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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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Archive for March, 2023
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