### Commemorating 150 Years of the American Chemical Society: A Conversation with Wayne Jones
As the American Chemical Society (ACS) commemorates its 150th anniversary, **Chemistry World** held a discussion with Wayne Jones, the chair of the ACS board of directors and director-at-large. This exchange occurred during the society’s autumn gathering in Chicago. An esteemed inorganic chemist, Jones has recently finished his tenure as provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Hampshire. He shared his perspective on the obstacles currently encountered by US universities and their chemistry departments.
#### Present Condition of US Research Universities
Proposed budget reductions to federal science agencies threaten research funding, an essential component for innovation and economic competitiveness in the US. Jones pointed out that diminished financial support could jeopardize research initiatives and strain the pipeline of chemistry students entering the workforce. Numerous leading universities have already been forced to limit new graduate student admissions due to financial uncertainties.
“We’ve witnessed outstanding scientists depart from US institutions due to their concerns about an unstable research future,” Jones remarked. The volatility in funding complicates long-term commitments to research programs and student support, ultimately challenging the recruitment of PhD candidates.
#### Employment Outlook for Graduating Students
Graduates are facing increased challenges in obtaining timely employment, with some taking positions that fall outside their career ambitions. This situation arises from universities scaling back the number of new graduate student slots, affecting students’ pathways into graduate studies. The diminished pool of graduate students across universities is a common concern, as observed by faculty from various institutions.
#### ACS Efforts for Assistance
To address these issues, ACS has established several scholarship initiatives. The **Catalyst Scholarship** assists undergraduate students in chemistry-related disciplines, offering up to $10,000 to those with financial needs. For graduate students, the **ACS Graduate Student Success Grants** allocate $2.5 million to support master’s and PhD students affected by unexpected grant cancellations. This initiative is bolstered by an additional $1 million set aside for future grants.
Furthermore, ACS’s **Act4Chemistry** advocacy network involves members in federal policy advocacy. More than 4,200 letters were sent to address funding and policy issues, including opposition to proposed regulations that would give political appointees more authority over federal research funding, a proposal that has been temporarily halted by Congress.
#### Open Scientific Communication and Publishing Expenses
ACS remains dedicated to disseminating scientific research through publications, a fundamental part of its mission. With over a million downloads each day, the society is adjusting to shifts in the funding model for publishing costs, driven by the demand for open access. Traditionally funded through library subscriptions, publication costs are now being reassessed to distribute the financial burden across multiple stakeholders.
#### Challenges Facing US Chemistry Departments
While solid, US chemistry education has remained relatively unchanged. Jones underscored the necessity for graduate students to obtain industrial collaboration experience and enhance their professional skills, with an increasing emphasis on AI. Funding structures for US universities vary from those in the UK, depending on diverse sources, including federal grants and philanthropy. Nevertheless, fluctuations in enrollment and uncertainties in federal funding are creating substantial financial difficulties.
Universities must reconsider their financial approaches and departmental incentives to sustain robust graduate programs.
_Editor’s Note: This interview has been condensed for clarity._