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RSC Networks Newsletter

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

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

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May 2023 Networks Newsletter
Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the April Networks Newsletter, our way to provide key dates for RSC activities, services and new initiatives to our member network committee members and representatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadline
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: Staff availability in the Networks team this month
  • Communications from across the RSC
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
05 May
08 May
16 May
28 May
31 May
26 June
03 July
Registration deadline for Voice of Young Science[
Analytical Research Forum standard registration deadline
Registration deadline for Anxious Reactions
Deadline for Inclusion & Diversity Fund applications
Deadline for May Research Development Grant applications
Deadline for Journal of Materials Chemistry Lectureship nominations
July deadline for Outreach Fund applications

Upcoming Events
 
18 May
26 May
26 May
31 May
08 June
14 June
29 June		 MSDE Symposium 2023: Frontiers in Molecular Engineering
How can chemical scientists engage the public with the climate crisis workshop
Voice of Young Science workshop
Professional registration webinar
Analytical Research Forum
2023 Pay and Reward Survey opens for submissions
Science for Social Change: Engaging with Unseen Communities webinar

Spotlight: Staff availability in the Networks team this month
In this month’s Spotlight we wanted to give you a head’s up about staff shortages towards the end of May.
After around a year working with you all in the Member Networks Team, Barney will be moving to the Policy & Evidence Team at the RSC on 22 May.
This combined with our new Events Specialist Kathryn being on annual leave for two weeks starting that week too means that our capacity in the Member Networks Team will be drastically smaller whilst our new Member Networks Specialist is recruited. Therefore, there will likely be delays in responding to requests in this period particularly around events organising and contracts.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes, if you have urgent requests regarding contracts please get in touch with the RSC legal team directly.
If you have any questions please contact us at networks@rsc.org.
 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Publishing and Careers teams. Please pass on to your networks where relevant.


Applied Polymers journal open for submissions

We are excited to announce that RSC Applied Polymers is now open for submissions. This new gold open access journal focuses on highly impactful applied polymer research. Plus, we are covering all article processing charges (APCs) until mid-2025.

Find out more on the Applied Polymers webpage.



2023 Pay and Reward Survey opens 14 June

All members will receive an email from our selected research partner, Research by Design from 14 June inviting them to participate. We strongly encourage all members to take part. The state of pay amidst the global cost of living increases is a serious challenge for many individuals and employers - but how does the chemical sciences compare?

Complete the survey and help us build a picture of the state of pay and benefits across chemistry. Everyone who completes the survey will automatically be sent an exclusive preview of the results later in 2023.

Find out more about our Pay and Reward Survey


Professional registration webinar – Wednesday 31st May 2023

Want recognition for your expertise, professionalism, and hard work?

The professional registration awards, Registered Scientist and Registered Science Technician, can raise your profile and elevate your confidence. Learn more about them in our upcoming webinar, which is designed to demonstrate how the awards can benefit you, as well as answer your questions.

Find out more and register for the Professional Registration webinar

 
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, Debbie, Claire, Kathryn and Barney
Posted by Barnaby Slater on May 12, 2023 11:24 AM BST
April Networks Newsletter
Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the April Networks Newsletter, our way to provide key dates for RSC activities, services and new initiatives to our member network committee members and representatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadline
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: Introducing Kathryn
  • Diversity and Inclusivity resources for committees
  • Communications from across the RSC
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
07 April
14 April
17 April
17 April
21 April
30 April
02 May
05 May
08 May
16 May
Poster deadline for MSDE Symposium 2023
Deadline for LGBT+ Inclusion in STEM grant applications
Deadline for Emerging Technologies Competition entries
Analytical Research Forum early bird registration deadline
Registration deadline for MSDE Symposium 2023
Deadline for April Researcher Development Grant applications
May deadline for Outreach Fund applications
Registration deadline for Voice of Young Science
Analytical Research Forum standard registration deadline
Registration deadline for Anxious Reactions
 
Upcoming Events
 
05 April
19 April
26 April
27 April
18 May
26 May
26 May
08 June		 Mentoring training
How to pick a PostDoc ChemCareers webinar
What is burnout, what to do about it and how to avoid it webinar
Grant Holder Perspectives: Tales from the Outreach Fund webinar
MSDE Symposium 2023: Frontiers in Molecular Engineering
How can chemical scientists engage the public with the climate crisis workshop
Voice of Young Science workshop
Analytical Research Forum
 
