These monthly newsletters aim to keep all member networks updated with news describing how to get involved, as well as information of relevant events, services and new initiatives from the RSC Networks team. If you require further information about any of the items in the newsletter, or have any comments or ideas for content please contact the Networks team.

Committee members and representatives are encouraged to disseminate this information, as appropriate, to colleagues and other members. E-alert request forms can be downloaded from the Useful Forms and Documents page. Up to date lists of members can be obtained by emailing the Networks Team.
 

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Dear ​colleague,

Welcome to the June Networks Newsletter, our way to keep our member network committee members and representatives up to date with RSC activities, services, and new initiatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • Update to the RSC Safeguarding policies
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
07 June
07 June
08 June
10 June
14 June
30 June
30 June
30 June
01 July
05 July
June deadline for Outreach Fund small grants
Deadline for completing the CSCE support survey
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 17 June to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 17 June
Close of nominations for 2021 JMC Lectureship
Deadline for June Research Development Grant applications
Deadline for ACTF Disruption Grant applications
Deadline for IUPAC Young Observer applications
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
July deadline for Outreach Fund small grants
 
Upcoming Events
 
03 June
08 June
15 June
15-16 June
17 June
17-18 June

22 June
23-25 June
01 July
Member e-alerts
Announcement of RSC prize winners
Top of the Bench discussion session, 17:00 UK time
Analytical Research Forum
Member e-alerts
MSDE Symposium 2021: Frontiers in Molecular Engineering

International drop in sessions, 09:00 and 16:00 UK time
Faraday Discussion: MOFs for energy and the environment
Member e-alerts
 
Update to the RSC Safeguarding policies

Important updates for organising activities to engage children and/or adults at risk

On 21st April, Audit and Risk Committee approved an update to our safeguarding policies and procedures. Key changes include separating our previous policy into two policies, to reflect the different legislation protecting children and adults at risk. All documents can be found in the safeguarding section of our risk assessment pages and Designated Safeguarding Officers Magda van Leeuwen and Rio Hutchings are always available at safeguarding@rsc.org.


Networks are reminded that it is important that our member networks do not engage in unsupervised activity on a regular basis with unaccompanied children and/or adults at risk. Such activity might be classified by law as ‘regulated activity’ and requires organisers and those delivering the activity to undergo enhanced background checks. Organisations which knowingly allow barred people to work on regulated activities are breaking the law.

For our groups seeking to engage children through schools and youth organisations, ensure that these organisations are aware that our members are not responsible for the supervision of the students involved and that the host organisation must provide sufficient supervising adults who will take responsibility for the children. This must be captured on a red risk assessment.



View the updated safeguarding policy here

 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Outreach, Careers, Events, International, and Research & Innovation teams, as well as the Chemists’ Community Fund and RSC Publishing.

Updated member network Handbook
We have published an updated version of the member networks Handbook on the Useful Forms & Documents page. This includes updated guidance on the financial and legal responsibilities of a committee, information about common processes, and a new FAQ section and index to make it easier to find the answers you need.

Download the Handbook and let us know what would make it more useful to your committee - we will use your suggestions to improve later versions of the Handbook.

Download the June 2021 version of the Handbook 



International Local Section drop in sessions
Due to the global pandemic, we have not been able to meet up with committee members and we have missed being able to freely discuss committee matters as well as just having a chat and catching up.

We are delighted to announce that we will be holding two drop-in sessions for the committee members of our Local Sections outwith the UK and Ireland on Tuesday 22 June 2021. We hope that by hosting two identical sessions, one at 9am BST and the other at 4pm BST, many of you will be able to drop in to one of the sessions.

These sessions are an opportunity to speak with Tim Reynolds, current representative for the International Local Sections on Member Networks Committee, RSC staff and other volunteers. Recently, we shared some updates on the work of many RSC teams of interest to our networks on our LinkedIn group for International Networks, which may spark some discussion.

The links for both sessions will be sent out this week by email.




A reminder to comply with all rules and guidelines
As Chair of a member network committee you are also a Trustee of the network funds, alongside the RSC Board of Trustees, as outlined in the network Trust Deed. As Chair you take final responsibility for all committee business and network activities and ensure that the committee the annual activity and financial reports are completed and correct.

We ask that you, as Chair, familiarise yourself with our rules and policies so that you can guide your committee when planning your programme of activities. The Networks Team are always available to answer questions or provide support when you need us.

You can find helpful resources on our Useful Forms & Documents page



Capturing and storing risk assessments for your events
One of the key responsibilities of a member network Secretary is to maintain the records for the committee and network; this includes completing or receiving Risk Assessments for all network events – a risk assessment provided by the venue is acceptable - and reporting these in the Health & Safety section of the Annual Report.

It is a strict legal requirement to effectively manage the risks created by such events, and failure to complete a suitable Risk Assessment can render the RSC public liability insurance void. Questions? Read the FAQs on our website or ask the Networks Team.

Read our Risk Assessment policies and procedures at rsc.org/RiskAssessment



A reminder to monitor account activity at least once a month
As a member network Treasurer it is your responsibility to maintain up-to-date financial records for the network. It is apparent from the queries raised during the year-end process (and queries we receive about Bankline login) that some of our Treasurers allow several months to pass between logins.

We appreciate that many of our committees might have a lower number of financial transactions than normal at the moment, but we still ask that you please check the bank statements at least once per month to monitor incoming and outgoing transactions and contact NetworksFinance@rsc.org at the earliest opportunity if unexpected transactions are noted.

Read our guide for member network Treasurers



Updated Top of the Bench handbook available
We have updated the support and guidance for Top of the Bench organisers for the 2021/2022 cycle. The new handbook includes examples of successful virtual heats from the 2020/2021 cycle and guidance for safeguarding during virtual events.

Contact Rio Hutchings with any questions and register for the 15 June discussion session.


Download the handbook here



Chemistry, Sustainability and the Circular Economy Campaign
A reminder that we are currently developing additional support and resources for members to run activities that align with the CSCE campaign, and would value your initial feedback on what would be most useful. Please fill in our very short survey, we will use the results of this survey to help inform what we prioritise but the invitation for feedback and ideas will be open throughout the programme.

Send us your ideas and suggestions by 7 June



Publishing events and resources for your members
Are you planning an early career workshop? Or a panel discussion about the directions of your field?

Our colleagues in Publishing can offer tailored talks to your members on topics such as an introduction to open access publishing, how to write and publish your first paper, how to review an article, guidance on publishing careers, and more.

Contact Garima Sharma (Deputy Editor, RSC Advances) for more details



LGBT+ toolkit of resources for Pride Month
As we celebrate Pride Month, it important to remember that taking concrete steps towards greater LGBT+ inclusivity is a key part of fostering diverse and welcoming scientific workplaces.

We've created a set of resources that tackle the key issues faced by LGBT+ physical scientists and provide the tools for everyone to take part in positive change: employers, colleagues, and LGBT+ individuals.


Download the toolkit here



Apply to participate in the IUPAC Young Observer programme
The Royal Society of Chemistry is inviting its early-career members residing in the UK or Ireland to apply to participate in the IUPAC Young Observer programme. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021.

Successful applicants, typically early-career researchers, will participate in IUPAC activities as a Young Observer by attending IUPAC | CCCE 2021 on August 13-20: the 51st IUPAC General Assembly and 48th World Chemistry Congress, held virtually in conjunction with the 104th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition (CCCE).


Find out more and apply by 30 June



Life in the chemical sciences is changing: help us find out how
On 16th June, our pay and reward survey opens and the results will allow us to build a picture of working life in the chemical sciences in 2021. We will explore what you want from current and future employers, pay gaps, differing working experiences as well as the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit on the workforce. Information is power – help us by completing the survey by 15th July. Check your email to receive your personalised link.

