Search Blogs

RSC Networks Newsletter

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.
 

Share this |
Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linked More...

Latest Posts

Archive for May, 2021
Networks Newsletter - May 2021
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