Spotlight: Introducing Kathryn
In this month’s Spotlight we introduce our newest team member: Kathryn Espino, Member Events Specialist
We are delighted to introduce our new Member Events Specialist Kathryn, who will be mainly responsible for supporting you in running your activities and questions about legal obligations and contracts. Here is what Kathryn said about joining:
“I’m very excited to join the Member Networks Team as an Events Specialist, and I’m already amazed at the volume of activity the groups conduct. These events are invaluable to the RSC, and I hope I’ll be able to provide guidance on good practice as well as ensure contracts protect our volunteers and the RSCs reputation. I look forward to more collaborative work in the future!”
We hope you join in welcoming Kathryn to the team! As always if you have any questions please contact us at networks@rsc.org.
 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Chemist Community Fund, Publishing, Industry, Careers, Outreach and Policy teams. Please pass on to your networks where relevant.


Chemist’s Community Fund : we’re here for you

A Chair from one of our Local Sections requested content about the Chemists’ Community Fund, which we thought would be prudent to include in your newsletter for you to please share with your Local Sections.

From everyday challenges to exceptional circumstances, the Chemists’ Community Fund has been here for every member and their family for over 100 years.

Whether you’re studying, working, taking a career break or retired, whether it’s personal or professional, mental, physical or financial – we’re here to help you through life’s challenges with confidential support or guidance that helps you face what’s in front of you with confidence. Our service is completely confidential – contact us through the link below or call 0800 084 3451 (UK Freephone) or +44 1223 853549 (International) to find out more.

Contact the Chemist's Community Fund team


Announcing two new RSC journals

We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of two new RSC journals dedicated to applied research:
Both new journals are gold open access. Plus, we are paying for any article processing charges (APCs) until mid-2025, so you can initially read and publish for free.

Read more about the new RSC journals



MSDE Symposium 2023: Frontiers in Molecular Engineering

Join us for this exciting hybrid virtual and in-person 1-day symposium in London, UK, on 18 May 2023 sponsored by Molecular Systems Design & Engineering (MSDE). Discover how molecular engineering approaches are driving significant breakthroughs across a broad range of research disciplines and applications, with a particular focus on sustainable development goals. 

We hope the event will provide ample opportunities to network and engage with the speakers, members of the MSDE Editorial Board and other attendees. Join us for some exciting discussions and to share your ideas with key members of the molecular engineering community.

Poster abstracts should be submitted by 7 April, and registration closes 21 April.

Find out more and register for MSDE Symposium


2023 Chemical Science Symposium date announced

We are delighted to announce that the next Chemical Science Symposium will be on 26-27 October 2023. This year’s theme is the Chemistry of Polymers, and we invite you to join us in London or online to be a part of the discussion.

Find out more about the Chemical Science Symposium


ChemCareers 2023: How to pick a PostDoc - 19 April

On 19 April at 12.30pm (UK time), one of the Royal Society’s inhouse career and professional development advisers and panel of experts will be sharing advice on things to consider when picking a PostDoc. This webinar is aimed at PhD students who are pondering their next steps in academia. 

Register for ChemCareers webinar



Anxious Reactions: How can chemical scientists engage the public with the climate crisis?
This hybrid workshop will explore the roles and responsibilities of chemical scientists in communicating climate change with different groups. We will consider how emotions like anxiety, frustration, hope, and guilt complicate this task – both for scientists and the public – and how we might navigate them. Participants will work together to develop actionable engagement plans for a range of experts involved in climate-related research and communication.
Runs from 11am-12pm (UK time) on 26 May. Register before 16 May through the link below.
Register for Anxious Reactions workshop.

Voice of Young Science Workshop- 26 May
Apply for your free place at Voice of Young Science ‘Standing up for Science’  workshop on 26 May 2023 at Norwich Research Park.
This is a great opportunity for Early Career Chemists to find out how their work can reach a wider audience and have a greater societal impact as well as network with their peers.
Applications close on 5 May.
Register for Voice of Young Science workshop.

Call for Volunteers – Chemistry4Change
Chemistry4Change is an exciting one-hour digital workshop that connects young people (ages 7 - 11 years old) with chemical scientists who are at the forefront of sustainability. Designed and produced by Big Ideas and funded by the RSC Outreach Fund, we are looking for 4 chemical scientists to take part.

Big Ideas will support you on how to engage with this age group and will produce and run the digital school events and the 1:1 winners’ sessions. To give you an idea of the time commitment involved, please see below:
 
  • Introductory meeting with Big Ideas on Zoom (30 mins) 
  • Event rehearsal on Zoom (1 hour) 
  • Digital event on 3rd May from 10-11am or 2-3pm on Zoom (1 hour) 
  • A Zoom with one of the winning schools (30 mins, date to be agreed subject to availability of you and the school).

