Young Observer Program

Program Background The Young Observer Program allows selected participants to experience the global efforts that impact the scientific community and to further their careers and international reputation by establishing contacts and participating in a network that leads the global chemistry enterprise. The benefits to the Union are the infusion of new ideas in emerging fields of chemistry. While viewing committees at work, the Observers bring new perspectives to the meetings, actively engage in the discussions of the committee, and often help with the drafting of IUPAC documents and recommendations. Observers have the opportunity to serve as valuable linkages between the Union and the U.S. National Committee, offering candid advice and suggestions for future IUPAC directives. The activity has attracted outstanding U.S. researchers in the past. These Observers have served as scientific ambassadors for the new generation of chemists in this country, and provided outside perspectives on the value of the IUPAC activities. Candidates are solicited and reviewed by the USNC/IUPAC Subcommittee for Young Chemists based on merit, ability to demonstrate interest in international cooperation, willingness to represent U.S. researchers in his or her field, and interest in sharing their experiences and work of the Union with U.S. colleagues. Selection is also based on disciplinary representation to match the candidates’ interests to current IUPAC activities. The selected candidates are provided a travel award and invitation to attend the meetings of the IUPAC General Assembly and Congress. A briefing session and reception is hosted to introduce observers to other U.S. researchers who currently serve on IUPAC committees. They are also invited to meet with the official U.S. Delegation to the General Assembly and discuss with them the U.S. position on issues to be voted on at the Council meetings. Upon conclusion of their travel, participants will be asked to submit their travel reports to the USNC. Compilation of the Observers’ travel reports will be prepared for the USNC/IUPAC, the Union, and other interested groups. A brief description of the project with highlights of the activity and comments from the Observers will be made available on the USNC web site. Short descriptive summaries will also be prepared for newsletters and submission to chemical societies and organizations. Return to Young Observer Program homepage