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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Archive for June, 2021
This month in the Spotlight Rachel Thompson, our Programme Manager for Commonwealth Chemistry and a part of the Commonwealth Chemistry Secretariat, introduces Commonwealth Chemistry and tells us about some of the Federation’s recent achievements.

Contact Rachel if you have any questions about Commonwealth Chemistry activities or projects.


What is Commonwealth Chemistry?
Commonwealth Chemistry is a unique collective of over 40 Commonwealth countries that brings together individuals, communities, chemical societies and other organisations working in the chemical sciences to develop networks, promote collaboration and address shared challenges set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Royal Society of Chemistry is one of 23 member chemical societies and provides funding and the secretariat.

Commonwealth Chemistry holds its first AGM, Congress and launches its website
  • Commonwealth Chemistry recently hosted its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually, which brought together 56 representatives from across the Commonwealth. Highlights of this included the appointment of the first President, Dr Vicki Gardiner, an introduction to the Federation and to all the member societies, a review of current and future plans and a lively Q&A session.
  • Immediately following the AGM chemists from across the Commonwealth came together for the 1st Commonwealth Chemistry Congress. More than 400 chemists from 38 Commonwealth countries joined this three day virtual event. The opening session, a panel discussion on ‘Chemistry and the Commonwealth’ explored the Congress theme of ‘Partnership for the Goals’. Six scientific sessions, with 24 plenary and 80 flash talks, focused on chemistry’s contribution to the UN SDGs showcasing a wealth of scientific excellence from across the Commonwealth. The final session brought leading figures together to share their career experiences with the early career chemists in an interactive panel discussion. All sessions ran twice at different times with different panellists and speakers to ensure inclusivity and that all Commonwealth countries could join live.
  • Commonwealth Chemistry has also recently launched its own website with information about the Federation and for its member societies and the wider Commonwealth chemistry community

What’s next for Commonwealth Chemistry?
  • Coming up in September will be the 2nd online Commonwealth Chemistry Posters event bringing together early career chemists to share their research, discuss their ideas and make new connections and networks
  • Then later in the year a webinar on ‘Taking Chemistry to Market’ will bring together leading experts in this important topic to share their experience in an interactive forum.
  • More details of all future Commonwealth Chemistry activities will be found on the website.
Posted by Aurora Walshe on Jul 1, 2021 2:00 PM BST
Dear colleague,

Welcome to the July 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: Federation of Commonwealth Chemical Sciences Societies
  • Communications from across the RSC
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
01 July
05 July
06 July
08 July
15 July
25 July
27 July
29 July
31 July
01 August
02 August
02 August
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications
July deadline for Outreach Fund small grants
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 15 July to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 15 July
Close of 2021 Pay and Reward Survey
Deadline for Technician Skills Development Grant applications
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 5 August to additional networks
Deadline for E-alerts going out on 5 August
Deadline for July Research Development Grant applications
Deadline for Local Section inserts into September Chemistry World
August deadline for Outreach Fund small and large grants
Close of special funding call to improve accessibility and disabled inclusion
 
Upcoming Events
 
01 July
07 July
15 July
05 August
19 August
25 August
Member e-alerts
Redundancy Support Workshop from the CCF, 17:00 UK time
Member e-alerts
Member e-alerts

Member e-alerts
Retirement in Sight Workshop from the CCF, 17:00 UK time
 
Spotlight: Commonwealth Chemistry

What is the Federation of Commonwealth Chemical Sciences Societies?

Rachel Thompson, our Programme Manager for Commonwealth Chemistry and a part of the Commonwealth Chemistry Secretariat, introduces Commonwealth Chemistry and tells us about some of the Federation’s recent achievements.

Read the full article on the Networks Newsletter blog, and contact Rachel if you have any questions or suggestions about Commonwealth Chemistry activities or projects.

Read Rachel's update about Commonwealth Chemistry

 
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.


Announcement for member network activities outside the UK
To ensure that your activities are covered by RSC insurance, all of our member networks, regardless of location, must now adhere to rules 7.4 and 7.5 in the rules for our member networks:
 
7.4
All contracts and/or documents which will commit the RSC to any liability must be submitted for legal review by the RSC’s Legal Services Team prior to signature. Contracts should be submitted to networks@rsc.org with a completed contract approval form.

Following the legal review process, all contracts must be signed by an appropriate RSC staff member with authority to bind the RSC.
7.5
Any activity with an overall budget greater than £15,000 requires the pre-approval of the Member Communities Board. All member networks need to fill in a pro-forma and submit it to staff (networks@rsc.org) at least three months before the event.

Any contract for goods and/or services valued at greater than £10,000 must be approved ‘in principle’ by the Member Communities Board, subject to the contract approval process and submission of a copy of the (unsigned) contract to the board by the committee.

This includes any bids or verbal commitments including peripatetic conferences.

In particular, please note that all contracts or documents with terms and conditions must be approved in advance by our Legal Team and signed by a member of RSC staff. We have the ability to outsource the checking of such documents to specialists who will understand the legal systems and languages in your countries so don't worry about getting anything translated.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Download the member network rules, notes, and glossary of terms


Updated anti-bribery training available for volunteers
As a UK organisation, the UK 2010 Bribery Act applies to all RSC volunteers and activities around the world. To learn how this affects you, you can:
Find the training options on the Useful Forms & Documents page


Updated FAQ document for virtual member network events
We have updated the online event FAQ document with information about the three online platforms available to member networks for hosting online events. This includes a table to help you choose the best platform for your event, and information about features such as breakout rooms, automatic reminder emails, and live close captioning.

