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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This month in the Spotlight we take a look back at the UNESCO International Year of the Periodic Table with Georgia Thomas, our Special Projects Officer for IYPT.


The International Year of the Periodic Table will end at the Closing Ceremony in Tokyo later this week.


We have been delighted to see all the activity that has been going on in 2019, and as IYPT draws to a close, we want to take a look at some of the highlights:
  • The RSC welcomed over 1200 visitors at 20 free to attend public lectures across the UK and Ireland in association with Science Centres, Universities and other scientific societies.   
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  • We awarded £83,400 in individual and member network grants in support of 97 global projects designed to engage diverse audiences and promote IYPT to the wider public. Grants were made available to individual RSC members and to our member networks via three rounds of funding applications throughout IYPT.
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  • The Story of the Periodic Table Exhibition engaged broad and diverse audiences with 1600 visitors coming to Burlington House throughout August 2019.
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  • If you are working with schools for IYPT, there are some excellent education resources designed by the RSC Education Coordinators especially for IYPT.
     
  • Chemistry World has been publishing a variety of special IYPT-themed articles, including opinion pieces and a series of graphic novels depicting key moments in periodic table history. Read them here.
     
  • The RSC journals also celebrated IYPT by putting together special IYPT themed collections relating to specific elements and areas of the periodic table, take a look here.
If you want to see more of what the RSC community has been getting up to, take a look at our Community News pages.
 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Dec 2, 2019 11:46 AM GMT
Dear ​Colleague,

Welcome to the 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: Highlights of the International Year of the Periodic Table
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work

Upcoming Deadlines
 
10 December
10 December
12 December
12 December

01 January
07 January
09 January

13 January
15 January
07 February
24 February
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 19 December to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 2 January to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 19 December
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 2 January
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications

Deadline for E-alerts going out on 16 January to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 16 January

Close of the Outreach Fund large grant applications
Nominations for 2020 RSC Prizes and Awards close
Deadline for 2019 Financial Reports
Deadline for
2019 Annual Reports

Upcoming Events
 
05 December
05 December
05 December
19 December
02 January
16 January
IYPT Closing Ceremony
Member e-alerts
4th Materials Chemistry Frontiers International Symposium
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts

Spotlight: Highlights of the International Year of the Periodic Table
This month we're looking back at the International Year of the Periodic Table with Georgia Thomas, our IYPT Special Project Officer.

The International Year of the Periodic Table Closing Ceremony will be in Tokyo on Thursday 5 December. As the year draws to a close, we want to celebrate some of the highlights!

To find out more, read the full article on the Networks Newsletter blog or contact Georgia, our IYPT Special Project Officer.

Read the full article 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.

Changes to the RSC Networks team
We are delighted to welcome Debbie Dekker to the RSC Networks team!

Debbie spent most of her early career doing marketing at law firms and then had a career break to raise her twin girls. After her career break she worked at a technology company where one of her roles was supporting groups of external partners.

Debbie joined the Networks team on 11 November and is looking forward to working with you all!


Changes to the Rules for Member Networks
We have recently updated our rules for our member networks, you would have received an email outlining these changes in November.

The changes are important but are likely to be in line with your current working practices:
 
  • Inclusion of new rules on:
      - Gifts and hospitality (rule 3.3)
      - Conflict of interest (rule 3.4)
      - Safeguarding (rule 8.3)
  • Update of an existing rule (rule 7.5) outlining the requirements for approval prior to making any commitment of funds or resource. This includes bidding for peripatetic conferences.
As one of our volunteers please can we ask that you to take the time to read the updated rules and guidance notes that are available online. These rules apply to all of the member networks of the Royal Society of Chemistry and supersede any earlier documents.

Look at the new rules here


Have you nominated for our 2020 volunteer recognition awards yet?
The volunteer recognition awards are a celebration, and a reflection, of the diversity of our volunteers. Nominate an individual or an entire committee by 15 January.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Please remember to nominate them, don’t assume that someone else already has.

Award for Exceptional Service
This award is designed to recognise those volunteers who have made a personal impact through exceptional volunteering activities.

Inspirational Member Awards
These awards recognise the contribution of individual members who, through our member networks, have been instrumental in introducing and driving new ideas and approaches to support the full breadth of our community.


Inspirational Committee Awards
These awards recognise member networks committees that have initiated novel activities or approaches in order to engage or provide services for their communities. This should include initiatives to make the committee or events more inclusive to engage new members, an activity which has had a significant demonstrable impact in the community or other novel/significant activity which demonstrably supports our wider strategy.


Nominate an individual or an entire committee by 15 January


Annual Report training and support
The 2019 Annual Reports are due by Monday 24 February. You can complete the form here: rsc.li/annual-report-2019

If you have any questions about the Annual Report form or process, please take a look at the 2019 Annual Report form and support section on the Useful Forms and Documents page where you will find the following resources:
 
  • A link to the video of our Introduction to the 2019 Annual Report webinar
  • The slides from our Introduction to the 2019 Annual Report webinar
  • The complete list of questions from the 2019 Annual Report form
  • A form to share with 2019 event organisers to gather the necessary information about past events
  • A form to share with 2020 event organisers to gather the necessary information about planned events
Find Annual Report support on our Useful Forms and Documents page


Have you signed up to the RSC International Networks Forum?
We have created an online forum using LinkedIn for our international Local Section committee members and International Representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges of running a Local Section outside the UK.

