Science Café Mini-Grant
Forecasted
Science Café Mini-Grant supports ACS local sections hosting informal discussions between scientists and nonscientists to explore current scientific topics and promote community scientific literacy.
Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500 per mini-grant
Summary: Supports ACS local sections hosting informal community discussions between scientists and nonscientists to promote scientific literacy.
Key Information: Returning applicants must submit final reports for previously funded Science Café grants before reapplying.
Description
The American Chemical Society’s Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC) provides Science Café Mini-Grants to local sections hosting science discussions in their communities. Science Cafés offer a relaxed, open venue where scientists and nonscientists can explore current topics together. The program aims to promote scientific literacy locally and invigorate local sections through engagement with questions of the day that have a scientific underpinning.
The emphasis is on community conversation rather than a research project or formal lecture. ACS encourages topics of interest to the general public, including food chemistry, alternative energy, climate change, forensic science, vaccines, and recent scientific discoveries. Cafés typically combine a speaker or panel with group discussion, using accessible, nontechnical language.