Read the results of the 2019 pay and reward survey



Announcing Digital Discovery
A new forum for data-driven approaches to scientific discoveries

Digital Discovery, a gold open access journal, will be the first of its kind, meeting the trend towards greater automation and data-driven scientific techniques head-on. The journal will cover the application of machine learning to solve scientific problems, so will be home to ground-breaking computational research from the areas of chemistry, biology, physics, and materials and biomedical sciences.

We are very excited to have Alán Aspuru-Guzik already confirmed as Digital Discovery’s Editor-in-Chief. This journal will be open access with all article processing charges (APC) waived until mid-2024 to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to publish and read the top papers in this field.

Find out more and sign up for news: rsc.li/digital-discovery



New contact for PACN queries
We are delighted to share that Ellie Peters has joined the RSC Strategic Partnerships Team and will be working on Pan Africa Chemistry Network projects and activities.

Contact Ellie at Africa@rsc.org



Rescheduled 2021 dates for GSK/RSC Training courses
We are pleased to announce that the postponed RSC and GSK hands-on LCMS and GCMS training courses have now been rescheduled for 2021. Priority will be given to those who were accepted to attend the cancelled 2020 courses, but places still remain on a large number of the courses later in the year.

We will be updating the table below and sending out further updates as applications open for the courses over the coming months.
 
Course Type
GCMS
LCMS
GCMS
LCMS
GCMS
GCMS
LCMS (Extra)
Location
Kenya
Kenya
Ghana
Kenya
Ethiopia
Nigeria
Ghana
2021 Dates
21st - 25th June 2021
5th - 9th July 2021
6th - 10th Sept 2021
9th - 13th Aug 2021
Early Sept 2021 [TBC]
15th - 21st Nov 2021
Late Oct/Early Nov 2021 [TBC]


Email africa@rsc.org with any queries

 
Latest updates on our policy work

With a programme of activities spanning research funding, mobility of scientists, open access, chemicals regulation, teacher supply, curriculum and much more, our goal is to shape the development of policy relevant to the chemical sciences.

New Research Collaboration Advice Centre
The Government announced on 25th May the establishment of a new dedicated team within government to offer researchers advice on how to protect their work from hostile activity, ensuring international collaboration is done safely and securely. The new Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT), for which recruitment is now underway, will promote government advice on security-related topics, such as export controls, cyber security and protection of intellectual property. It is designed to support the research system to ensure researchers’ work is protected, and that the UK research sector remains open and secure.

Read the announcement



Roles at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is currently undergoing a large recruitment to their Chemicals Pesticides and Hazardous Waste teams. This includes a number of science roles as well as policy roles.

It would be hugely appreciated if you can disseminate these through your networks to tap into the scientific talent and expertise needed to drive forward science based policy both domestically and internationally.

Applicants are advised to use the STAR method to respond to competency questions and to keep in mind that applications are likely to be read by non-experts - consider how to communicate scientific work with this in mind and bring out wider transferable skills!

Search all open roles on Chemistry World Jobs

 
Thank you for reading!

The Networks Newsletter goes out on the first of each month as a tailored communication to all of our volunteers. All of the updates are published here each month, if you see any content here that is relevant to you but you didn’t receive, please let us know!

Send us your feedback

Kind regards,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Jun 1, 2021 2:00 PM BST
Dear ​colleague,

Welcome to the May Networks Newsletter, our way to keep our member network committee members and representatives up to date with RSC activities, services and new initiatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spring 2021 Regional Steering Groups
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
04 May
11 May
13 May
17 May
24 May
25 May
26 May
31 May
01 June
May deadline for Outreach Fund small grants
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 20 May to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 20 May
Deadline for
Research Fund applications
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 3 June to additional networks
Deadline for applications to the
Research Enablement Grant
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 3 June
Deadline for May
Research Development Grant applications
Registration deadline for
Analytical Research Forum 2021
 
Upcoming Events
 
06 May
13 May

13 May
18–20 May
20 May
03 June
17 June
Member e-alerts
RSC
Desktop Seminar Lectureships with Lab on a Chip, 12 noon PDT
Nature and mental wellbeing, 15:30 UK time 

First Commonwealth Chemistry Congress
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts
 
Spring 2021 Regional Steering Groups

We recently held the spring 2021 meetings for all nine UK and Ireland Regional Steering Groups. As part of these meetings we share updates from our Parliamentary Affairs, Policy & Evidence, and Chemists' Community Fund Teams relevant to volunteers, as well as a report about the network activity in 2020.These reports have been collated in a summary document for you to read and share. We'll be hosting two online drop in sessions for our international volunteers during the summer to discuss relevant news and updates.

Contact the Networks Team with any questions, we'll include answers to common queries as updates in the Newsletter.

Download and read the summary reports


 
Communications from across the RSC
Here are updates about events and activities from our Outreach, Careers, Events, International, and Research & Innovation teams, as well as the Chemists’ Community Fund and RSC Publishing.


A message for our volunteers in India
We have seen the news about the ongoing covid crisis in your country and we would like to let you know that we are all thinking of you, your families and the other RSC members in India during these difficult times.

All of our members in India will receive a message with a reminder of the support available from the Chemists' Community Fund. If you have any questions you can contact the team using CCF@rsc.org.



Have you signed up to the RSC International Networks Forum?
We have an online LinkedIn forum for our international volunteers. We'll post about the upcoming drop in sessions, as well as other relevant updates and opportunities, and you can ask questions and share experiences.

Join the RSC International Networks Forum and stay up to date



Virtual-first event policy until the end of 2021
As mentioned during the RSG meetings, the current guidance for member networks is that physical meetings should not take place until 1 September 2021, and that a virtual-first approach is encouraged for all events until the end of 2021.



Launch of a new Wellbeing and Listening Service
The Chemists’ Community Fund will be launching a Wellbeing and Listening Service in May to provide a listening service for those chemists who simply need someone to talk to, be that for those struggling with bereavement, job insecurity or isolation and loneliness.

The service will enhance the holistic work that Fund Caseworkers provide to members and onward referrals for other Fund support will of course then be made where relevant.

We will be marking the launch as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (10–16 May) and we encourage you to share the announcement with your networks.


Learn more about the Fund's recent activity in the RSG update summary



Are you interested in running meetings on Carbon Capture?
The Applied Materials Chemistry Group is looking for Interest Groups with an active interest in running meetings on carbon capture, storage, and utilisation.

Would you or your committee be interested in working with them?

Let us know if you'd like to collaborate with AMCG



Did you know?
You can record your committee meeting on GoToMeeting and Zoom to make it easier to capture the minutes and actions for your meeting. The recordings can be deleted after the minutes have been agreed. Both platforms offer transcription for recordings.

Find booking forms and resources for online meetings on the UF&D page



New PLFs Report – a global sustainability challenge in industry
Polymers in liquid formulations, or PLFs, is a $125 billion global market and important class of speciality chemicals that go into for adhesives and sealants, agrochemicals, household cleaning products, inks, lubricants, paints and coatings, personal care and cosmetics and water treatment chemicals. Despite their importance, and contrastingly to plastics, there has been very little coordinated effort to highlight the challenges around sustainability.

Our latest report, which for the first time, provides a landscape view of PLFs and the role of chemistry in developing sustainable solutions to this important sustainability challenge in industry will be published tomorrow at noon (UK time).

Read and share the report at rsc.li/plfs on 5 May 



Nature and mental wellbeing
13 May 2021, 3.30pm (UK time)

As part of our Building a better chemistry culture series, we’re hosting a webinar focusing on this year's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek theme: nature.

Spending time with nature can have a profoundly positive impact on our mental wellbeing, but not everyone has equal access to nature and green spaces. It’s important that we recognise and address inequalities so that nature in its many forms can be made accessible to all.

Join our webinar as our expert speakers discuss the connections between nature and mental wellbeing, as well as the importance of this to building a more inclusive chemical sciences.


Register now



Robert Parker to join the Commonwealth Chemistry Executive Board
During 2018 and 2019, the Royal Society of Chemistry led a series of round table discussions with senior representatives from the Commonwealth to explore the benefits a Commonwealth chemistry organisation could bring to the community. Those discussions culminated in the formation of Commonwealth Chemistry, the Federation of Commonwealth Chemical Sciences Societies.