Join the group to receive updates from the RSC Networks team, ask questions and share experiences.

Join the RSC International Networks Forum 


Royal Society of Chemistry Prizes and Awards
The Royal Society of Chemistry prizes and awards programme is your chance to celebrate the outstanding work happening across the scientific community – don’t forget to make your nominations by 15 January 2020.

With over
60 prizes and awards reflecting a broad spectrum of achievement, this is your chance to recognise the extraordinary individuals and teams making a positive impact for the chemical sciences. Previous winners have come from a vast range of specialisms but all have demonstrated passion, excellence and dedication deserving of recognition.

You can nominate or be nominated until 5pm (UK time) 15 January 2020.

If you want to nominate someone but need some help with the process or working out which award to nominate them for, then please get in touch with us at
awards@rsc.org.

Need some advice on writing a nomination? Our refreshed
guidance for nominators article highlights the key things you should be thinking about.

Who do you know that’s deserving of some recognition?

Make your nomination


The facts behind your next career decision
Earlier this year many of you contributed to our 2019 Pay and Reward Survey – and the results are out!

Read the 43rd survey report to benchmark salaries and rewards, discover what motivates today’s chemical scientist and see the impact of career breaks and additional qualifications.
If you are interested in having better conversations and negotiations with employers, personal growth or encouraging your employer to use the data in this report, keep an eye out for our new ‘Develop your career’ webinars, created using insights from the report.

Read the 2019 report


Call for nominations to our Community Boards
The Materials Horizons and Nanoscale Horizons Community Boards were created to provide a channel for communication between the early career community and the journals, and to facilitate student and postdoctoral engagement with the journals. Since then we have received some extremely useful feedback from these board members, which has helped both journals move from strength to strength. Based on the success so far, we are currently reviewing membership of our Community Boards to ensure that they accurately represent the early career research community.

Nominations for the Community Board are open now until Monday 20 January and more information is provided in this blog post. I would like to encourage you or any interested colleagues of yours to nominate an engaged and interested early career chemists working in the area of materials and/or nanoscience.

Learn more about our Community Boards


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.

Results of the Policy Priorities Survey
Thank you very much to everyone who responded to the Policy Priorities Survey sent to members in July this year. We’ve analysed the results and published this note summarising the results and saying what we are doing as a result of the survey.

The survey showed that policy work to show the role of chemistry in tackling climate change and other environmental challenges, such as the circular economy, is particularly important to members, along with research funding, sustainable chemicals management and Brexit.

The note outlines our policy priorities for 2020 and beyond, which take account of the survey feedback.

Read our Policy Priorities now


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

Kind regards,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora and Debbie

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Dec 2, 2019 11:00 AM GMT
Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the 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
  • News from the RSC Networks team
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work


Upcoming Deadlines
 
12 November
14 November
26 November

28 November
01 January
13 January
15 January
07 February
24 February
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 21 November to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 21 November
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 5 December to additional networks

Deadline for E-alerts going out on 5 December
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
Close of the Outreach Fund large grant applications
Nominations for 2020 RSC Prizes and Awards close
Deadline for 2019 financial reports
Deadline for 2019 Annual Reports


Upcoming Events
 
07 November
11 November
19 November
21 November
05 December
19 December
Member e-alerts
Introduction to the 2019 Annual Report training webinar
Social media for training for member networks: scheduling your content
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts


Spotlight: Becoming a Chartered or Registered member

This month we have an update from Nelly Harvey on our Accreditations team about our professional awards.

We have Chartered and Registered members across industry and academia, from apprentice and technician to senior chemist, professor and beyond.

To find out more, read the full article on the Networks Newsletter blog or contact the Accreditations team

Read the full article 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.


New Annual Report form and training

The Annual Report has moved to an online form: rsc.li/annual-report-2019
All member network Secretaries will receive a formal notification in the coming days, but we want to take this opportunity to thank the Secretaries who tested the form and helped us to improve the content and layout, your feedback was invaluable!

We've set up a webinar to go through the form step by step and explain why we need the information we're asking for and what it will be used for. Sign up below if you have any questions about the Annual Report form or the annual reporting process!

Register for the Introduction to the Annual Report webinar


New Inclusion & Diversity Events Policy for RSC events

There is ample evidence that having a more diverse group of people gives better scientific outputs, therefore as a professional body it is in our best interests to encourage an inclusive environment and to support anyone who wants to study and work in the chemical sciences.

Our Breaking the Barriers and LGBT+ workplace reports outline various factors that affect women’s retention in science and reasons why LGBT+ scientists also leave the physical sciences. These reports have led us to develop resources to help combat these factors (such as Grants for Carers), and resources for member networks to support you when running events, managing committees and communicating information.

