As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the American Chemical Society and the semiquincentennial of the US, we reflect on the important role ACS has played in advancing science, public policy, and the public good. For generations, ACS members have used their expertise not only to advance chemistry but also to help policymakers understand how science strengthens the economy, improves public health, supports national security, and enhances daily life.
ACS’s advocacy mission is rooted in its Congressional Charter, which directs the society to “promote scientific interests and inquiry to foster public welfare and education, aid the development of our country’s industries, and add to the material prosperity and happiness of our people.” That charge remains relevant today, as it was when ACS was founded.
Throughout its history, ACS has brought scientific expertise to bear on some of the nation’s most important policy challenges. From early engagement on chemical weapons policy and international scientific cooperation to more recent efforts supporting the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, ACS has helped ensure that chemistry and science have a voice in policymaking. In recent years, ACS advocacy has helped support sustained federal investment in agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, and the National Institutes of Health.
Yet the policymaking landscape continues to change. Federal support for research, science education, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making cannot be taken for granted. ACS must remain proactive and responsive, making clear to policymakers how research drives innovation, strengthens communities, and improves lives.
ACS’s advocacy toolkit allows us to act strategically in this shifting environment. Our work begins with ACS position statements, which define the society’s priorities and guide our recommendations to policymakers. These positions, together with ACS’s public policy priorities, provide the foundation for technical briefings, congressional events, letters to policymakers, regulatory comments, coalition work, and partnerships with other scientific organizations.
Earlier this year, the ACS Board of Directors approved a new advocacy strategy for the society. On June 3, several members of the board, the Committee on Chemistry and Public Affairs chair, and staff from the ACS Office of Government Affairs visited Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials and their staff. We urged Congress to support predictable and sustained federal research and development funding, emphasizing the discoveries made possible by basic research and the essential role that STEMM—science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine—plays in the US economy.
After making our case, we asked a simple question: What can ACS do for you? The answer was consistent. Policymakers want ACS members to continue sharing stories, data, and examples that show the real-world impact of science and scientific research. They also made clear that hearing directly from constituents matters.
Speaking with elected officials can feel daunting, but ACS members do not have to start from scratch. The ACS advocacy toolkit provides resources to guide members through the process. Engagement can begin with something as simple as responding to a monthly Act4Chemistry prompt. Members can also participate in an advocacy workshop, schedule a meeting with their representatives of Congress, or apply for one of ACS’s policy fellowships for chemists.
As ACS marks 150 years, and the US marks 250 years, we should celebrate not only what science has achieved, but also the responsibility and privilege we have to speak for it. By sharing our expertise, our stories, and our voices, ACS members can continue advocating for science and the benefits it brings to people’s lives.
Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of C&EN or ACS.
