Dear colleague,Welcome to the October 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: Chemistry and COP26
- Communications from across the RSC
- Latest updates on our policy work
01 October
04 October
04 October
11 October
12 October
14 October
26 October
28 October
01 November |
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Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
October deadline for Outreach Fund small grants
Deadline for Chemistry Week grant applications
Deadline for applications to the Research Enablement Grant
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 21 October to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 21 October
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 4 November to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 4 November
November deadline for Outreach Fund small grants |
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07 October
07 October
08 October
11 October
13 October
21 October
04 November
11 November
11 November
18 November
25 November |
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| Spotlight: Chemistry and COP26 |
The UK will host the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October–12 November 2021. This will be the most significant meeting since the Paris Agreement was signed, establishing a global objective to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius with efforts to keep as close to 1.5 degrees as possible.
Previous COPs and other summits have helped the formation of United Nations Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). For COP26, we are focusing on chemistry’s unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the SDGs – in particular Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production) and Goal 13 (climate action) – and will be hosting a series of online discussions and workshops, showcasing relevant research, and developing educational and outreach resources and grants.Find out what we're doing and how you can get involved
| 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.Planning future eventsAs many of you will have been reminded at our recent Networks drop-in sessions, the current RSC guidance recommends a virtual first approach until the end of December 2021 in order to allow for the potential uncertainty of further lockdowns and need to self-isolate. This approach also helps committee members to plan with more certainty over this period.However, as of 1 September 2021, as things are opening up in different countries, our member networks can now go ahead and organise physical or hybrid events should there be a reason or advantage to do so.Events and activities must always comply with local government guidance.
Things to consider:
- Organisers should prioritise hybrid or online, wherever practical, as this is more inclusive for those who are uncomfortable or unable to attend in person at this time.
- However, we recognise that some events, like local events or social occasions may only lend them themselves to face-to-face activities.
- The group will be liable for any cancellation fees incurred if the event is postponed or cancelled, and should therefore ensure that potential risks are minimised and costs are proportionate
- We’d advise you consider the scenario of organisers, speakers or delegates being asked to self-isolate, and to have a back-up plan for this
- For any contracts, booking agreements or any document with terms and conditions, you must complete a contract and approval form and submit the contracts to networks@rsc.org so the legal team can review the documents. All contracts must be signed by RSC staff to protect our members from inadvertently becoming personally liable for any damages or loss. Members are not authorised to sign any contracts for RSC activities.
Burlington House is hosting a small number of pre-existing bookings to the end of this year. The team are prepared to consider new bookings for 2022; please contact bhrooms@rsc.org for information.Interest Group Forum 2021Thursday 11 November (11:00–12:00 UK time)
We are delighted to announce that we will be holding this year’s Interest Group Forum online on Thursday 11 November.
The Interest Group Forum is an annual meeting of representatives of all of our Interest Groups to receive updates on relevant projects, share experiences, and identify opportunities for collaboration; the benefit of holding our event online means that there is no limit to the number of committee members who can attend, so we are inviting all Interest Group committee members to take part if available.
Discussions will include: Belonging in the chemical sciences, the Division Review, identifying collaborations, and changes to our committee election and ballot processes. As in previous years, we are inviting you to submit your questions and comments before the meeting to us at networks@rsc.org; all comments will be responded to so please submit your comments and questions even if you cannot attend.The Forum will be recorded and the link shared with all Interest Group committees. You can watch the 2020 Interest Group Forum online.Register here to join us on 11 November2021 Christmas CardsIt’s that time of year again when we realise that Christmas is just around the corner and we need to think about cards. Staff have been meeting to discuss the process for sending Christmas cards for 2021, particularly considering the implications of the ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty this winter brings. As such, we will be sending the cards centrally again this year to safeguard our volunteers and recipients. We will be sending further information to all Local Section Secretaries and the Local Section CCF Representatives in the UK and Ireland in the coming weeks.Join us for one of our online Community Drop-insOn 7th, 8th and 11th October we are trialling a new event, giving members the space to discuss topics related to chemistry and Sustainability along with our CEO, Helen Pain, President, Tom Welton, and President-elect Gill Reid.
There are three opportunities to join us for this:
- 5:30 – 7pm Thursday 7th October
- 8:30 – 9:30am Friday 8th October
- 12:30 – 1:30pm Monday 11th October
In these events you will hear from invited members working in the field but you will also be able to ask your own questions and discuss your own thoughts on Sustainability.Learn more and register to join us for one or more of these events onlineA sense of belonging in the chemical sciencesEvery chemist deserves to feel like they belong.