The Federation is being led by President-Elect Dr Vicki Gardiner, and we are pleased that Dr Robert Parker, in his role as Royal Society of Chemistry Ambassador to Europe and the Commonwealth, has been appointed a member of the Commonwealth Chemistry Executive Board.




First Commonwealth Chemistry Congress
18–20 May 2021, Online and free to attend

Commonwealth Chemistry’s first major activity will be its inaugural Congress, bringing together senior researchers and early career chemists from across the Commonwealth nations to discuss research addressing the SDGs.

The 1st Commonwealth Chemistry Congress offers a unique opportunity during the difficult times of the pandemic to engage with a Commonwealth network from across the breadth of the chemical sciences. In addition to panel discussions on career pathways and the importance of the Commonwealth’s role in achieving the SDGs there will be networking opportunities to share and discuss research.

Registration is free for early career chemists. This is a fantastic opportunity to join this special Congress. Places are limited so register now to attend.


Register now to attend



Apply for the Research Enablement Grant by 25 May
Our Research Enablement Grant provides up to £10,000 for new projects and to continue those disrupted by COVID-19, and can include funding for consumables, equipment and a salary contribution for a group member. Up to two applications per department can be made, and it is open for applications until 25 May.

For more information and to apply please visit rsc.li/researchenablementgrant



ACTF Disruption Grant – deadline 30 June 2021
The Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund (ACTF) Trustees recognise the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on analytical science students. They have launched a disruption grant of £500 aimed at PhD students who are in the last 6 months of their PhD and need additional monetary support to complete their studies.

Note: this fund is to support personal costs to help enable students to complete their studies for example rent, or other caring or living costs, and cannot be used for laboratory research costs. Students must be resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland and registered at a University in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

Please share with relevant colleagues.


Fill in the online application form


 
Latest updates on our policy work

With a programme of activities spanning research funding, mobility of scientists, open access, chemicals regulation, teacher supply, curriculum and much more, our goal is to shape the development of policy relevant to the chemical sciences.


Join our campaign for ‘Science Champions’ at Holyrood and the Senedd
We’ve recently launched our Royal Society of Chemistry manifesto campaigns ahead of the Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru elections, and we need your help.

Against the backdrop of the pandemic the importance of science has rarely been more visible. That is why we are calling on candidates for the elections to support our manifestos and sign up to be ‘science champions’ at Holyrood and the Senedd.

You can support the campaign by clicking the relevant link below, filling in some details, and information about the campaign will go directly to your local candidates.


You can read our election briefings here:
Support our Scottish Science Champion Campaign

Support our Welsh Science Champion Campaign


 
Thank you for reading!

This Newsletter is sent as a tailored email each month to all member network volunteers - please get in touch with suggestions for what you would like included or feedback about what we've sent you!

Send us your feedback

Kind regards,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie



 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on May 4, 2021 12:00 PM BST
This month in the Spotlight Camilla Alexander-White, Senior Policy Advisor for Environment & Regulation, explains some of the recent work we're doing on UK chemicals policy. You can contact Cam or any member of the Policy & Evidence Team at policy@rsc.org with any comments or questions.


It is important for citizens to know and trust how chemicals are managed in everyday life. Now that the UK has left the European Union as of 1 January 2021, UK government is responsible for all matters relating to chemicals management in industrial processes, the products we consume and the chemicals present in the environment.

UK REACH is now operating in Great Britain (Northern Ireland continues to follow EU REACH as per the Northern Ireland protocol). The Health & Safety Executive are acting as the regulatory ‘Agency’ for chemicals and are recruiting 60 new staff members now, and also for expert scientists to join the REACH Independent Science Expert Pool (RISEP). At the RSC, we have continuously called for independent scientific advice to be a core part of UK REACH, and we are pleased that the HSE have established a strong mechanism for science advice.

If you would like to join RISEP, the deadline for applications is 4 April 2021https://careers.hse.gov.uk/job/reach-independent-scientific-expert-pool-risep/

On 23 March, Defra announced the first programme for UK REACH restrictions, with lead in ammunition, chemicals in tattoo inks/ permanent make up, and PFAS chemicals included. We convened a science-policy round table on 30 March to begin looking at the topic of PFAS in more detail and will share these outcomes in the coming weeks.

Chemicals policy is also important at the international level, and we have been working with the United Nations Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) programme ‘Beyond 2020’. We are campaigning for the establishment of an intergovernmental panel for chemicals and waste; you can read our policy position on the RSC website.
 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Apr 1, 2021 11:00 AM BST
Dear colleague,

Welcome to the April Networks Newsletter, our way to keep our member network committee members and representatives up to date with RSC activities, services and new initiatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: The RSC’s work on Chemicals Policy
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
01 April
06 April
06 April
08 April
19 April
26 April
28 April
30 April

04 May
17 May
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
April deadline for Outreach Fund small grants
Deadline for e-alerts going out on 15 April to additional networks
Deadline for e-alerts going out on 15 April
Deadline for Inclusion & Diversity Fund applications
Deadline for e-alerts going out on 6 May to additional networks
Deadline for e-alerts going out on 6 May
Deadline for April Research Development Grant applications
May deadline for Outreach Fund small grants
Deadline for Research Fund applications
 
Upcoming Events
 
01 April
08 April
13 April
14 April
15 April
21 April
23 April
23 April

29 April
06 May
Member e-alerts
2021 Senedd Elections Virtual Science Hustings
2021 Holyrood Elections Virtual Science Hustings
ES: Atmospheres Desktop Seminars featuring inaugural issue researchers
Member e-alerts
ES: Atmospheres Desktop Seminars featuring inaugural issue researchers
Should we design biodegradable plastics? 12 midday UK time
Dalton Transactions New Talent: Europe seminar, 14:00 UK time

Resilience and Adaptability Workshop (from CCF), 17:00 UK time
Member e-alerts
 
Spotlight: The RSC’s work on Chemicals Policy

Now that the UK has left the European Union, as of 1 January 2021 the UK government is responsible for all matters relating to chemicals management in industrial processes, the products we consume and the chemicals present in the environment.

Read about our ongoing work on chemicals policy on the Networks Newsletter blog, and contact the Policy & Evidence Team with any comments or questions.

Read about our recent policy activities on the Newsletter blog

 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Outreach, Careers, Events, International, and Research & Innovation teams, as well as the Chemists’ Community Fund and RSC Publishing.

Bullying and harassment support service
The Royal Society of Chemistry is committed to tackling and removing bullying and harassing behaviours from the community. All our members commit to our Code of Conduct which outlines the need to respect others and protect the dignity and welfare of the community. We treat any breaches seriously and others can contact us at any time ipdp@rsc.org.

Our bullying and harassment support service is available to provide impartial support for anyone affected or concerned by bullying and harassing behaviour in the UK chemical sciences and our members worldwide.

This service, managed by the Inclusion and Diversity team and supported by the Chemists’ Community Fund, is being provided by a third party on behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry. The support service is accompanied by the associated web pages and a bespoke video animation.

The RSC’s support line can be reached on 0800 5200115 (UK Freephone), +44 1223 624606 (International), from 8am–8pm (UK time) Monday–Friday.

Visit rsc.li/support for further advice or to email the team



Next round of Research Enablement Grants opens on 12 April
Our Research Enablement Grant provides up to £10,000 for new projects and to continue those disrupted by COVID-19, and can include funding for consumables, equipment and a salary contribution for a group member.

The Grant is open for applications from Monday 12 April to Tuesday 25 May.

Find out more and apply online by 25 May



Help make the chemical sciences more inclusive
Our Inclusion & Diversity Fund welcomes applications from individuals and organisations, including members and non-members. In the past we’ve funded projects focusing on gender, disability, socio-economic background, language, race and ethnicity, the LGBT+ community and more.

