The American Chemical Society (ACS) and The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemist and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing that support professional development, provide opportunity into chemistry and related fields, and expand experiences for students and professionals throughout their careers.
Under this agreement, ACS and NOBCChE will work together to advance the chemistry enterprise by expanding access, opportunity, and participation; strengthen pathways for students and early-career professionals; amplify the visibility and impact of talent and contributions across chemistry and related fields; and foster collaborative programs that align ACS' leadership in chemistry with NOBCChE's focus on community, infrastructure, and long-term impact.
Potential areas for collaboration include professional development, programming and events, leadership development, science communications, student engagement, and policy-related activities.
"Our organizations bring complementary strengths to this partnership," says ACS CEO Albert G. Horvath. "By working together, we can connect more students and professionals with resources, relationships, and experiences that help them thrive and shape the future of chemistry and science broadly." "This partnership is about more than two organizations working together. It is about two communities choosing to stand together at a moment when the strength of the STEM enterprise depends on all of us. ACS and NOBCChE bring different histories, strengths, and networks to the table, but we share a commitment to excellence, opportunity, and the future of chemistry," says NOBCChE President Tyrslai M. Williams-Carter.
The agreement establishes a three-year strategic foundation for collaboration designed to support joint initiatives, coordinated engagement, and shared accountability. Specific activities and measures of success will be developed through future implementation plans and addenda.