Furthermore, we are working to embed inclusion and diversity (I&D) in everything we do as we aspire to lead and provide good practice in inclusion and diversity. In line with this aspiration, the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Committee, on behalf of the RSC Board of Trustees, have introduced a requirement that all RSC supported events must consider inclusion and diversity, and in 2020 we will be adopting a new I&D Events Policy.

This new policy will also apply to member network events, and committees will be asked to include diversity information and details of the steps that you have taken to be inclusive in the 2020 Annual Report. To prepare for this, we will soon be sending the recommendations from the framework to all member network Secretaries and we will ask for diversity information from your 2019 events in the 2019 Annual Report.

If you would like to know more about the Framework or about resources available for member networks, please contact the Diversity team.


Check out the I&D resources available for member networks



Event planning best practice: Health and Safety

Hazards and risk must be considered, assessed and managed for all member network events. Member network Secretaries should ensure that appropriate risk assessments are completed for all events and activities - as outlined in the RSC Networks Handbook.

Not only is it a strict legal requirement to effectively manage the risks created by such events, we also have a duty of care towards everyone involved.

When planning your event:
  • Always complete the relevant risk assessment and send a copy to the Secretary.
  • Always request from all known guests any special dietary requirements or allergies and use venues and suppliers that can cater for people with specific requirements.
  • Our safeguarding policy contains procedures and processes for engaging with  children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Familiarise yourself with our accident/incident procedure. Should an accident or incident occur, send required information to RiskManagement@rsc.org as soon as possible.
  • On the day, familiarise yourself with fire procedures, any special medical arrangements required and locations of facilities.

Learn more about risk assessment for member network events



2019 Christmas Cards for Local Sections

We have had an update from our Creative and Production Services Team informing us that the winner of the Christmas card design competition has been selected and that we hope to have them delivered to our offices during the week of 11 November 2019. We hope to get the cards to your requested contact as soon as we can.



RSC International Networks Forum is now on LinkedIn

We have created an online forum using LinkedIn for our international Local Section committee members and International Representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges of supporting RSC members outside the UK.

Join the group to receive updates from the RSC Networks team, ask questions and share experiences.

Join the RSC International Networks Forum 



Social media training for member networks

The third and final webinar will be about using online software to schedule your social media posts weeks or even months in advance. You can find information about the content and presenters on the Events Database or register by clicking on the button below.

Register for our Scheduling your Content webinar on 19 November

The first webinar, Social Media for beginners, focussed on the different types of social media and how to use them. You can download the slides and Q&A handouts from the event page or watch the video here.



Brand Centre Access for AD Regions

The Analytical Division Council has agreed to provide £300 to each of the AD Regions for 2020 for use on the Brand Centre.

You can find a Brand Centre user guide and FAQs on the Useful Forms & Documents page. Contact the Networks team for your login details or remaining 2019 balance.

Order promotional materials on the Brand Centre



First Commonwealth Chemistry Congress

The inaugural Commonwealth Chemistry Congress (CCC) is to be held at the University of the West Indies, in Trinidad and Tobago, from 18–21 May 2020.

A key aspect that differentiates the CCC from any other scientific meeting is the underlying principle of equal representation for all Commonwealth countries and a unique focus on creating an enabling environment for early career chemists: each Commonwealth country will be represented by three early career chemists who will be fully funded to attend.

Contact the External Relations team for more information, or click on the link below.

Learn more about the first Commonwealth Chemistry Congress



Chemists’ Community Fund Information Video

The Chemists’ Community Fund have produced a short two minute video to explain the Fund and the breadth of support available to RSC Members, their partners and dependents.

Thank you to the Local Sections and Interest Groups who have played the video at their meetings - we have had very positive feedback!

If you haven’t yet seen the video please do take a few minutes to watch it by clicking on the link below and please do share it with other members at your meetings.

Watch the Chemists’ Community Fund Video



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.


Principles for implementing waste strategies

Did you know that the natural sources of six elements that are used in your mobile phone are set to run out within the next 100 years?

Drawing on our Elements in danger research, and in collaboration with our Environment, Sustainability and Energy Division, we have developed a set of principles for management of e-waste.

Read how you can manage critical raw materials in e-waste

Did you know that plastic packaging is a more environmentally friendly choice than alternative materials in some cases?

Managing plastic waste and understanding overall environmental impact of materials is critical in ensuring that we make and use plastics in a sustainable way. Drawing on work by our Materials Chemistry Division on ‘Sustainable plastics – the role of chemistry’, we developed a set of principles for management of plastic waste and for selecting the most sustainable material.

Read how you can manage plastic waste

We are calling on the UK (devolved) Governments to follow these principles when implementing their waste and resources strategies.



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

Kind regards,

The Networks Team
Fiona and Aurora

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Nov 1, 2019 10:30 AM GMT
This month in the Spotlight we have an update from Nelly Harvey on our Accreditations team about our professional awards.

Earlier this year, we celebrated our members who gained Chartered Chemist, Registered Scientist and Registered Science Technician status at our Regional Celebrations.