You could get up to £5,000 towards making your inclusion and diversity project a reality.

Applications to the general call for projects are always open and are assessed twice a year. Apply by 19 April for your project to be considered for funding in the upcoming round.

Please note, the Inclusion & Diversity Fund is intended for projects that directly investigate or address inclusion and diversity issues in the chemical sciences. The Inclusion & Diversity Fund is not intended to fund chemistry research.


Learn more and apply on our website



Applications open for the Emerging Technologies Competition
We have launched our 2021 Emerging Technologies Competition, an annual initiative for tech innovators, spin outs and start-ups from across the UK and Europe who are developing chemistry-driven technologies that are tackling the world’s most pressing issues.

Entering the competition provides the opportunity to pitch your technology to a panel of expert judges including: AstraZeneca, Boots, Croda, Eli Lilly, Givaudan, Marks & Spencer, PepsiCo, PETRONAS, Reckitt Benckiser, RSSL, Scott Bader and Unilever – giving you valuable exposure, publicity and validation. Winners receive a share of the £160,000 prize fund and a RSC mentor for one year.

There is just over two weeks to submit an application or spread the word to colleagues and peers – don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!


Find out more and apply online by 18 April



Save the date: Mental Health Awareness Week 10-16 May
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is coming up on the week of 10-16 May.

The theme for MHAW is nature and the RSC Inclusion and Diversity team will organise a webinar to discuss the connection between nature and mental health, in collaboration with Chemistry World as part of the Building a better chemistry culture webinar series.

Look out for more information on this and other MHAW activities in future communications including this newsletter!




Standing up for Science
The RSC is partnering with the Voice of Young Science programme 2021 to offer Standing Up For Science workshops to the early career community, to help make early career voices heard in public debates about science. There are four of these free workshops taking place in 2021 and you can keep up to date with these opportunities here or by signing up to the Voice of Young Science network.

The second of the these workshops is now open to applications and takes place online on Thursday 13 May. This session will feature contributions from Professor Dr Hannah Cloke (Professor of Hydrology, University of Reading), Dr Jo Hale (Research Fellow, UCL), George Freeman MP and James Clarke (Head of Communications, Rothamsted Research).

Please share this opportunity with your early career networks or colleagues, or apply using the link below.


Complete the application form by 5pm on Monday 19 April



Latest issue of Analytical Matters now available online
Find out about the latest Analytical Division activities including:
  • Opportunities to get involved with this year’s online Analytical Research Forum
  • Celebrating the100th Analytical Methods Committee Technical Brief
  • Funding opportunities including new Researcher Development Grants
  • CPD Resources
If you have any items you wish to be included in the next newsletter please email analyticalmatters@rsc.org by 31 May 2021.

Read the newsletter here



 
Latest updates on our policy work

With a programme of activities spanning research funding, mobility of scientists, open access, chemicals regulation, teacher supply, curriculum and much more, our goal is to shape the development of policy relevant to the chemical sciences.


Virtual Science Hustings events in Scotland and Wales
Ahead of the upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales we have been working with a range of partners to deliver virtual science hustings events.

The events take place on 8 April (Wales) and 13 April (Scotland) and will bring together candidates from across the political parties. They will give the scientific community the opportunity to quiz the political parties on what steps they will take to put science at the forefront of their work in the next term.

Covering the topics that matter most to the scientific community event attendees will be able to put their questions directly to the party spokespeople.

Members are encouraged to sign up to these events and ask questions. For more information contact Niall Sommerville, our Public Affairs Manager for the devolved nations.


Register for the 2021 Senedd Elections Science Hustings on 8 April

Register for the 2021 Holyrood Elections Science Hustings on 13 April



Policy discussion: Should we design biodegradable plastics?
Friday 23 April, 12 midday–12.45

Join us in the first of a series of free events throughout 2021 developed by our Science Policy Unit to explore current issues around plastic production, use, reuse and disposal.

During this webinar we want to find out how chemists design plastics for biodegradability, and discuss the opportunities and challenges that these new materials present on our journey to a more sustainable future.

BSL interpretation will be provided by Rachael Dance from Cambridgeshire Deaf Association.

Register here and join the conversation



 
Thank you for reading!

This Newsletter has been tailored to you, but the full version can be found on the Networks Newsletter blog. Please read the online version and get in touch with suggestions for what you would like included or feedback about what we've sent you!

Send us your feedback

Stay safe,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Apr 1, 2021 11:00 AM BST
Did you know that the RSC has international offices that support our international community? This month in the Spotlight Hongmei Peng, Engagement and Programme Manager in our Shanghai Office, tells us about how she started with the RSC and what her team do to advance the chemical sciences in China.


Hongmei joined the RSC Shanghai office in 2010 and became our China Engagement and Programme Manager in 2014.

Hongmei, what brought you to the RSC?
Before I joined RSC Shanghai office in 2010, I worked as a research associate in Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Being a gregarious person, I found the routine of conducting experiments in the laboratory rather solitary. So, when I came across the RSC's mission in advancing the excellence of Chemical Sciences by supporting practicing chemists through its network of global community, I was inspired and wanted to be part of the organisation to serve the needs of the chemical science community. In 2010, I was lucky enough to be able to join the RSC Shanghai office.


How many people are on your team?
Currently, there are only two team members, Yang Lei and myself, but we are recruiting another team member and we expect he or she will be on board in March.


What do you all do?
In China, the RSC is known by researchers as one of the top publisher in the chemical sciences, but not many of them are aware that we are also a learned society with the mission to advance excellence in the chemical sciences.

Our goal is to create a sustainable eco-system for chemical sciences researchers in China. We have been trying to design and deliver effective tailored programmes and platforms to serve researchers at different stages of their career – from early career to well established scientists.

In summary, we are aiming to engage the chemical science community in China in the most efficient and effective ways and, by doing so, maximising our influence in China as an influential professional society and as a top publisher.


What kind of programmes do you mean?
As I have mentioned previously, for the engagement team that I lead, we are focusing on designing and delivering tailored engagement programmes to meet the needs of the research community as a whole – from early career to established researchers. To this end, our programmes reflect this aim.

To engage well established professors who are leaders in their respective fields, we have run the Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) Forum since 2016. This annual event is aimed towards finding chemical solutions to solve key issues relating to global challenges.

In order to ensure that the FRSC Forum can stand-out from the multitudes of symposia/conferences being held in China the Forum has a unique format: it consists of six plenary lectures focusing on the progress, development and future challenges of a specific research field, followed by a panel discussion. For our previous FRSC Forums, the topics included materials, health, energy, and water safety.  This annual event has been very well received and supported by the community.

In 2019, we introduced the RSC Emerging Investigator Forum to engage emerging investigators/ early career researchers in China. To ensure the Forum addresses the need of the researchers, we conducted surveys and communicated with many young researchers to solicit their input and ideas. The resultant Forum was devised to focus on debates and discussions within cutting-edge cross-discipline research fields. We also linked the Forum with our journals and invited eligible delegates to submit to emerging investigator issues.

In 2014, we initiated the RSC Student Clubs programme at top universities to engage postgraduate chemists and in 2019, we enriched this initiative by collaborating with Tsinghua University in organising the RSC Predoc Symposium. This aim of this event is to provide a unique platform for students to present their research in English.



Thank you Hongmei for telling us about the work your team does and how you support the broader chemical sciences community in China!