Registration closes 14 April.
Contact Chemistry4Change about the call for volunteers



 
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, Debbie, Claire, Kathryn and Barney
 
Posted by Barnaby Slater on Mar 30, 2023 1:56 PM BST
Member Networks Newsletter March 2023
Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the February Networks Newsletter, our way to provide key dates for RSC activities, services and new initiatives to our member network committee members and representatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:
  • Upcoming Deadline
  • Upcoming Events
  • Spotlight: Hybrid Events Drop-In (video)
  • Diversity and Inclusivity resources for committees
  • Communications from across the RSC
 
Upcoming Deadlines
 
06 March
07 March
09 March
27 March
28 March
30 March
31 March
31 March
01 April
14 April
17 April
17 April
March deadline for Outreach Fund applications
Deadline for e-alerts going out to additional Networks on 16 March
Analytical Research Forum Oral abstract deadline
Analytical Research Forum Poster abstract deadline
Deadline for e-alerts going out on 6 April to additional Networks
Deadline for Broadening Horizons programme applications
Deadline for Chemical Sciences in Sustainability essay competition
Deadline for Researcher Development Grant applications
Deadline for Local Section and Interest Group Top-Up Fund applications 
Deadline for LGBT+ Inclusion in STEM grant applications
Deadline for Emerging Technologies Competition entries
Analytical Research Forum early bird registration deadline
 
Upcoming Events
 
09 March
15 March
05 April
26 April
27 April
08 June		 Managing career setbacks and redefining success in your career webinar
From laboratory to entrepreneur - building a company from your research
Mentoring training 9.00am – 11.00am (UK time)
What is burnout, what to do about it and how to avoid it webinar
Grant Holder Perspectives: Tales from the Outreach Fund webinar
Analytical Research Forum
 
Spotlight: Hybrid Events Drop-In (video)
In this month’s Spotlight we summarise the discussions and best practices from January’s drop-in session.
On 19 January we held a Hybrid Events Drop-in session to share experience and best practice for hybrid meeting planning between our members. The session started with talks from our panellists:
  • Dr Ben Lichman (Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Group)
  • Dr Julia Sarju (National Association of Disabled Staff Networks STEMM Action Group)
  • Mr Oliver Thomas (Peninsula Local Section)
  • Dr Miguel Jorge (Porous Materials interest Group)
Watch the panellists’ talks
This was followed by a discussion session amongst attendees sharing best practice and advice for organising virtual, hybrid and in-person events. The biggest take-home message was that each of these formats have their strengths and weaknesses and to carefully consider the aims and audience for your event before deciding on a format.
A summary of the discussion will be uploaded to the Useful Forms and Documents page in the coming week.
If you have any questions about hybrid events or want to share some best practice you’ve experienced please contact us at networks@rsc.org.
 
Diversity and Inclusivity resources for committees

Learn how to make your activities more inclusive and accessible for your members with our inclusivity quick guides. Whether you chair a committee, create communications, or organise events, our quick guides support you to help us make chemistry welcoming to everyone.
 
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Chemist Community Fund, Publishing, Industry, Careers, Outreach and Policy teams. Please pass on to your networks where relevant.


Boost student career prospects with our Broadening Horizons in the Chemical Sciences programme

Our Broadening Horizons programme provides students and graduates from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds with the chance to explore career opportunities in the chemical sciences, receive valuable mentorship and industry experience with the help of leading industry partners.

Help us build on the success of the first cohort by encouraging your eligible students and graduates to apply before 30 March 2023.

Find out more

Access funding to improve LGBT+ inclusion in STEM

We have joined up with Science and Innovation Network (SIN) to address LGBT+ underrepresentation in STEM, with over £600,000 in funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Our new grant project will offer 5–7 grants to pilot research studies, to actively study why LGBT+ groups are underrepresented in STEM – and how we can improve retention.

Please apply by 5pm (UK time) 14 April 2023.

