Science Café Mini-Grant
Science Café Mini-Grant supports ACS local sections hosting relaxed discussions between scientists and nonscientists to promote scientific literacy and strengthen local section engagement.
Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (Application deadline) | September 30, 2027 (Grant at a Glance deadline)
Funding Amounts: $500 per mini-grant
Summary: Supports ACS local sections hosting relaxed community discussions between scientists and nonscientists to promote scientific literacy.
Key Information: Previous recipients must submit a summary report for their last funded Science Café before applying again.
Description
The American Chemical Society’s Committee on Local Section Activities provides Science Café Mini-Grants to ACS local sections hosting community conversations about science. These events offer a relaxed, open venue where scientists and nonscientists can discuss current topics and explore questions of the day with a scientific underpinning. The program aims to promote scientific literacy while invigorating local section engagement.
Science Cafés emphasize conversation rather than formal lectures. ACS suggests topics of general public interest, including climate change, food chemistry, vaccines, energy, and recent scientific discoveries. Events traditionally take place in informal settings such as coffee shops, bars, bookstores, or restaurants, though science museums and similar venues may also host them.