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Mar 1, 2021 2:00 PM GMT

Dear colleague,

Welcome to the March Networks Newsletter, our way to keep our member network committee members and representatives up to date with RSC activities, services and new initiatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: Engaging with our international community – China
  • Communications from across the RSC
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
01 March
08 March
09 March
11 March
23 March

24 March
25 March
31 March

01 April
06 April

19 April
Application deadline for the Outreach Fund small and large grants
Deadline for applications for the 2021 Undergraduate Research Bursaries
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 18 March to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 18 March
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 1 April to additional networks
Registration deadline for Carbon Dioxide Utilisation: Faraday Discussion

Deadline for E-alerts going out on 1 April
Deadline for March Research Development Grant applications
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
April deadline for Outreach Fund small grants

Deadline for Inclusion & Diversity Fund applications
 
Upcoming Events
 
02-03 March
04 March
08 March
18 March
24 March
01 April
#RSCPoster Twitter Conference
Member e-alerts
Addressing Gender Parity across the Commonwealth, 11:30 UK time
Member e-alerts
Retirement in Sight Workshop from the CCF, 17:00 UK time
Member e-alerts
 
Spotlight: Engaging with our international community – China

Did you know that the RSC has international offices that support our international community? This month in the Spotlight Hongmei Peng, Engagement and Programme Manager in our Shanghai Office, tells us about how she started with the RSC and what her team do to advance the chemical sciences in China.

Read the full update on the Networks Newsletter blog, and contact the Networks Team with any comments or questions.

Read about our engagement activities in China on the Newsletter blog

 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Outreach, Careers, Events, International, and Research & Innovation teams, as well as the Chemists’ Community Fund and RSC Publishing.

RSC 2021 Grants
We have now started to process the 2021 grants and wanted to express our appreciation to the Treasurers for their efforts in preparing and submitting their financial reports. The grants will be processed for your network when all the required financial information has been submitted and we have received the 2020 Annual Report.

We would also like to remind Treasurers to check their accounts every month, this helps to identify any Bankline access issues or unusual transactions in your account.



RSC and SCI joint events
Some RSC and SCI networks have in the past regularly collaborated on events. Recently the RSC and SCI signed an agreement to formalise the obligations for these joint events, and in simple terms it is agreed that:
  • The split of risk and reward between the RSC and SCI is 50:50.
  • For any advance deposits the RSC shall commit the funds and this will be taken into account in the final calculations of surplus/loss.
  • The organising committee should have at least four members (two each from the RSC and SCI) and a maximum of eight members (four each from the RSC and SCI). If more committee members are required this can be included as an amendment.

For each joint RSC and SCI event we will need to prepare a document outlining the details of that event, including that approval has been obtained from the RSC and SCI for the event. For most joint events a contract is normally reviewed, so we have altered the Contract and MCB Budget Approval form to collect the additional information required. However, if your network is thinking of running an event with the SCI and there are no contracts involved can you please complete this form.

If you organising an event with an organisation other than the SCI, or have any questions regarding running joint events with the SCI, please get in touch with the Networks Team.


Contact the Networks Team with any queries about running a joint event


Telephone Befriending with CCF Volunteers
The COVID-19 national lockdowns have left many people by themselves for long periods of time, which can naturally lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

We wanted to let you know that Royal Society of Chemistry members, whether student, professional or retired, can arrange regular phone calls with one of our trained Chemists’ Community Fund volunteers.

Our volunteers all have scientific backgrounds, and provide support and companionship, bringing comfort to those who are feeling alone.


For more information, please get in touch by phoning +44 (0)1223 432227, or by sending the team an email. Messages are always kept confidential.


Hardship Grants for Chemists
The Chemists' Community Fund is extending support to chemists who are not members of the RSC whose financial situation has been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
These one-off grants are offering £500 to working chemical scientists and up to £250 to those in full-time chemical/chemical science education or working as an apprentice in the UK and ROI.

Email us to find out more information or visit our website.
Please share this information with your colleagues and across your own networks.

As a member of the RSC we would like to remind you that there is an enhanced member package of support for those affected by COVID-19 available, wherever you are based, on our Chemists' Community Fund web page.

Learn more on the Hardship Grant website


Are you applying for the Inclusion & Diversity Fund?
Do you have a great idea for a project that will help make the chemical sciences community more inclusive and diverse? If so, you could apply for our Inclusion & Diversity Fund, which provides financial support typically up to the value of £5,000.

There are two rounds of applications each year, and the first closes on 19 April. Open to everyone, applicants will be notified of the funding decision by 4 June.

Learn more and apply online


Join the gender parity webinar
Addressing Gender Parity across the Commonwealth – 8 March 11.30 GMT

Delivered by Commonwealth Chemistry and Chemistry World to celebrate both International Women’s Day and Commonwealth Day, Addressing Gender Parity across the Commonwealth will explore ways to overcome barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the chemical sciences. Our expert speakers will discuss:
  • perspective on gender issues throughout the Commonwealth and cultural challenges to attract and retain women in the chemical sciences
  • gender inequality and its consequences in research culture, including gender bias in publishing
  • policies on integrating diversity and gender equality from the perspective of a funding agency

The seminars will take place during a variety of time zones to accommodate our winners from different regions, so we encourage any and all interested to register and attend.

Find out more and register


How can the Careers team support you?
Have you thought about asking the Royal Society of Chemistry Careers team how they can support you and your members in 2021?

The team are available to run CV reviews, present or take part in panel discussions on a wide range of career-related topics such as job searching in your sector, using labour market information in your career development, identifying your transferable skills and managing your CPD, and developing specific skills like leadership, communication or career resilience. We can work with you to shape our support to your needs.

You can find out more about what we do by visiting rsc.li/careers.


Contact the team to find out more about how they can support you


Join us for #RSCPoster 2021 from 12:00 UTC tomorrow!
Our annual Twitter conference kicks off tomorrow and is a chance for all chemists, at every career stage, to share their research with the global chemistry community for 24 hours.

You can follow the excitement on Twitter by searching for #RSCPoster and your preferred subject hashtag, you can watch the short #RSCPosterPitch video clips, or you can register for the #RSCPosterLive webinars!

Learn more about and register for the 2021 #RSCPoster Conference


Analytical Research Forum 2021 - Call for abstracts
The Analytical Research Forum (ARF) provides the opportunity for early career researchers from analytical communities to present their work, alongside high profile analytical scientists, showcasing cutting-edge analytical chemistry. Join us online on 15th and 16th June 2021.

Find out more on our website


 
Thank you for reading!

This Newsletter has been tailored to you, but the full version can be found on the Networks Newsletter blog. Please read the online version and get in touch with suggestions for what you would like included or feedback about what we've sent you!

Send us your feedback

Stay safe,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie




 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Mar 1, 2021 2:00 PM GMT
Dear ​colleague,

Welcome to the February Networks Newsletter, our way to keep our member network committee members and representatives up to date with RSC activities, services and new initiatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: RSC Division Review - Update for member networks
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
01 February
01 February
08 February
09 February
10 February
11 February
11 February
23 February
25 February
26 February
28 February
01 March
08 March
Deadline for 2021 ChemComm Emerging Investigators nominations
Deadline for 2021 ChemSocRev Pioneering Investigators nominations
Deadline for nominations to RSC Board and Division vacancies
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 18 February to additional networks
Deadline for submitting the 2020 Financial Reports
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 18 February
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 18 March
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 4 March to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 4 March
Deadline for registration for Schools' Analyst Competition
Deadline for February Research Development Grant applications
Application deadline for the Outreach Fund small and large grants
Deadline for applications for the 2021 Undergraduate Research Bursaries
 
Upcoming Events
 
04 February
09 February
18 February
23 February
02-03 March
04 March
18 March
Member e-alerts
IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast 2021: Empowering Diversity in Science
Member e-alerts
Chemists' Community Fund Helping with debt webinar, 5pm UK time
#RSCPoster Twitter Conference
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts
 
Spotlight: RSC Division Review - Update for member networks

The Division Review is looking at the function and structure of the nine RSC Divisions; the Advisory Group is currently developing its proposals to present to MCB in March 2021.

Read the key findings from the member survey and next steps on the Networks Newsletter blog, and please contact the Advisory Group with any comments or questions.

Read about the update and next steps here

 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Outreach, Careers, Events, International, and Research & Innovation teams, as well as the Chemists’ Community Fund and RSC Publishing.


Reminder: One week left to nominate your representative
The closing date for nominations for the Local Section and Interest Group representatives on Member Communities Board is Monday 8 February.