Some of you asked about these awards, it may have been the first time you knowingly met a Chartered Chemist or Registered Science Technician!

We have over 12,500 Chartered members and approximately 200 people gain Chartered member status every year. We have been awarding Chartered Chemist for around 45 years. The registers are more recent, and they have been awarded since 2012 and currently over 370 members hold Registered status. We have Chartered and Registered members across industry and academia, from apprentice and technician to senior chemist, professor and beyond.
  • Our members have told us they wanted to become Chartered or Registered as it was important to their personal sense of career fulfilment, and that it enhanced their career and promotional prospects.
  • We accredit training and development at over 25 organisations for Chartered and Registered status; across industry and academia, from analytical to food, energy and defence. Our members have said accreditation for Chartership is essential for demonstrating competence to regulators, helping in the recruitment and retention of talent and providing a formalised way of providing recognition and structured development for their employees.
If you would like to find out more about applying for Chartered status please email cchem@rsc.org.

If you would like to find out more about accreditation please email cchem@rsc.org.

You can learn more about all of our professional awards including Chartered Chemist, on our website.
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Nov 1, 2019 10:30 AM GMT
Dear ​colleague,

Welcome to the 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
  • News from the RSC Networks team
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work
 
 

Upcoming Deadlines
 
01 October
01 October
07 October
08 October
10 October
14 October

21 October
29 October
31 October
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications 
Nominations for RSC Prizes and Awards are open
Close of applications for Research Fund
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 17 October to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 17 October
Deadline for IYPT Member Grants

Close of applications for Researcher Mobility Grants
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 7 November to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 7 November

 

Upcoming Events
 
03 October
17 October
24 October
07 November
19 November
21 November
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts
Social media training for member networks: finding and planning content
Member e-alerts
Social media for training for member networks: scheduling your content
Member e-alerts

 

News from the RSC Networks team

This month we would like to update you about ongoing changes to the Networks team.

As many of you know, Becky joined us in October last year as the maternity cover for Nic Bygrave.

Nic was due to come back to the team in October, but instead she has decided to take a break and spend more time with her three boys. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Nic for her time on the Networks team and wish her luck for the future.

Unfortunately, Becky will also be leaving us in October. Becky joined us after completing her PhD in molecular biology and over the last year has worked with many of you on everything from your annual grants to contract queries. Becky is hoping to return to a lab-based position – although after she takes some time to paint her new chicken coop! Becky has passed on her well wishes to all of our committee members and we will miss her dearly.

All of this means that from 1 October 2019 there is a vacancy on the Networks team. As you are the members that our team engages and works with, we would encourage you to share the job ad and to encourage suitable candidates to apply before Sunday 13 October.


Read the job ad and apply 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.


Nominate now for 2020 Prizes and Awards
Do you know someone working in the chemical sciences who deserves recognition?

Nominations are now open for our 2020 Prizes and Awards, in which we celebrate the outstanding work being carried out in every corner of our diverse community.

With awards for teams and individuals, educators, technicians, and people working across every area of the chemical sciences, there is something for everybody.

We proactively support and celebrate diversity in the chemical sciences and we encourage nominations of people from underrepresented groups. Our winners are selected based on excellence and any RSC member can make a nomination.


This is your opportunity to ensure that our prizes and awards reflect the breadth of achievement across the chemical sciences.

To find out more, and to make your nominations before 17:00 GMT on 15 January 2020.

Learn more about the 2020 Prizes and Awards here


Social media training for member networks
We are working with our Digital Communications team to produce three tailored webinars to support our member network volunteers. You can find information about the content and presenters on the Events Database or register using the links below.

The first webinar, Social Media for beginners, was on Tuesday 17 September, and focussed on the different types of social media and how to use them. You can download the slides and Q&A handouts downloaded from the event page or watch the video here.

You can register for the second and third webinars by clicking on the links below:

Register for our Finding and Planning Content webinar on 24 October

Register for our Scheduling your Content webinar on 19 November

Can’t make the webinar? Register anyway! We will share the video link, slides and resources with anyone who has registered after the webinar, so even if you’re not free on that day please do sign up!


IYPT grants – final deadline 14 October
There is still time to apply for for our IYPT grants to support IYPT - including activity for Chemistry Week!

Committees of Local Sections, Interest Groups and International Sections can apply for a member networks grant (up to £1,000) to support a range of activity including schools and public engagement events or periodic table themed events for members in a particular area.
There are also individual member grants available (up to £500) so please pass on to members you know or include details of them in any e-alerts you send or events and meetings you have coming up.

Apply by 14 October


Grants for Mobility Aids from the Chemists’ Community Fund
The Chemists’ Community Fund are able to offer assistance for RSC Members, their partners or dependents for mobility aids that will help with daily life such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters or stair lifts. A grant from the Chemists’ Community Fund enabled RSC Member Genevieve Ososki to purchase a sit-to-stand wheelchair, enabling her to carry out laboratory experiments safely.

Contact ccfund@rsc.org for more information.

