Fellowship/Professional Development Program

USNC/IUPAC Young Observers Program

Established by the U.S. National Committee (USNC) for the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in 1977 to foster interactions with internationally acclaimed scientists in various fields, the IUPAC Young Observer Program strives to introduce the work of IUPAC to a new generation of distinguished researchers and to provide them with an opportunity to address international science policy issues.

Not accepting applications

About Application and Review Process

Key dates

November 1, 2024: Web application for the Young Observer Program opens
December 15, 2024: Application deadline
December 15, 2024-January 15,2025: Review of applications
Tuesday, January 21, 2025: Announcement of Young Observer awardees
February 28, 2025: World Congress abstract submission deadline

Award details

Young Observers will be awarded an amount to offset the cost of attendance at the IUPAC General Assembly and Chemistry World Congress.

Application

The program is open to U.S. scientists and engineers (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) under the age of 45. Applicants are drawn from industry, academia, and national laboratories. Applicants under 35 will also have the opportunity to be considered for nomination to serve as a U.S. delegate to the International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN).
Application Questions

In addition to a 2-page CV, the application includes the following questions:
- How would participation as a Young Observer at the IUPAC General Assembly further your professional development? Please limit your response to no more than 300 words.
- Which IUPAC Divisions are you interested in participating in? (choose up to 3)
- Which IUPAC Committees are you interested in observing? (choose up to 3)
- Please explain your Division and Committee selections. Please limit your response to no more than 200 words.
- Have you previously participated in an IUPAC project? Which project(s)?
- How would you plan to stay involved in IUPAC after the General Assembly and Congress? Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.
- Have you recently been involved with any international collaborative activities? Describe briefly what you learned from these collaborations. If not, describe your goals for international collaboration. Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.
- Have you submitted (or do you plan to submit) an abstract for presentation at the IUPAC Congress? If so, which session?
- If you have previously participated in the IUPAC Young Observer Program, describe what you learned from your first experience, how you have remained involved in IUPAC since your Young Observer experience, and what you hope to gain from an additional Young Observer experience. Please limit your response to no more than 300 words.

Selection process

Review Criteria

Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the U.S. National Committee. Reviewers will be asked to rank applicants (1=Poor; 2=Below Average; 3=Average; 4=Above Average; 5=Excellent) on the following criteria:
- Applicant clearly articulates their goals for participation in the Young Observer Program.
- Applicant's career and professional development would benefit from participation in the IUPAC World Congress.
- Applicant's potential for international collaborations would benefit from attending the IUPAC World Congress.
- Applicant is likely to continue involvement in international activities and/or IUPAC.
- FOR PRIOR YOUNG OBSERVER PARTICIPANTS: Applicant clearly articulates how an additional Young Observer experience would benefit them professionally.

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USNC/IUPAC Young Observers Program

Key dates

Award details

Application

Application Process

Eligibility

How to apply

Selection process

Selection criteria