Find out more and apply



ChemCareers 2023: From laboratory to entrepreneur - building a company from your research

On 15 March 12.30pm (UK time), entrepreneurs and the Royal Society of Chemistry entrepreneurship manager will be discussing their career paths and the topic of building a company based from your research. There will be a chance to ask questions and the webinar will cover:
 
  • what entrepreneurship is
  • the skills and attributes required
  • routes into setting up a company
  • sources of support and guidance

Find out more and register



Grant Holder Perspectives: Tales from the Outreach Fund, 27 April
Are you interested in applying to the RSC Outreach Fund, but not sure if it’s for you? Would you like to learn more directly from some of our grant holders?
Three of our grant holders are hosting this month’s online public engagement workshop (from 11am-1pm UK time on 27 April) from our series: Diverse Engagement for Diverse Publics. Come along with your questions or just to listen to our grant holders’ experiences of the Outreach Fund.
As a reminder the Outreach Fund is open with deadlines throughout the year to support chemistry engagement activities for both schools and public audiences.
If you have any questions get in touch with Geri Kitley via outreach@rsc.org.
Register for the workshop.


RSC participates in UN working group





The United Nations hosted an Open-Ended Working Group meeting in Bangkok, Thailand from 29 Jan – 3 Feb on the establishment of a Science Policy Panel (SPP) on Chemicals, Waste and the Prevention of Pollution. The RSC is participating independently in this process as an accredited UNEP organisation and is a member of the ‘Scientific and Technology Community.’




The meeting aim was for governments to discuss the ‘Scope’ and ‘Function’ of the future new science policy panel (SPP) for chemicals, waste and the prevention of pollution, and how the work to establish the panel would be organised over the next 2 years. 130 member nation states were in attendance and discussed these two areas of Scope and Function over 5 long days of negotiation; the outputs were achieved as draft texts which will be discussed back at member state level in the intersessional period, to be agreed at the next OEWG 2 meeting later in Q4 2023.  

Read a recent Chemistry world article on the SPP

Photos by IISD/ENB | Natalia Mroz

 
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, Debbie, Claire and Barney
Posted by Barnaby Slater on Mar 1, 2023 1:52 PM GMT
Member Networks Newsletter February 2023
Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the February Networks Newsletter, our way to provide key dates for RSC activities, services and new initiatives to our member network committee members and representatives.

This month’s Newsletter contains:  
Upcoming Deadlines
 
03 February
07 February
08 February
12 February
20 February
21 February
28 February
28 February
28 February
06 March
07 March
31 March
17 April
 
Deadline for UK-based networks’ financial reports
Deadline for e-alerts going out on 16 February to additional Networks
Poster abstract deadline for Applied Catalysis in the Circular Economy
Deadline for Applied Catalysis in the Circular Economy registration
Deadline for Undergraduate Research Bursary applications
Deadline for e-alerts going out to additional Networks on 2 March
Deadline for Polymer Chemistry Lectureship nominations
Deadline for Soft Matter Lectureship nominations
Deadline for Researcher Development Grant applications
March deadline for Outreach Fund applications
Deadline for e-alerts going out to additional Networks on 16 March
Deadline for Chemical Sciences in Sustainability essay competition
Deadline for Emerging Technologies Competition entries

Upcoming Events
 
01 February
08 February
16 February
23 February
28 February
07 March
30 March		 RSC’s science culture vision for the chemical sciences focus group
Navigating imposter syndrome and its impact on confidence in careers webinar
RSC’s science culture vision for the chemical sciences focus group
From Goodwill to equitable and inclusive practice online workshop
RSC Mentoring training
Managing career setbacks and redefining success in your career webinar
Chemists in the Museum: Novel Spaces for public engagement workshop

Spotlight: Don’t forget to renew your RSC membership
In this month’s spotlight we want to remind you to renew your RSC membership as a requirement for volunteering with us.
With the new year ticking over it is membership renewal time! Regardless of when in the year you signed up to membership with the RSC, you will need to renew your payment from the end of the calendar year (31 December). This is crucial for you all as volunteers one qualifier is for you to be an active member. This will also affect your ability to run for future committee positions this year.
You can check and renew your membership by visiting the members’ portal and clicking the box titled “Renew Your Membership” and following the instructions.
Should you have any other questions about member renewal, feel free to get in touch at membership@rsc.org.

 
Video: Local  Section Day

Thank you to those who could attend Local Section Day both virtually and at Burlington House on 16 November. Interesting discussions were had around events planning post-pandemic and engaging network members.

We recorded the talks from our staff, which is available to you via the links below, starting with Jo Reynolds, (Director, Science & Communities) talking about our overall RSC strategy:

Watch Jo Reynold’s talk on RSC strategy
We also had Amanda Bailey (Manager, Education Strategic Programmes) talk about the RSC Education strategy:
Watch Amanda Bailey’s Talk on Education
Finally we had Anna Dearden (Manager, Chemists' Community Fund) talking about progress and next steps for the CCF
Watch Anna Dearden’s talk on CCF
Video: Interest  Group Forum
Thank you to those who could attend our virtual Interest Group Forum on 8 December. We mainly focussed on the changes to how you can communicate with your members in 2023, and answered your questions.