Read Genevieve's story


Personal Brexit Advice on Immigration Status
If an RSC Member, their partner or dependents are in need of legal advice relating to personal immigration matters, the Chemists’ Community Fund may be able to offer help through a free legal advice referral.

With Brexit approaching this may be relevant to those with questions around their personal status under the UK Governments Settled Status Scheme. (Our legal advice service is available to our members in the UK or EU countries, free of charge, following a very simple application process.)

Learn more about our Legal Advice referrals


Riches of the Natural World: Sustainable Use of Africa’s Natural Products and Materials
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 5–7 November

The annual Pan Africa Chemistry Network Congress will take place in Addis Ababa from 5–7 November 2019. The theme of this flagship congress is natural resources and their sustainable management in Africa, and will include scientific sessions on natural products, raw materials and biomaterials, and climate change and water resources.

Registration opens 7 October 2019 and closes 29 October 2019.

Learn more 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.


Enhancing UK prosperity through R&D investment
As the Chancellor prepared to outline a one-year Spending Review ahead of the UK's exit from the EU, we called on the UK government to safeguard the UK's outstanding national research and innovation capacity by investing in the chemical sciences. As long as no deal is still a prospect, it is vital that the government steps up and establishes a transparent, easy to access contingency fund to support the full breadth of research that is currently funded by the EU

See what our Director for Science and Communities had to say about the one-year spending plan.


Read our funding asks to support the chemical sciences over the next year


RSC Brexit Preparedness pages
The UK Government has stated that the UK is leaving the EU on 31 October 2019 and maintain they are committed to leaving with a deal in place. However, the prospect of the UK leaving the EU with no deal in place remains, meaning being prepared is all the more important.

To help our community prepare for the UK leaving the EU in both circumstances, we have updated our Brexit Preparedness pages. This information is relevant for individuals, employers and businesses dealing in chemicals regulations.

We also strongly advise you check regularly the signposted Government pages for updates.

Prepare for Brexit here

 

Thank you for reading!

This is the full version of the Networks Newsletter. Bespoke versions of this Newsletter have been sent to our Interest Group, Local Section, and International Section committee members and all RSC International Representatives.

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 and Aurora

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Oct 1, 2019 10:30 AM BST
This month, Naomi Smith and Richard Holliday describe the support and funding available for interns apprentices from our voucher and training programmes.


How the RSC is supporting internships in SMEs

RSC Internship Grants provide up to £4,000 to SMEs, to host a graduate or career-break returner intern for 3 or 6 months, to work on a Chemistry R&D project. The scheme helps to incentivise SMEs to take on interns, promote the benefits of working in SMEs to recent graduates and offer an alternative route to recruitment for SMEs. We currently award 45 internship grants per year. The Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund generously fund 10 of these, which are for internships that focus on analytical research and development projects. So far over 80% of interns funded by the scheme have been retained in chemical industries; over 70% of these staying on in the SME where they completed their internship.

Applications for RSC Internship grants are open to SMEs, who are current or prospective members of our free-to-join EnterprisePlus network (subject to eligibility). 

Please feel free to share information about our internship scheme with Chemical SMEs in your networks. If you would like to know more about our support for internships, please contact enterpriseplus@rsc.org.

How the RSC is supporting Apprenticeships

In the 2017/18 academic year over 375,000 people began an apprenticeship, but less than 700 of these were in laboratory based apprenticeships. With the increasing popularity of apprenticeships and increasing technical skills shortages within the sector, it is important that we encourage employers to realise the benefits that apprenticeships have to offer. Apprenticeships can provide a valuable way to increase competence, recruit the next generation of leaders into the sector and provide a valuable entry route into the sector for individuals that prefer to learn in an applied manner.

The RSC supports SMEs to employ apprentices, by providing free impartial guidance and grant incentives of up to £5000 towards the set-up costs of hosting a new apprentice. In the apprenticeships policy arena, we are involved in the apprenticeships trailblazer groups that design and formally review the apprenticeships. We are also seeking to protect standards within apprenticeships by exploring the delivery of external quality assurance in partnership with Ofqual and where possible we have integrated RSciTech, RSci and CChem standards into the apprenticeships.

If you would like to know more about our support for apprenticeships, please contact our apprenticeships specialist Richard Holiday.


 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Sep 2, 2019 1:00 PM BST
 Dear all,

Welcome to the Networks Newsletter, our way to keep our member networks up to date with RSC activities, services and new initiatives.