We have engaged with Mi-Voice, an external electoral services provider, to manage the process for our nominations. You would have received an email from our Interim CEO Helen Pain in early December, sent by Mi-Voice, inviting nominations for the vacancies on our Boards, Committee and Divisions. This email included a personalised link to make your nomination. There are two ways to nominate:
  1. Self-nomination
  2. Proposal nomination

Any member can self-nominate or propose another member; all nominations are required to be accompanied by names of two RSC members willing to second the nomination. If you would like more information about the vacancies, or if you have not received an email from Mi-Voice, please contact our Governance team.

Contact our Governance team for information or support



2020 Annual Report data and the 2021 Annual Report form
98 out of 137 member network Annual Reports have been received, describing 313 events in 2020 (not counting individual events as part of series). Thank you to all of you who have submitted your Annual Reports so far.

Almost 120 of the reported events were cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic, however you also shared more than 30 new events that came about as a direct result of the "new normal" we experienced in 2020. We are very excited to go through the data in detail and share the outputs with you all over the coming weeks.

If your committee has not submitted your 2020 Annual Report yet, please contact the Networks Team as soon as possible.

As promised, we have developed the 2021 Annual Report form based on your feedback. We will be sharing the form with Secretaries this week with additional training material and an updated video guide.



Planning your 2021 activities?
Have you thought about asking our Careers Team how they can support you and your members in 2021?

The team are available to run CV reviews, or present or take part in panel discussions on a wide range of career-related topics such as job searching in your sector, using labour market information in your career development, identifying your transferable skills and managing your CPD, and developing specific skills like leadership, communication or career resilience. We can work with you to shape our support to your needs.

You can find out more about what we do by visiting rsc.li/careers.

Contact the team to find out more about how they can support you



Zoom licence for member networks
We’re pleased to announce that we have now acquired a Zoom Meeting license for RSC Interest Groups and Local Sections to use free of charge. This Zoom license allows up to 300 participants and you can enable up to 50 breakout rooms per session.

We still have the GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar accounts to enable more networks to organise virtual events, particularly as Zoom is not accessible at some institutions.

Please use the Zoom Booking form to schedule your Zoom meeting. The booking form allows you to book a test session on Zoom so you can become familiar with the Zoom software. We are currently finishing a user guide for Zoom, and this will be available soon under the Virtual Events section of the Useful Forms and Documents webpage.


Book your Zoom meeting here



Exciting updates for #RSCPoster 2021
As you may know, #RSCPoster is a Twitter poster conference open to all chemists, at every career stage, to share their research with the global chemistry community.

This year, we’re adding two new elements to the #RSCPoster Conference. These are #RSCPosterPitch, short video pitches to accompany posters, in the same way you might give a quick presentation to someone at a physical conference, and #RSCPosterLive, a series of live webinars to accompany the main event.


#RSCPosterLive will bring together scientists from across the globe to discuss topics of relevance to the chemistry community, including pathways to becoming professor, mental health in STEM, and how to choose the right PhD or postdoctoral supervisor. The webinars will take place on GotoWebinar, to allow everyone, including people without Twitter, to be able to participate.

We would be very grateful if you could encourage your members to sign up for #RSCPoster and direct them to the #RSCPoster Conference webpage for further information about all aspects of the event.

One final thank you to all the Interest Groups who have supported us via sponsorship so far, your help is invaluable. If any further groups are interested in sponsorship opportunities, or if anyone has any other questions, please do get in touch with the team at rscposter@rsc.org.


Learn more about and register for the 2021 #RSCPoster Conference



Awarding 2020 and 2021 40-Year Gold Badges
In 2019 we implemented an anniversaries engagement plan for our members; this included a new process to ensure that all those entitled to received their 40-year gold badge (the process was shared in this June 2019 Spotlight article).

Obviously, last year we were not in the office to send these, but we will be working with our Brand Centre to get the 2020 badges mailed out as soon as possible. For the 2021 badges, we wish to safeguard all of the members involved in the sending and receiving of the badges, so we will be sending 2021 badges out directly to members.


If you would like to send congratulations from the Local Section to members reaching their 40th anniversary of membership in 2021, contact our Membership Team below.

Request contact details for gold badge recipients



2021 Undergraduate Research Bursaries are open
The Undergraduate Research Bursaries for Summer projects in 2021 opened today for applications and will close on Monday 8 March 2021. The scheme is open to students registered with a UK or Republic of Ireland institution looking for a wage contribution undertaking a 6-8 week research project. We have also updated our scheme this year to make it more flexible, so you can adapt your project should circumstances change.

Find out more and submit your application on our website



RSC Desktop Seminar Lectureship Series
We are delighted to announce our inaugural free, online-only RSC Desktop Seminar Lectureship Series, featuring virtual talks by our recent journal lectureship winners. Each session will include an introductory talk by a journal board member as well as a journal lectureship winner.

The seminars will take place during a variety of time zones to accommodate our winners from different regions, so we encourage any and all interested to register and attend.

Visit the webpage to find the full list of Desktop Seminar and to register



Hello from the RSC Public Engagement Officer!
Hello Networks! My name is Anna and I am the Public Engagement Officer here at the RSC. It is my job to work with people across the RSC, including members and networks, to support, develop, facilitate and deliver public engagement and outreach activity.

I know that there are many of you who are interested in public engagement and outreach, and I wanted to let you know that I am here to support you however you may need. I am currently working on an exciting piece of work looking at what provision the RSC has to empower and enable its members to develop and deliver their own activity and what we should be providing in the future – over the coming months I hope to speak with some of you to get your valuable input.

If you need any support or advice regarding any public engagement activity that you do or would like to do please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Talk to Anna about your public engagement ideas



Our Outreach Fund is open and welcome to applications
Our Outreach Fund provides financial support to members, individuals and organisations in order to enable them to run chemistry-based public and schools engagement activities.

Our next deadlines are Monday 1 March for both small grant (up to £5,000) and large grant applications (£5,000 to £10,000). Please visit our website for further details on applying during this period or get in touch with the team.


Find out more about eligibility, criteria and restrictions here



Analytical Division celebrates the 100th AMC Technical Brief
The Analytical Division’s Analytical Methods Committee (AMC) has published its 100th Technical Brief.
AMC Technical Briefs are free to access and provide reliable and up-to-date technical information about aspects of analytical science.

 Read the full article here

 
Latest updates on our policy work

With a programme of activities spanning research funding, mobility of scientists, open access, chemicals regulation, teacher supply, curriculum and much more, our goal is to shape the development of policy relevant to the chemical sciences.


UK-EU deal: Horizon Europe
Following influencing by the research and innovation community, including the RSC and its members, the UK will associate to Horizon Europe, (subject to ratification of the deal and finalisation of the Horizon Europe Programme regulations). This will provide researchers and businesses access to all pillars of Horizon Europe (including the European Research Council and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions), as well as:
  • Joint Research Centre activities
  • Article 185 and 187 partnerships
  • The European Institute of Innovation and Technology
  • The European Research Infrastructures Consortium 12 January 2020
  • The European Research Area Committee.
  • Euratom Research and Training Programme
  • European Joint Undertaking for ITER (‘F4E’) and the Development of Fusion Energy
  • Copernicus

The UK will not participate in the new European Innovation Council fund, which provides equity based investment to SMEs, however UK entities will still be eligible to apply for the grant elements of the European Innovation Council. UK researchers will still be able to lead projects and participate in collaborative projects as they have done in previous European Framework programmes.

Our Brexit Preparedness pages contain up to date information about EU Funding, Mobility and Immigration and Chemicals Regulation



Chemicals strategy and future chemicals policy
In 2021 the government is looking to develop a new UK-wide chemicals strategy. During 2020, the RSC championed the way in our foundational work ‘A chemicals strategy for a sustainable chemicals revolution’. We are calling for UK investment in a green and sustainable innovation strategy and our interim chief executive Helen Pain shares the importance of scientists in this vision in her Opinion piece. There are many opportunities to get involved as the UK develops a new chemicals strategy from new jobs in the civil service to a new public consultation expected in the Spring of 2021. This year also sees evolution of the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and with the new trade and cooperation agreement in place, those developing a UK strategy will need to be cognisant of what is also happening in the EU on this topic.

