So it would appear that, like trying to pin down a π-electron in a benzene ring, trying to pin down the RSC on this issue of support for the YMS is near impossible. I thought the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle was only really significant when dealing with small objects, but it seems the massive juggernaut of bureaucracy at HQ knows neither its position nor its velocity when it comes to practical support for this huge event.

By huge, I mean that it requires the co-operation of several networks, is aimed at chemists internationally and requires massive volunteer sacrifices.

As my correspondence with various members of RSC staff has managed to conclude and agree upon, the issue is one of expectations. Of course, this is merely regurgitation on behalf of the RSC of what we clearly outlined in our report on the YMS.

So the YMS committee did expect too much from central RSC. That much is certain. But the question and challenge for the RSC was simple: Could they improve so as to meet these expectations for the next YMS? I wish I could say the answer was yes. Hell, I wish I could say the answer was no. Sadly I got a more woolly response than when students employ Dewar-Zimmerman rules instead of Woodward-Hoffman rules to explain pericyclics! Just as the use of DZ by a student* indicates a lack of understanding of MO theory, so this “response” demonstrates a lack of understanding of the real issues facing YMNs.  Perhaps even more worryingly, despite my last email being sent to no less than four members of RSC staff and despite a separate letter sent to Dr. Richard Pike, in almost four months we’re heard nothing.

Draw whatever conclusions you wish from that. Perhaps they were all busy organising the Regional Meetings. Obviously Richard Pike is gone seeking pastures new. The President disagreed with my implication that without a CEO one branch of the RSC was "rudderless". This lack of response is evidence of my fears, I feel.

Personally (and I stress that) I think they don’t have any answers to our concerns (although the President disagrees) and are unable to come up with any practical solutions themselves. Instead, the buck gets passed back to the volunteers, who are expected to draft proposals and strategies, hold their hands during the day and tuck them in at night!

So as our first blog correctly presumed, the next YMS will be repeated in essentially the same format with essentially the same support from the RSC. Of course, we’ll try to learn from our mistakes, for example explaining our event to PayPal so we don’t get investigated for fraud and money laundering!

Another mistake we made (according to your feedback) was an imbalance in the topics presented. The event was seen as somewhat organic focused, an issue the organising committee was aware of. To improve upon this, we plan to develop closer links with interest groups and divisions, encouraging them to send delegates and suggest/supply speakers in order to provide a more balanced symposium. We also hope to expand the event to two days, allowing for a social event to be organised. It might have to be a social event  without alcohol .... but not if I have anything to do with it (he says in an Irish brogue!)!

I’m delighted to announce however, that despite the difficulties and challenges we will face in repeating this event, the East Midlands Local Section (average age of 30) have taken up the challenge and will host YMS-II for sometime in 2012. We’d love to hear your suggestions for speakers and we’d equally love to get some willing volunteers to help out!!

*Always was a DZ fan myself. I treated M.O. like B.O. – unpopular with the ladies and something to be avoided!