This month in the Spotlight, we have information about support available for interns and apprentices from our Industry and Accreditation teams. As always, full-length Spotlight articles will be published on the RSC Networks Newsletter blog.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
 
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: Internship and Apprenticeship Support
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work
 

Upcoming Deadlines

02 September   Researcher Mobility Grants open
08 September   Deadline for responding to survey on 2021-27 Horizon Europe framework programme
12 September   Deadline for ordering 2019 Christmas cards (UK and ROI Local Sections only)
12 September   Deadline for E-alerts going out on 19 September to additional networks
14 September   Deadline for E-alerts going out on 19 September
01 October        Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
01 October        Nominations for RSC Prizes and Awards are open
07 October        Close of applications for Research Fund
14 October        Deadline for IYPT Member Grants

 
 

Upcoming Events

03 September              Using GoToMeeting - RSC webinar for member networks
05 September              Member e-alerts
11–12 September        2019 Joliot Curie Conference
17 September              Social media for beginners – RSC webinar for member networks
19 September              Member e-alerts
03 October                   Member e-alerts
17 October                   Member e-alerts
24 October                   Social media for training for member networks: finding and planning content
19 November               Social media for training for member networks: scheduling your content
 
 

Spotlight: Internship and Apprenticeship Support

Naomi Smith and Richard Holliday describe the support and funding available for interns apprentices from our voucher and training programmes.

Contact the Industry team to find out more about how we support apprentices.
 

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.

Social media training for member networks

We are working with our Digital Communications team to produce three tailored webinars to support our member network volunteers. You can find information about the content and presenters on the Events Database or register using the links below.

Can’t make the webinar? Register anyway! We will share the video link, slides and resources with anyone who has registered after the webinar, so even if you’re not free on that day please do sign up!

Register for our Social Media for Beginners webinar

Register for our Finding and Planning Content webinar

Register for our Scheduling your Content webinar



2019 Royal Society of Chemistry Christmas cards for UK and ROI Local Sections

The deadline for ordering your Christmas cards is Thursday 12 September. Have you ordered yours?

Remember, if your committee includes the letter from the Chemists’ Community Fund or some text from the Fund outlining new services and contacts you will be able to reclaim the costs of postage from the Fund.

Click here to confirm your order


Funding opportunities for your research

Our Research Fund offers grants of up to £4000 to support work of high scientific or societal impact that cannot be funded through mainstream sources of funding. We have identified as a priority groups working in less well-funded institutes and early career researchers.

Applications are open for the current cycle and close at 2pm GMT on Monday 7 October

Find out more about our Research Fund

Open to early career researchers and PhD students working in either academia or industry, our Researcher Mobility Grants are worth up to £5,000 and support scientific visits to UK and international organisations.

Applications for this round will close at 2pm GMT on 21 October 2019.

Check your eligibility for our Researcher Mobility Grants 


Chemists’ Community Fund to offer care home top up fee grants

Last month the Chemists’ Community Fund introduced grants towards ‘top up’ of residential care home fees for members and their partners.

Read the full story


Are you or your committee active in STEM engagement?
Applications for the STEM Inspiration Awards are now open

The STEM Inspiration Awards are open to all of our members who are involved in inspiring STEM enrichment and engagement work, not just STEM Ambassadors. You can nominate yourself or take the opportunity to recognise active volunteers in your network by clicking on the button below.

Submit your application before 10 September


Professional development events near you

Nelly Harvey on our Professional Standards team is planning two professional development events for members in the coming months:
 
  • A training session for those who are or would like to be a CChem mentor on 2 October in Burlington House, London. 
  • An opportunity to have a one to one consultation about our professional awards, including Chartered Chemist, covering suitability, mentor choice and reviewing your evidence, in Birmingham on 15-16th October. 
If your committee would like to coordinate or host a professional development event in your area, Nelly would love to talk to you!

Contact Nelly to arrange a consultation near you


Chemcareers webinars

Our final two webinars of the year from the Career Management team are nearly here: o18 September learn how to become a Chartered Manager through the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Management Institute, and finally on 16 October find out more about challenging careers in the Water industry and what skills you need to succeed. 

You can watch previous webinars on our YouTube channel. Some of our favourites so far have been how to approach transitioning out of academiacareers in science policy and of course our series on each Chartered Chemist (CChem) attribute. Our webinars are with leading members of the community and our in-house career and professional development advisers to help you explore your options or develop your career. 


Find out about upcoming ChemCareers events 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.

Horizon 2020 funding in the event of a No-deal Brexit

The UK government have extended the Horizon 2020 underwrite guarantee, which commits to funding grants won by UK researchers or businesses from Horizon 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. The guarantee now includes assessing any bids for European Research Council grants, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and SME Instrument grants still awaiting approval at the point the UK leaves the EU, and funding the best ones. 

Please see the updated guidance from the government, and register your grant on the dedicated portal before October 31 2019 in order to be able to take advantage of the underwrite guarantee funding.

Register your grant for the underwrite guarantee before 31 October

 

Thank you for reading!

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 & Becky

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Sep 2, 2019 1:00 PM BST
Pip Matthews gives an update on the latest developments from our Diversity team, plus tips and tricks to help you embed inclusion and diversity in your activities. To find out more about our diversity activities, contact the Diversity team.
 
Since we launched our Breaking the barriers report in November, we have been working hard to develop our next steps and work to tackle some of the barriers we identified to progression and retention of women in the chemical sciences.

The difficulty in balancing work life against expectations that women take on the majority of caring responsibilities come out of the research as a major factor in women’s career decisions. So, to make things easier we have launched our Grants for Carers. These grants will award anyone with caring responsibilities up to £1000 a year to enable them to attend a chemistry related meeting conference or workshop, or a professional development opportunity.

