As part of the American Chemical Society’s 150th anniversary, ACS Industrial Engagement was invited to author a Comment as a group to highlight May’s anniversary theme of partnership.
More than ever, the bridge between industrial innovation and the broader scientific community is critical to progress. The American Chemical Society’s Committee on Corporation Associates (CA) acts as that vital, strategic link. By channeling the diverse perspectives of corporate members into the heart of ACS, CA does more than just align industry with society priorities. CA drives action, navigates industry evolution, and elevates the value of chemical sciences, thriving on strong, cross-society partnerships to achieve lasting impact. By fostering robust cross-society partnerships, CA empowers the ACS enterprise to stay ahead of industry change and directly impact the future of science.
Supporting policy development through industry engagement
CA’s contribution to science and innovation policy in partnership with the ACS Office of Government Affairs and other ACS governance entities ensures that ACS policy positions include an industrial perspective. Critical issues such as research funding, sustainability, workforce development, and regulatory needs are championed with an impactful unified voice of industry.
CA members regularly engage in dialogue across ACS to help shape policy statements and advocacy priorities. CA helps ACS bring a more balanced, industry-focused perspective to policymakers. By elevating the voices of industrial scientists and executives, CA helps influence policies that drive innovation across academia, government, and the private sector. Together, industry stakeholders are empowered to shape policy that supports scientific innovation.
Advancing industry awards, grants, and recognition
CA believes at its foundation that commendation of industrial contributions and the scientists behind them is essential to uplifting chemistry’s impact. The committee has focused on the three pillars of awards, grants, and recognition. CA’s alliance with local sections, international chapters, and ACS divisions to deliver meaningful acknowledgment of excellence in industrial chemistry is highlighted in two sponsored ChemLuminary awards.
These awards are connected to the grants that the committee oversees to promote industrial engagement. These grants encourage collaboration between industry and local sections or international chapters. These partnerships empower the broader ACS community and reinforce the society’s commitment to supporting scientists.
Recognition of noteworthy achievements that advance science for societal benefit is sponsored by CA through the annual Heroes of Chemistry and National (Team Innovation and Creative Invention) Awards. Through shared expertise, nominations, and peer engagement, CA ensures recognition programs are credible, inclusive, and closely aligned with the evolving priorities of industry and the broader chemical enterprise.
“More than ever, the bridge between industrial innovation and the broader scientific community is critical to progress. The American Chemical Society’s Committee on Corporation Associates (CA) acts as that vital, strategic link.”
Strengthening industry’s voice in governance
In 2024, CA established the ACS Industry Roundtable to elevate issues of importance to industrial members by bringing together ACS divisions and local sections. This forum provides a unified voice for the industry by serving as a collaborative advisory mechanism to ACS leadership and offering guidance to the ACS Board of Directors and staff. Roundtable members surface emerging challenges, share expertise, and help shape ACS initiatives so that they reflect practical industrial perspectives and needs.
In 2026, the roundtable will expand this advisement partnership model nationally through local and regional engagement. Industry involvement at the grassroots level guides collaborations, empowers emerging leaders, and boosts ACS programs’ impact. This approach aligns the society with industry insights, integrating them into our strategic vision, programming, and long-term planning.
Partnership at the core of CA’s mission
For 74 years, CA has been the cornerstone voice of industry within the ACS. By forging strong, cross-society partnerships, CA ensures industry is an active contributor to ACS’s shared mission. Looking to the future, CA remains invested in ACS’s commitment to advancing the transformative power of chemistry to improve lives worldwide. Visit the CA website or email us at [email protected] to learn more about CA and how to get involved.
Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of C&EN or ACS.
2026 American Chemical Society
