An International Exchange Program Perspective
Embarking on an international journey, whether long or short, can elicit a mix of excitement, fear, and optimism. For scientists, who can be rather risk-averse and calculated, it may require significant activation energy to choose to pursue an international opportunity. Globalization is unavoidable, the only way to remain in a leadership position is to embrace [1] those international challenges in the 21st century.
Young chemists have always been poignant advocates for tolerance, collaboration, competence, and driving chemical innovation. The Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is sensitive to changing times and has pioneered to identify and sponsor mechanisms of international exchange and communication for its constituents in the ACS. ACS board members have themselves spearheaded international efforts to forge relationships with other younger chemists on international societies and partners [2].
Connecting European and US Chemists
The exchange programs are opened to young chemists worldwide. Each year the exchange program between the YCC of the ACS and the European Young Chemist Network (EYCN), a fruitful collaboration, continues to grow. American students that are interested in these opportunities are often championed by the YCC for their international scientific experience. European students are hosted in the United States via a EYCN sponsorship. In order to be considered, young chemists submit an abstract, CV, and motivation letter that members from both YCC and EYCN review. This allows for the selection of unique, qualified students.
Author: Uzma I. Zakai, Natalie LaFranzo, Christine Dunne, and Jens Breffke (American Chemical Society (ACS), Younger Chemists Committee)
Published Date: 04 August 2015
Copyright: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Associated Societies: American Chemical Society (ACS), USA