There’s no one type of care that fits all, which is why our grants are flexible, to be used however works for you to enable you to develop your career. It’s not just for childcare – we cover any types of dependents.

We have opened our grants up to all chemists in the UK, and RSC members worldwide. You can make multiple applications (adding to the total of £1000) so the fund can be used for committee meetings and regional events. There are no gender restrictions either - these grants are for men too! We want everyone to be able to balance a home life and their career.

Find more details, and the application form on our website.


Exploring the workplace for LGBT+ physical scientists

Despite progress, many LGBT+ physical scientists have experienced or observed exclusionary behaviour in the workplace. Feelings of discomfort are not necessarily the result of overt negativity, some of the actions that cause them might be almost imperceptible, or easily ignored.

There’s a wealth of evidence that science benefits from a diversity of thought, experience and background. Yet our workplaces are not always the inclusive environments we need to foster a diverse workforce. Tackling the barriers that LGBT+ physical scientists face can create broader benefits.

No one is definable by a single characteristic – we are all complex individuals subject to a whole host of different influences. But, to create an environment where the best scientists can flourish and the best science can be done, we need to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

If we can do that, it won’t just benefit our LGBT+ colleagues, but everyone in our workplaces.

Find more details, and the full report on our website, or download some of our inclusion and diversity resources to use when running events, managing committees and communicating information.


Tips and tricks for an inclusive committee

Finding a diverse pool of speakers and committee members can be a challenge. It’s hard to break away from using the same group of people. We’ve got some suggestions to help you to widen your search.
 
  • Professor isn’t always best – inviting postdocs to give higher level talks can increase the diversity of experiences in the room, and helps to develop the careers of people who are at a key transition point
  • Sponsor women – suggest women in your own networks them for roles and encourage them to apply for opportunities
  • If someone turns down an invitation, ask them to provide suggestions of alternative speakers
  • Don't hold events during half-term or school holidays
  • Mention our Grants for Carers in the invitation!
  • Ensure language is free from words that might imply discriminatory views, e.g. ‘the committee member’ rather than ‘he’ and ‘chair’ instead of ‘chairman’.
  • Refer to our guides to inclusive events and committees as a periodic check to make sure you are
For more information check out our diversity resources. For help with specific questions please contact diversity@rsc.org and we’d be delighted to talk to you!
 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Aug 1, 2019 1:00 PM BST
 Dear all,

Welcome to the Networks Newsletter, our way to keep our member networks up to date with RSC activities, services and new initiatives.

This month in the Spotlight, we have information about the latest developments from our Diversity team. As always, full-length Spotlight articles will be published on the RSC Networks Newsletter blog.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
 
  • Upcoming Deadlines
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: Beyond breaking the barriers
  • Communications from across the RSC
  • Latest updates on our policy work
 
 

Upcoming Deadlines

06 August         Deadline for E-alerts going out on 15 August to additional networks
08 August         Deadline for E-alerts going out on 15 August
12 August         Deadline for Outreach Grant
27 August         Deadline for E-alerts going out on 5 September to additional networks
29 August         Deadline for E-alerts going out on 5 September
02 September   Researcher Mobility Grants open
08 September   Deadline for responding to survey on 2021-27 Horizon Europe framework programme
12 September   Deadline for ordering 2019 Christmas cards (UK and ROI Local Sections only)
12 September   Deadline for E-alerts going out on 19 September to additional networks
14 September   Deadline for E-alerts going out on 19 September
01 October        Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
01 October        Nominations for RSC Prizes and Awards are open

 
 

Upcoming Events

01 August                    Member e-alerts
15 August                    Member e-alerts
22 August                    Using GoToWebinar - RSC webinar for member networks
03 September              Using GoToMeeting - RSC webinar for member networks
05 September              Member e-alerts
11–12 September        2019 Joliot Curie Conference
19 September              Member e-alerts
03 October                   Member e-alerts
17 October                   Member e-alerts

 
 

Spotlight: Beyond breaking the barriers

Pip Matthews gives an update on the latest developments with our breaking the barriers programme looking at women’s progression and retention, the results of our new report on the experiences of LGBT+ scientists in the workplace, plus tip and tricks to help you embed inclusion and diversity in your activities.

To find out more about our diversity activities, read the full blog post, or contact the Diversity team.
 

 

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.


New Chemists’ Community Fund video
The Chemists’ Community Fund have recently produced a promotional video to explain a little bit about what they can offer to members and their dependents. The aim of this video is to be played at local events, please do share the video with your networks and contact the Fund team with any feedback and ideas.


2019 Royal Society of Chemistry Christmas cards for UK and ROI Local Sections
All UK and ROI Local Section Secretaries should have received an email last week asking them to confirm their 2019 Christmas card order details. Once again, those committees who chose to include either the letter from the Chemists’ Community Fund or include some text from the Fund outlining new services and contacts will be able to reclaim the costs of postage from the Fund.

