Awardees will receive a $1,500 stipend along with a one-year mentorship program that pairs them with an industry employee. They will present their research at an ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award half-day symposium.
Who can apply?
To apply for the ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award, you must:
- Be a US citizen (studying anywhere) or a non-US citizen attending a graduate program in the US or Canada.
- Be a member of the Division of Professional Relations (PROF) and a member of the subdivision ACS Pride. To sign up use the link here!
- Be available to present your research at the National meeting where you will receive your award. This will take place at the spring national meeting that follows your application submission.
- Complete the application prior to the deadline with all components submitted.
When would the award be presented?
The awards will be presented during the ACS spring national meeting. Award recipients will receive a check prior to the meeting to support travel costs. Those receiving the award that cannot attend the national meeting in person are expected to return the award funds but will still maintain their awardee status.
What should be included in the award application package?
- Research abstract (no more than 2500 characters in length) submitted to the ACS PRIDE Graduate Research Symposium. The abstract should include: (1) Chemistry related topic with its relevance to chemistry and its’ broader societal impact, (2) Description of background information for research, (3) Identification of gap in current scientific understanding of research and the questions aimed to be answered by the work, and (4) Description of work, results, and future directions.
- Confirmation that the graduate student can participate in the spring meeting in person.
- Personal statement that reflects the candidate’s journey as an LGBTQIA2S+ individual in STEM. Candidates are encouraged to include any volunteer experiences that focus on LGBTQIA2S+ issues but are not required to do so. Personal statements should be no more than 500 words in length. This statement should include: (1) Description of lived experiences as part of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities, (2) Resiliency as a chemist, and (3) How the award will impact the applicant’s career in science and/or how the award will be used to advocate for equity within the chemistry community.
- A copy of their C.V. or resume
- Proof of enrollment at a US based institution for graduate studies
- A letter of recommendation in support of the applicant is strongly encouraged but not required.
- Confirmation of the ability to use their name and likeness in publications.
All application materials must be submitted by Friday, September 13th, 2024. Applicants are not required to submit an abstract through the ACS MAPS system prior to submitting for the award. Recipients of the award will be invited to submit to the specified session before the closure of the submission portal.
For more information, please contact: awards@acsprof.org
