[American Chemical Society](https://www.acs.org)

May 31, 2026: Nomination submission deadline

Formal recognition and certificate only; no monetary award.

Honors graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in chemistry for exceptional leadership in mentoring, inclusion, safety, outreach, or advocacy.

--- ## Description The Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholars Recognition Program by the American Chemical Society (ACS) recognizes graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the chemical sciences who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in one of five categories: mentoring, inclusion and belonging, research safety, science outreach and engagement, or science advocacy. Selected by their departments, honorees are formally acknowledged by ACS and their institutions for significant contributions to fostering a positive, impactful environment in the chemical sciences. The program aims to highlight individuals whose leadership advances their academic and professional communities. --- ## Due Dates - May 31, 2026: Nomination submission deadline (final deadline for the 2026 cycle) --- ## Funding Amount - This is a recognition program; honorees receive formal acknowledgment and a certificate from ACS. - No monetary award is provided. --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must be current graduate students or postdoctoral scholars in the chemical sciences at the time of nomination. - Nominees may only be recognized in one category per year. - One graduate student and one postdoctoral scholar may be recognized per category per department each year. - Departments are not required to submit nominations in all five categories. - Self-nominations are not permitted; all nominations must come from the department. - The program is open globally to departments with graduate students and postdoctoral appointments in the chemical sciences. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted by the department, not by individuals. - Departments may nominate one graduate student and/or one postdoctoral scholar per category. - Each nomination must include the department’s selection criteria and supporting evidence (e.g., recommendation letters, evaluative rubrics, or other documentation). - ACS provides an optional [sample rubric](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/awards/graduate-student-post-doc-recognition-program/2026-recognition-program-rubric.docx) for departments to use, but departments may use their own criteria. - Nominations are reviewed by ACS, and departments will be notified if their nominee(s) are approved. - Recognition certificates are emailed to departments for distribution, and honorees’ names and affiliations are published on the ACS website. - Submit nominations via the [online form](https://americanchemical.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5gAc9S4aLjR9J66). --- ## Additional Information - The five categories of recognition are: - Leadership in Mentoring - Leadership in Inclusion and Belonging - Leadership in Research Safety - Leadership in Science Outreach and Engagement - Leadership in Science Advocacy - Departments must provide evidence and rationale for each nomination. - Honorees are recognized by both ACS and their home institutions, and their achievements are publicized. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Guidelines](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/graduate-student-and-postdoctoral-scholars-recognition-program.html) - [Nomination Form](https://americanchemical.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5gAc9S4aLjR9J66) - [Sample Nomination Rubric (DOCX)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/awards/graduate-student-post-doc-recognition-program/2026-recognition-program-rubric.docx) - [Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/graduate-student-and-postdoctoral-scholars-recognition-program/past-recipients.html) - [ACS Science Advocacy](https://www.acs.org/policy.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |----------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------| | ACS Graduate Student Recognition | graded@acs.org | +1 800-227-5558 | | Program Coordinator (J. Yu) | j_yu@acs.org | | | General ACS Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) | |

Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholars Recognition Program

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