The RSC has been working with the United Nations Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Beyond 2020 program. Following engagement with senior scientists internationally, we call for a new intergovernmental panel for chemicals and waste to be established that is on a par with the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). The role chemical pollution plays in global health inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss needs to be higher up on national and global policy agendas, with greater involvement of scientists bringing their insights and experience to the table.

Download and read our full chemicals strategy policy position


 
Thank you for reading!

A tailored version of the Networks Newsletter is sent to all member network committee members each month, the complete version is published here. Please read the online version and get in touch with suggestions for what you would like included or feedback about what we've sent you!

Send us your feedback


Stay safe,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie


 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Feb 1, 2021 3:00 PM GMT
This month in the Spotlight, the Division Review Advisory Group are sharing an update on the ongoing review of the RSC Divisions. Contact secretariat@rsc.org with any comments or questions.


During 2020 we initiated a review of the structure, role and purpose of Divisions.

The review was proposed by the Member Communities Board (MCB) in response to the most recent Governance Review. MCB set up an Advisory Group consisting of Division Council members past and present to carry out the review with a view to ensuring that the full potential of the Divisions can be achieved with clarity over their function and purpose.

Part of the review has been to seek input directly from members through a survey. The survey was conducted in early July and 356 members responded to the survey (56% of whom were MRSC and 32% were FRSC). 78% of the respondents were from the UK.

Key findings include:

Motivation for joining Divisions
To keep up to date with developments in the sector (45%)
To feel part of a community of chemists (40%)

Most valuable aspect of being in the Divisions
To have visibility of RSC activities (37%)
The Division makes a positive impact in the community (23%)

Interactions with Divisions
Attendance at events, meetings and conferences (20%)
Involvement with committees and councils (20%)
Via Division communications (20%)
No interaction (18%)

Purpose of the Division
To bring together members with similar interest to form a network and represent the community (27%)
To promote and raise the profile of the chemical sciences (22%)


These data together with a series of interviews, external benchmarking and activity audits, has confirmed to the Advisory Group within its early discussions that:
  • Clarity is required around the role of the Divisions and their relationships with other RSC groups
  • More effective mechanisms are required for communication
  • The language and nomenclature associated with Divisions should be reviewed

The Advisory Group is now developing its proposals and will present a set of recommendations to MCB in March 2021. MCB will then submit its plans to the Board of Trustees in April.

Please keep an eye out for future communications around the outcome of the Division Review.

Please contact secretariat@rsc.org if you have any queries about the survey, and thank you in advance for your support.

 
In case you missed them, please see these previous updates about the Divisions Review in the Networks Newsletter:
  1. Launch of a review of the RSC Divisions (June 2020)
  2. Help shape the next phase of our Division Review (July 2020)

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Feb 1, 2021 2:00 PM GMT

Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the first Networks Newsletter of 2021!

The Networks Newsletter is our way to keep our member network committee members and representatives up to date with RSC activities, services and new initiatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • A message from the Networks team
  • Communications from across the RSC
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
12 January
14 January
18 January
26 January
28 January
29 January
31 January
31 January
31 January
01 February
01 February
10 February
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 21 January to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 21 January

Close of nominations for Volunteer Recognition Prizes
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 4 February to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 4 February
Deadline for returning the 2020 Annual Report

Deadline for Local Section inserts into March Chemistry World
Deadline for 2021 JAAS Emerging Investigators Lectureship nominations
Deadline for January Research Development Grant applications
Deadline for 2021 ChemComm Emerging Investigators nominations

Deadline for 2021 ChemSocRev Pioneering Investigators nominations
Deadline for submitting the 2020 Financial Reports
 
Upcoming Events
 
07 January
20 January
21 January
27 January
04 February
18 February
Member e-alerts
Skills, the economy and Chartered Chemist, 10am UK time
Member e-alerts
Starting out right: financial advice with Better with Money, 5pm UK time
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts
 
A message from the Networks team

At a recent member network committee meeting the Chair asked how everyone was feeling "on a scale from 1 being tired to 10 being almost comatose", and we couldn't help but feel that that summed up 2020 perfectly.

2020 put incredible strain on all of us, both personally and professionally. As we look forward to 2021 we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over the last ten months, and to let you know that if you need us, we're here to help.


2020 Annual and Financial Reports
While we appreciate that many of you cancelled or postponed events in 2020 and thus have little or no activity to report, we still need every committee to submit their financial and annual reports.

For the Annual Reports, we ask for up to date committee information in the Committee section of the form. Even if you have nothing to report, please provide this information so that we can ensure our records are accurate. In fact, where relevant, we would like you to include information about events that have been affected by the pandemic so that we can fully understand the impact of Covid-19 on member network activities.

The 2020 form has been designed to be easy to complete, while also streamlining the collection and collation of the information you provide. You can watch our Introduction to the 2020 Annual Report form video to see how to complete the form, and please send any feedback about the form to us so that we can implement it in the 2021 process.

For the Financial Reports, please note that your 2021 grant will not be released until we receive your 2020 paperwork - this still applies even if your committee did not spend any money in 2020. Please ensure that the signed reports are returned to networksfinance@rsc.org by 10 February 2021.

 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Outreach, Careers, Events, International, and Research & Innovation teams, as well as the Chemists’ Community Fund and RSC Publishing.


Did you miss our online event discussion sessions?
We hosted four online discussion sessions in December with the opportunity for committee members to share their experiences and learn from each other. We were delighted with the level of engagement and enthusiasm for the sessions and hope to share the outputs in the coming weeks.

In case you missed them, you can watch the recordings from the four sessions here:


Diversity data report 2020
Collecting and understanding data is key to improving diversity in the chemical sciences – as is transparency.

This is why our Diversity data report 2020 examines diversity across the breadth of our organisational activity – including membership, governance bodies and committees, prizes, grants, education, publishing and more.


Download the report



New year, new Brand Centre allocation
Every member network has a dedicated annual budget on the RSC Brand Centre to use on promotional items - this budget reset on 1 January.

Key things to remember:
  • Local Sections and Interest Groups receive £400 annually, AD Regions receive £300 (funded by the ACTF)
  • Postage is included in the allocation - please note that as there is no payment step postage will be added after you order has been placed
  • For international Local Sections, we will pay the postage for your first order on top of the £400 allocation
  • If you've not logged in in a while your account might have been paused - contact the Networks team to have it reset
  • Any 2021 overspend will be taken out of the 2022 member nework grants
  • FAQ and other resources are available on the Useful Forms and Documents page

Log in to the Brand Centre here



Prizes – two weeks left to nominate
Do you know an individual or team that deserves recognition?

For 2021, we’re excited to introduce the first of a series of changes to our prizes in response to our independent review last year. These changes bring to the fore the importance of teams and collaborations, as well as the diversity of people and contributions that are important for 21st century science.


As well as the research and innovation prizes, our Volunteer Recognition Prizes celebrate those who go above and beyond to form communities and support and inspire others. This is your chance to recognise an individual or committee who has initiated a novel way to engage with or support your community. And please remember: if you don't make diverse nominations then we won't have diverse winners!

Explore the 2021 prizes and nominate before 5pm (GMT) 18 January 2021



Inclusion and Diversity Fund supports 15 projects through its special call supporting the Black chemistry community
This year, we created a special call through our Inclusion & Diversity Fund for projects that specifically focus on breaking down barriers faced by Black chemists. We received 65 applications, of which 15 projects were funded around the world including 11 in the UK.

A video of the some flash presentation highlights of these projects and other race-focused projects was shown as part of the Inclusion and Diversity Forum 2020: Further diversifying chemistry—a focus on race inequality, which was held on December 8.

