtained as follows:

• “ACS Comment” in the January 19 issue of C&EN by Dr. Bruce E. Bursten, Immediate Past President
• Send an email to: fellows@acs.org