If you have not already done so, please can you confirm your order by Thursday 12 September? Please note that if we do not hear from you, no cards will be ordered for your committee.


PACN Congress 2019: ‘Riches of the Natural World: Sustainable Use of Africa’s Natural Products and Materials’
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 5–7 November

This annual flagship event will take place in Addis Ababa from 5th – 7th November 2019. The theme of the congress is natural resources and their sustainable management in Africa, and will include scientific sessions on natural products, raw materials and biomaterials, and climate change and water resources.

Abstract submissions are now open and full funding is available if you are selected for a presentation and you are an African scientist working in Africa. Don’t miss out – deadline is 12 August 2019.

Find out more and apply at: rsc.li/pacncongress2019


The Royal Society of Chemistry – Royal Society International Exchanges Award.
Applications open Wednesday 14 August

Grants are available for new collaborations between researchers in the UK and Sub Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) for chemistry projects. These are for two-year projects and up to £12,000 is available for travel, including a maximum of £3,000 for research costs.

For more information go to https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/international-exchanges/. The main applicant must be the UK researcher.


Registration is now open for the Joliot Curie Conference 2019
11 – 12 September at the University of Nottingham

The Joliot-Curie Conference is dedicated to supporting the aspirations of early career postdocs aspiring to a career in academic research, particularly those who are under-represented in academia.

In 2017, 100% of delegates said they would recommend it. Come and hear from our expert speakers in an informal setting including Saiful Islam, Tom Welton, Cecilia Fenech-Brincat, Hazel Phillips, Jeremy Sanders, Peter Licence, Robert Parker, Carol Robinson and many more. Also included is 1-2-1 mentoring sessions, poster sessions, dinner and our highly-rated funding workshops. Registration costs £25.
Find out more and register here: rsc.li/joliot-curie-2019

 
 

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.


EU survey on the €100bn 2021-27 Horizon Europe framework programme
The European Commission are seeking views from organisations and individuals on the priorities and impact measures for Horizon Europe. We have been making the case for the programme to maintain its focus on excellence and to enable broad third country participation for the benefit of both the EU and its citizens and third countries. These recommendations will form the basis of our response to the European Commission’s survey.

We would like to encourage you to respond to the survey by September 8 2019 to ensure our community’s views are well-represented: the Commission have made it clear that all submissions will be given equal weight. You are welcome to use our recommendations, but insights from your own area of chemistry will be particularly valuable for the last question on impacts.
 

 

Thank you for reading!

We welcome any feedback you have on what you would like included in this newsletter; please email any suggestions to networks@rsc.org.

Kind regards,

The Networks Team
Fiona, Aurora & Becky

 
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Aug 1, 2019 1:00 PM BST

Updated member group logos
We’re pleased to be rolling out the updated logos to our member groups, and you should have received these by email from the Networks team last week, along with some guidance on how to use them.

You’ll notice that the format of the logos is slightly different from the previous versions. This is because through our extensive research with members, they told us that our logo is recognisable and that many people refer to the Royal Society of Chemistry as ‘the RSC’.

In response to this feedback and to avoid making the new logos large and unwieldy, we’ve introduced a descriptor plus the group name. This is a neater way of presenting the logo and avoids them being too large, especially when used digitally.

Each logo includes the new marque shape, which is designed to be much more like a ‘C’ in response to feedback from our community, and is recognisable as the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The type of group is on the top line, e.g. RSC LOCAL SECTION:
2a0d1d2952242df3970cb9e4e8283e44-huge-rs

The name of the group is on the bottom line, e.g. ENERGY SECTOR:
9978fabbf91b50691c76cd611674d67c-huge-rs


Logo formats
Your new logo is available in .jpg, .png, and .ai file formats for different uses. Please use the .ai file if working with a supplier for printed materials as this is a print file type. You can use either the png or jpg logos for digital use.

In response to your feedback, the logos have been supplied with the correct exclusion zone already included, to make it easier for you to use (this is the white space around the logo). Please don’t trim this exclusion zone any further.


RSC logo and brand guidelines
You can download the brand guidelines and main RSC logo in various sizes and formats from our brand microsite: brand.rsc.org. The brand guidelines are also available here: rsc.org/FormsDocuments


Brand fonts
If you’re producing materials and want to use the brand fonts, you can download Bree Serif for free form Google fonts (see details in the brand guidelines). Bree Serif should only be used for headlines and large formats.

You can use Arial for all other copy and text uses, which is a standard font available on all computers.


New PowerPoint template
We have also created a new PowerPoint template in the new brand, which is available for you to download from rsc.org/FormsDocuments here in both widescreen (16:9) and standard (4:3) format.


Brand centre
Materials available to order on the brand centre are being updated into the new brand. Everything should be updated by the end of September 2019.


About our brand refresh
You can read more about the brand refresh in this news article from April 2019 or in the brand refresh Spotlight article in the March 2019 Networks Newsletter.

Any questions, please contact networks@rsc.org.

Posted by Aurora Walshe on Jul 1, 2019 10:00 AM BST
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