Outside this year’s special call for projects, the ID Fund continues to support projects including those focused on improving the ethnic diversity of the chemical sciences. Learn more at rsc.li/id-fund.

Watch the highlights of race-focused projects supported by the ID Fund



Tailored events for international audiences
Each year RSC staff plan events outside the UK to support and engage with our international members. In 2020 many of these events were moved online, and several new online events were created.

As a result, our Publishing, Careers, Education and international teams can now offer you bespoke events for your members - perhaps you would like one of our editors to discuss Open Access publishing? Or a member of our Careers team to plan a ChemCareers workshop?

Take a look at the international events on the Events Database for ideas and contact us if you would like to know more.

Ask the Networks team about an event for your members



Registration for #RSCPoster opens 1 January - spread the word!
Registration for #RSCPoster, the Royal Society of Chemistry’s flagship virtual conference, opens in January and we’d be very grateful if you could spread the news to your members.

The event is free to register for and spans all research areas within the chemical sciences, enabling chemists of all disciplines, locations and career stages to come together, engage in scientific discussion and network with their peers. Participants will also be able to submit their #RSCPosterPitch - a short video to present alongside their poster and provide a more immersive virtual experience.

In 2020, the event saw around 5000 individuals tweeting from around 60 countries, and with your support, we hope 2021 will be even bigger and better. Contact the team at rscposter@rsc.org to learn how your committee can get involved!

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Measuring Cancer Earlier - Expressions of interest welcome

Connecting Analytical Scientists and Cancer Researchers
Friday 05 February, 10.00 – 13.00

The Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Division and Cancer Research UK are hosting an online workshop and networking event to bring together analytical scientists and cancer researchers to facilitate new collaborations for early cancer detection research.

Our keynote speakers, Sam Janes (University College London) and Molly Stevens (Imperial College London), will give their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for developing new tools for the early detection of cancer. CRUK early detection sandpit award recipients, David Carter (Oxford Brookes University) and Bhavik Patel (University of Brighton), will share their experiences of the collaboration.

The remainder of the programme will focus on workshops and structured networking to enable the communities to connect with each other.


Learn more and express your interest on the event page by 13 January



Registration is open for the 2021 Schools’ Analyst Competition
The annual competition for Year 12 (or equivalent) students will be run differently in 2021 - we are providing kits for schools to host their own event for up to ten teams of three. Bursaries are also available for additional items.

Each school will be provided with certificates and prizes for the winning team. Winning entries will also be entered into a regional competition, where the best overall entry will also win a prize for their school.


Schools can register their interest before 26 February


 
Thank you for reading!

This Newsletter has been tailored to you, but the full version can be found on the Networks Newsletter blog. Please read the online version and get in touch with suggestions for what you would like included or feedback about what we've sent you!

Send us your feedback

Stay safe,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie



 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Jan 4, 2021 2:00 PM GMT
In Hassun’s fifth and final blog article about public engagement, he explains why no project is complete without an honest and detailed evaluation to measure success. Share your thoughts with Hassun via email at zafarh@rsc.org or on Twitter @HassunElZafar.


Evaluation. That pesky word that rocks up when you think it’s all done and dusted. When you’ve seen done all the planning and delivery. When you’ve pitched the idea, achieved something phenomenal… When you just want to have a break. It pops up: Evaluation.

Let’s start with a simple question: Why do we evaluate?

Here’re the answers I came up with in 30 seconds:
  • Improve and inform our current and future practice
  • Demonstrate the impact of your activity
  • Show value for money
  • Secure funding
  • Meet the terms of funding providers
  • Have recorded evidence of your activity
  • Clearly understanding what success looks like

It’s important that evaluation is planned as an integral part of any public engagement activity, not as an add-on. This could be done by placing it into the core part of your delivery plan. This is an example of how this may look:

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I often find that our focus on successfully achieving our project outputs (delivery) overshadows our vision for the successful evaluation of our objectives. As mentioned in my previous blog articles, clear objectives (make them SMART!) really do help with not falling into this trap.

Let’s give a working example of how incorporating evaluation into every step of a project plan can improve a project.

 

Play

Scenario (as ever, this is not real, but applicable): We have a diverse group of chemistry researchers working on innovative and boundary pushing research on plastics in one of the UK’s top higher education institutions. The researchers are super keen to do more outreach, they don’t see it as an add-on – but a necessity.

Idea: The researchers have come up with an idea, to produce a video that is as concise as possible in explaining contemporary scientific research into plastics and celebrate the diversity of the team. They want to place the video onto the university webpage, use it at open days, school outreach programmes and summer society exhibitions.

 

Pause

Here’s where evaluation comes really handy. Let’s ask one of the above questions, and answer it using SMART methods:

Q) What does success look like?
  1. 2,000 primary aged students in the local area are engaged with reduce, reuse and recycle programmes ran by schools by the end of the academic year.
Now, let’s add… how we can measure that this has been achieved?
  1. Creating a survey that will be filled out by teachers capturing activity response, interviews with school head teacher on school actions and case study stories from students (via teacher-led focus groups).
 

Stop

Go back and look at the idea I presented to you, it’s not a bad idea – but now I’ve told you what I think success looks like, what I want to actually achieve, and how I plan to evaluate it… Is the idea the best way to achieve what I want to achieve?

Quick answer: No.

 

Rewind

I head back to working board; I need to come up with another idea… but this time, I’m going to inform myself using other people’s evaluations and by talking to my specific target audience (AKA primary schools) to see what works and what does not.

So after reading about excellent projects on websites like the NCCPE and having dialogues with experts and partners, I come up with another idea: To create resources for a project where primary schools are encouraged to collect every piece of plastic they use, while also using a specially designed and co-created tool kit to help them become plastic free.

At the end of the spring term, the schools are tasked with creating artwork with the plastics they have collected, alongside a scheme of work which has been co-created with teacher from those schools (by the way, this is not a full idea! It has flaws, I need to work on it, but hopefully you’ll see the point of it being a better idea, because of the evaluation thought process).

The art project attracts local media attention, which this boosts awareness of the programme – you should capture this, funders love local media attention.

The teachers fill out specifically designed questionnaires with questions on the co-creation process, timelines, resources and what worked well and what didn’t – you should also capture this, other teachers love to hear from other teachers.

The head teacher gives you an interview on how your resource has been applied in their school, the challenges they’ve faced, what they would do differently, and the value the programme has given students – capture this, it’s going to improve your project massively and, as for teachers, head teachers love to hear the thoughts of other head teachers.

With permission from the teachers, you capture group thoughts from the students – you can’t give them a survey, they’ll see it as work (the teachers told you that) so you’ve arranged for them to give their thoughts through a game of “pass the bean bag” – if you have the bean bag you tell us what you think of the plastics now you’ve done the project. They love it because it’s a great game, you asked the teacher to do this before the project too, so you can compare the answers.

 

Stop

I can go on, but I won’t. It goes without saying that the second idea is much more resource intensive – it’s going to take much more time and effort than simply making a video. But its impact… well, I think it’d much more significant.

If I did something like this, I’d target one school in a really underserved community, and do it well, and by doing it “well”, I mean having a solid evaluation of the project. If one school is too much, then try one class – less can mean more impact, more lessons for me and more legacy to my project.

It all goes back to one question: What does success look like?

Answer that question in the most detailed, and honest, way you can. Because that is going the measure to which you evaluate any project.

So the next time that pesky evaluation question comes up, think beyond the words “quantitative” and “qualitative”, dig deeper than just using questionnaires and survey forms: define success, set yourself an ambition, and keep evaluation in mind from the very start.



This is our fifth blog article from Hassun, you can read the others in the series here:
  1. Know Your Audience 
  2. Co-Create, Co-Create, Co-Create
  3. What now?
  4. Outputs ≠ Outcomes
more...
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Dec 1, 2020 11:00 AM GMT
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