Read our new research and watch our discussion video on what a sense of belonging means to the chemical sciences community, based on in-depth discussions with chemists from the UK and around the world.Read the report at rsc.li/belonging and share with your networksCareer support at member network conferences and eventsOur career and professional development advisers frequently attend conferences and events to speak or provide one-to-one CV advice. The team have created a new brochure with information about career topics that the team can speak on as part of member network events, including approximate timings and who they are suitable for.Download the RSC careers support and talks brochureOur work in Africa picks up paceSince 2015, we have been working with GSK in Africa to provide training courses in modern analytical methods (GC-MS and LC-MS). By the end of 2021 we will have trained over 400 scientists from across the continent and 10 local trainers.
Throughout 2020 all face-to-face activity was sadly postponed due to the pandemic. However, 2021 has seen the welcome return of the PACN courses, which will run until the end of the year. We will shortly be hosting the next GCMS course in Ghana, closely followed by Ethiopia and Nigeria. It has been fantastic to hear the enthusiastic feedback from delegates and how this knowledge will continue to be shared. We would also like to pass on huge thanks to our volunteers who have continued to offer virtual learning support – in particular Erick Awas who leads activity from our Kenya Hub and was instrumental in enabling us to welcome back Kenyan delegates from May until August. Join our PACN LinkedIn page to keep up-to date with our work in AfricaFree membership for undergraduates until 31 DecemberThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone differently. At the RSC we’ve been working throughout the disruption to support our members’ changing needs and help them get back on track when there have been unforeseen circumstances.Due to the challenges imposed on learning by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to waive membership fees for undergraduate students from RSC accredited institutions for this academic year if they join us by 31 December 2021. These savings will apply to both existing and new student members, supporting them as they begin or continue their undergraduate studies.Academic representatives at accredited institutions have been provided with information to help us to reach and welcome as many eligible students as possible, but any support that our networks can provide in engaging with these new members of our community in the coming year would be greatly appreciated.Learn more on our website Public Engagement – Making the Most of Your Engagement11th, 18th and 25th November 13:00 – 14:00, UK timeJoin us for a series of three one-hour workshops run by the award-winning freelance communicator, Jamie Gallagher, to explore how to create the perfect public engagement tailored to your skills, subject and audience. Whether you are new to engagement or looking to get new perspectives on what you can do to improve, this workshop is packed with tips, tricks and strategies for making the most of your engagement.Learn more and register onlineRSC Inclusion and Diversity Forum 2021 – save the dateWe are pleased to announce that the Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion and Diversity Forum 2021 will take place virtually on 8 December.
The Forum will continue last year’s focus on race and ethnicity, including through the launch of our report on race and ethnicity in the chemical sciences and announcements of the resulting RSC commitments and recommendations from the findings of the report as well as from ongoing work with partners. The Forum will also highlight the recently launched report: A sense of belonging in the chemical sciences.
In addition, the Forum will also feature:
- a keynote speaker
- a panel discussion focusing on influencing change
- the awarding of the 2021 Inclusion and Diversity Prize
- poster presentations and selected flash presentations of community-driven projects supported by the Inclusion and Diversity Fund
Throughout the event, attention will be drawn to the importance of sponsorship and allyship, mentorship, availability of role models and building an inclusive global chemistry community.
Registration will open shortly, please look out for further information.Latest issue of Analytical Matters now available onlineFind out about the latest Analytical Division activities including:
- CPD Resources, including the latest AMC Technical Briefs
- Funding opportunities
- Upcoming events
- Highlights from recent activities including the Schools’ Analyst Competition and Analytical Research Forum
- Celebrating the Analytical Division prize winners
- New Analytical Division Council Members
If you have any items you wish to be included in the next newsletter please email analyticalmatters@rsc.org by 30 November 2021.Read the latest issue online
| 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.Chemistry, composites and sustainabilityAnnouncing our partnership with the National Composite CentreMore than 95% of composites are made from raw materials and resins that are derived from oil. Shifting to renewable feedstocks, maximising material lifetimes, and eliminating waste are just some of the challenges facing the composites industry in the drive towards net zero emissions. We believe that chemistry plays a crucial role in developing a sustainable future.Building upon our previous work and existing efforts in the UK, we are joining forces with the National Composite Centre through our Synergy programme to investigate how chemical science research, technology and innovation can help tackle these challenges.Our partnership will bring together perspectives from resin formulators, composite manufacturers and end-users across markets like building and construction, aerospace, transport and energy. We will also be exploring solutions being developed across the academic community to provide a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities for chemistry.If you would like to find out more about this project and opportunities to contribute, please get in touch at synergy@rsc.org.Help us share the message about our partnership on LinkedIn
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 feedbackKind regards,
The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie
