ACS Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
ACS Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry recognizes researchers’ outstanding published work in organic synthesis to honor scientific innovation and encourage further creativity.
This grant was recently updated
ACS now explicitly states that support-letter writers need not be Society members. Conduct inconsistent with ACS Core Values has been added as grounds for rescinding an award.
Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates: August 5, 2026 (Nominations open) | December 5, 2026 (2028 award nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000, a certificate, and up to $1,000 in travel reimbursement
Summary: Recognizes outstanding published creative work in synthetic organic chemistry and encourages further creativity in the field.
Key Information: Nominees, nominators, and supporters do not need ACS membership.
Description
The American Chemical Society administers this award through its National Awards program to recognize and encourage creative work in synthetic organic chemistry. Sponsored by Organic Syntheses, Inc., it honors outstanding accomplishments that have already been published. The award serves industry researchers, faculty, and chemistry professionals, including international nominees.
The selection rubric considers the breadth of organic synthesis, with creativity and innovation carrying the greatest weight. Other priorities include advancement of the scientific field, benefit to society, alignment with the award’s purpose, and service to the scientific community. Evidence considered includes adoption of the chemistry by other scientists, citations, reagent commercialization, industrial utility, and opportunities created for scientists and society.