The meeting was recorded and can be viewed through the link below.

Watch the Video
RSC Prize Lecture Tours

As part of their prize, many RSC prize-winners deliver lectures across the UK and Ireland, providing an opportunity for winners to share their outstanding work, and in turn, for members of the community to hear about and discuss that work, meet with winners and develop new connections
At the end of 2022 we have launched a new web page that lists upcoming dates and venues for our prize lectures with the aim to increase accessibility and transparency.
Please feel free to use this page to find lecture tours near you and to advertise to your networks, the page will be constantly updated as the prize team organises more lectures.
See Prize Lecture Tours
Communications from across the RSC

Here are updates about events and activities from our Chemist Community Fund, Publishing, Industry, Careers, Outreach and Policy teams. Please pass on to your networks where relevant.


Confidential addiction support now available

If you have concerns about a family member, colleague, or yourself relating to dependencies and addiction a confidential addiction support service is now available through your RSC membership.

We’ve partnered with leading specialist service provider, Rightsteps, to provide this confidential addiction service with online resources covering a wide range of dependencies, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy sessions.

Find out more

Essay competition on the role of the chemical sciences in sustainability

The International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD), in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), is launching an annual essay competition on the role of the chemical sciences in sustainability, open globally to entrants under 35 years of age.
The theme for 2023 is “How can the chemical sciences lead the stewardship of the Earth's element resources?” Winning entries will be published in RSC Sustainability.
Essays must be submitted in English as a Word document, by 12am (UK time) on 31 March 2023 to essay@iocd.org accompanied by a completed Entry Form, which is available on IOCD's website.
Find out more


Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C celebrate their 10th anniversary

2023 marks the beginning of the tenth anniversary year of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B and C as three separate titles. Get in touch with the editorial office if you have any ideas of how you can help us celebrate!
Get in touch with the editorial office


Emerging Technologies Competition 2023

The 2023 Emerging Technologies Competition is seeking agile innovators, start-ups and spin-outs across Enabling Technologies, Health, Energy and Environment categories who are ready to catapult their novel ideas to the next level and win £25,000 and post-event publicity and exposure. 

Applications will open on 20 February and close 17 April 2023.

Find out more and apply


Sustainable composites report launches in February

In February we are launching a report on sustainable Fibre Reinforced Composites, a £4bn market in the UK, for applications in automotive, aerospace, wind energy, hydrogen, defence, marine, construction and infrastructure, rail and oil and gas. In collaboration with the Sustainable Composites (a partnership between the National Composites Centre and CPI), we consulted with key academic and industry experts to provide an overview of the key challenges facing the sector in their production and manufacture, use and end-of-life and the opportunities for chemistry to move towards a sustainable future. This report raises awareness of the opportunities for chemistry research, innovation and collaboration in the UK, with key insights that are relevant to the global chemistry community.  
Keep an eye out on the RSC website for the report launch.



Mentoring training 28 February, 11.00am – 1.00pm (UK time)

Mentors find the experience of helping another member rewarding as they help them to grow and 'address their own challenges, considering their relationships at work and thinking of the future.’

Members (MRSC) and Fellows (FRSC) are eligible to sign up to become a mentor on our mentoring scheme. There is a mentoring training session scheduled 28 February.

Find out more



Chemists in the Museum: Novel Spaces for Public Engagement
Would you or your committee like to learn about public engagement with science in museums? Are your committee interested in novel and inclusive forms of science communication?
Join Nuzhat Tabassum from the Natural History Museum and Science London for an in-person workshop at Burlington House, London on science communication and public engagement in museum spaces from 11am-1pm (UK time) on 30 March.
Find out more and register

RSC attending meeting on UN Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Prevention of Pollution

The RSC is attending the first in person meeting of the Open Ended Working Group for the establishment of a UN panel on chemicals, waste, and the prevention of pollution. Taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, this meeting will bring together member nations and UNEP-accredited stakeholders to discuss the scope and function of the new panel. The RSC is also participating in the Technical Advisory Group to provide specialist scientific expertise.

Read more on the RSC work with the UN panel process

 
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, Debbie, Claire and Barney
Posted by Barnaby Slater on Feb 6, 2023 4:16 PM GMT