ACS Award in Pure Chemistry
ACS Award in Pure Chemistry supports early-career researchers by recognizing fundamental research of unusual merit, encouraging original, independent thought and scientific accomplishment in pure chemistry.
This grant was recently updated
Experience since the terminal degree is now explicitly calculated using the nomination submission year, not the award presentation year, with gaps such as parental leave or sabbaticals taken into account. ACS also added inconsistency with its Core Values as grounds for rescinding an award.
Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates: August 5, 2026 (Nominations open) | December 5, 2026 (Nomination deadline, 2028 award)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 and a certificate, plus up to $1,000 in travel reimbursement
Summary: Recognizes early-career researchers for fundamental research of unusual merit in pure chemistry, emphasizing originality and independent thought.
Key Information: Nominees must have fewer than 10 years of experience since their terminal degree, and the research must have been conducted in North America.
Description
The ACS Award in Pure Chemistry is part of the American Chemical Society’s National Awards program. It recognizes and encourages fundamental research in pure chemistry by early-career researchers whose accomplishments show unusual merit at the threshold of their careers. Special consideration is given to independence of thought and originality in the research.
Sponsored by the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity and the Alpha Chi Sigma Educational Foundation, the award recognizes scientific accomplishment and encourages the fundamental research represented by that work. Selection considers alignment with the award’s purpose, scientific impact, benefit to society, innovation, and creativity. The 2028 award cycle accepts nominations in 2026, with the award presented in 2028.