The guide is not designed to provide technical support for meetings, instead please consult the Zoom, GoToWebinar, or GoToMeeting support pages in the first instance.

Download the updated FAQ from the Useful Forms & Documents page


Online cloud recordings for member network events
Due to the high volume of member network events on Zoom, we are unable to store all cloud recordings of events indefinitely. As such we have deleted all test session recordings and will delete committee meeting recordings after one month (unless we receive a specific request from the committee). If your committee records meetings to facilitate minute taking, it is possible to download the transcript as a separate file.

Find booking forms, guides and more on the Useful Forms & Documents page


Tailored events for your members from RSC Publishing
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) to arrange your event


Complete the Pay and Reward Survey by 15 July
Help us build a picture of working in the chemical sciences

We are looking to create a strong dataset that can support the community and help understand the challenges faced in the workplace today, and in the immediate future. The data will also:
  • further our inclusion and diversity work
  • advocate for chemical scientists in the UK and around the world
  • help members plan and develop their careers.
We cannot do this important work without your input. By providing your income data, whether you are working or retired, you are helping your community. Take part via the link we have emailed you, or use our generic link: warpsurveys.com/payandreward2021

Read about what chemists earn on our website


Apply for funding to improve accessibility for disabled chemists
The Royal Society of Chemistry is committed to tackling the barriers that disabled people face within the chemical sciences.

As part of our efforts, through our Inclusion & Diversity Fund, we’re looking to financially support community-driven projects that seek to combat the underrepresentation of disabled chemists. The Fund is currently accepting applications up to the value of £5,000, with larger applications occasionally considered.


Find out more and apply by 2 August


Professional registration and development for apprentices
The competencies for Registered Science Technician and Registered Scientist are being updated to better describe the skills and behaviours demonstrated in the role of a professional scientist, and receiving one of these awards gives recognition of a high standard of work and allows the use of postnominals RSciTech or RSci.

Gaining professional registration status is invaluable for apprentices starting out in a career within the chemical sciences, and since membership of a professional body is required to become professionally registered, we offer 50% off the annual membership rate for people earning less than £28,000 a year for all of our membership categories.

Learn about the benefits, watch our webinars, and apply on our website


Sensors & Diagnostics – opening for submissions mid-August
Led by Editors-in-Chief Sabine Szunerits and Xueji Zhang, Sensors & Diagnostics will be the Royal Society of Chemistry’s gold open access journal for high impact sensors research.

Sensors and screening is a key frontier technique identified in our 2019 Science Horizons report – over 40% of the researchers we surveyed highlighted it as important for the advancement of their own work.

Sensors & Diagnostics will have a broad scope that focuses on high impact, innovative sensing work. We will welcome interdisciplinary research from across the analytical, chemical biology, materials, and nano sectors.


Find out more and sign up for news: rsc.li/sensors


Latest issue of Analytical Matters available online
Find out about the latest Analytical Division activities including:
  • CPD Resources, including the latest AMC Technical Briefs
  • Funding opportunities
  • Analytical Division Council Member profiles

If you have any items you wish to be included in the next issue of Analytical Matters, please email analyticalmatters@rsc.org by 31 August 2021.

Read the latest newsletter here


Rescheduled 2021 dates for GSK/RSC Training courses
We are now underway with the rescheduled Royal Society of Chemistry and GSK Hands-On LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry) training courses for 2021.

Priority will be given to those who were accepted to attend the cancelled 2020 courses, but places do remain on several courses later in the year. Please see the timetable below for forthcoming courses.

 
Course Type
LCMS
GCMS
LCMS
GCMS
GCMS
LCMS (Extra)
Location
Kenya
Ghana
Kenya
Ethiopia
Nigeria
Ghana
2021 Dates
5–9 July 2021
6–10 Sept 2021
9–13 Aug 2021
30 Aug – 3 Sept 2021 [provisional date]
15–20 Nov 2021
Late Oct/Early Nov 2021 [provisional date]

Contact Ellie Peters at Africa@rsc.org with any queries


IUPAC | CCCE 2021 early-bird registration closes on July 12, 2021
The first ever virtual IUPAC General Assembly and World Chemistry Congress, held in conjunction with the Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition (IUPAC | CCCE 2021) is taking place on 13-20 August 2021. This virtual event will feature plenary talks from leading chemists around the world, live Q&A sessions with speakers, hours of on-demand technical talks, live poster sessions, networking and social events, and a featured RSC-sponsored panel discussion ‘Sustainability for Chemistry’ exploring inclusion and diversity.

The RSC is a proud Iridium Sponsor of IUPAC | CCCE 2021 and we hope to see you at this exciting event. Register by the early-bird registration deadline of 12 July 2021 to save. RSC members are also eligible for a registration discount. Contact CCCE@cheminst.ca with your name, institution, and RSC membership number to receive the RSC registration discount code.


Find out more and register online


 
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 Jul 1, 2021 2:00 PM BST
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