Partnering for a robust chemistry enterprise●Albert G. HORVATH Chief Executive Officer of the American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society andthe Chemical Society of Japan share anessential partnership of nearly a centuryand-a-half that serves to better the chemical enterprise all across the world.
In April, the American Chemical Society（ACS）celebrated the 148th anniversary of its founding. It is interesting tonote that the Chemical Society of Japan（CSJ）was established just two years
after ACS, at a time when chemists
across the world began to see the benefit of gathering to discuss their important work and to shape their discipline
for the future.
As I ser ve my second year as theChief Executive Officer of ACS, that lesson of combining great people and ideas
for success is as true today as it was in1876. Chemistr y is a global endeavor,
with collaborations and par tnerships
playing key roles to greater scientificdiscovery and to a stronger network ofpractitioners.
Not only do CSJ and ACS share a similar longevity - nearly a sesquicentennial（150 years）- we also share a strong
partnership. With a similar purpose ofservice and support to chemists, our alliance is one that has a long and established histor y that continues to be rewarding, mutually beneficial, and acatalyst for fostering a successful chemistry enterprise throughout the world.
I would like to highlight just a few of
the collaborative programs between ourtwo societies. Although this is not an exhaustive list of joint efforts that CSJ andACS share, these examples give a look
into how our strong relationships are atrue benefit to our organizations, andmore importantly, to chemical scientists
around the world.
Global collaboration
ACS and CSJ are a part of a group ofsponsors - including the Canadian Society for Chemistry, the Royal Australian
Chemical Institute, the Korean Chemical Society, the Chinese Chemical Society, and the New Zealand Institute ofChemistry - for the International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies,
other wise known as Pacifichem. The
next gathering is in 2025, which will be
the ninth in a series of scientific conferences that have brought together thechemical societies of the Pacific Basinsince 1984.
This conference series, which meets
ever y five years in Honolulu, Hawaii,
has proven to be ver y successful andbeneficial for all in attendance. It is anopportunity to form new relationships,
share ideas, and address challenges thatare both common and different for all
societies within the chemical science
ecosystem.
With this strong, partnering presence
at Pacifichem from ACS and CSJ, I am
confident that our upcoming meeting in
December 2025 will provide anotherproductive and insightful journey. It isperhaps very fitting that the Pacifichem
2025 Congress theme is Building Communities to Address Global Challenges.
This theme will look at the ways inwhich chemistry continues to expand its
inter faces and the diversity of its researchers, in order to develop and implement solutions for complex societalproblems. We will also look at how all of
this applies to the areas of physics, biology, materials science, and engineering.
I am looking for ward to attending theconference next year, which will behosted by the Canadian Society ofChemistry.
Another globally recognized program
between CSJ and ACS is the ChemicalSciences Society collaboration, known
as CS3. ACS and CSJ have long worked
together on this successful meeting,

Pacifichem 2025 logo ; courtesy of Pacifichem.

which brings together major international chemical societies. Through CS3,eminent researchers from the UnitedStates, Japan, Germany, China, and theUnited Kingdom have the opportunity toexplore cutting edge chemistr y research, develop new connections, andidentify opportunities for multilateral research priorities.
CS3 gathers some of the foremost
chemists from around the world andchallenges them to propose meaningful
approaches to address the most pressing issues facing society in the areas ofhealth, food, energy, and the environment. A number of my colleagues at
ACS were in attendance virtually for the2023 CS3 meeting on Chemistr y for
Sustainable Food : Challenges and Perspectives, which focused on the issues
surrounding global food instability.
CS3 meetings are also a way to broaden and deepen the ties between attending chemical societies and scientists,
and to develop activities of mutual benefit, such as innovative ideas shared onsustainable resources and practices. On
behalf of ACS, I would like to express
my deep appreciation to CSJ and notethat it is a great privilege to work withthem on this collaboration. I am confident that our respective teams will con-

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Cover image from the 9 th CS3 report.
Courtesy of CSJ.

tinue to find productive and innovative
ways to strengthen these interactions.
Learning and Outreach
Ensuring that university students areaware of all the opportunities that exist
for them within the field of chemistry is
an important endeavor that is central todeveloping a strong workforce for thefuture. I am very thankful to have CSJʼsgenerous assistance to curate those opportunities to connect with future chemists in Japan through the ACS on Campus program. Many individuals within
CSJ have played a crucial role in identifying ideal topics and proposed speakers
for ACS on Campus events, and this is
an important part of attracting the best
possible attendance in terms of studentengagement.
These events are open to all students
interested in studying the sciences. Our
ACS on Campus event in May 2024 at
the University of Tokyo included a CSJ
delegation in attendance to extend awelcome to attendees and provide further information about the benefits ofjoining CSJ. The in-person ACS on Campus events are free to students, interactive, and give insight into potential career paths and opportunities within therealm of chemistry and science.
With the continued assistance fromCSJ, it was wonderful to also have ACS
on Campus events at two of Japanʼs universities in 2023. Previous visits took
place at the Tokyo University of Sciencein May 2023, and the other was at Kyushu University in October 2023.
To further support the chemistry en-536

ACS supports the Sustainable Development Goals.
Chemistry plays a key role in addressing many of the United Nations Sustainability Goals.
＊The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does notreflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.

terprise, ACS and CSJ are part of thecollective that sponsors and supports
ChemRxiv（pronounced chem-archive.）
This pre-print server is an online portal
and tool that plays an important role in
the publishing process, as it gives authors the chance to have their unpublished work vetted by fellow colleagues
within the chemical sciences. Aspiringand published authors alike can receive
feedback on their work, suggestions,edits, and ideas to consider before continuing with a formal submission forpublishing.
The site offers clear and simple instructions on creating a free accountand starting the content upload and peer
review process. Many aspiring authors
from all around the world likely find
ChemRxiv useful in disseminating theirwork to a wide audience ; boosting thevisibility of research findings ; making
research work more accessible ; documenting research results for grant reviewers in advance of publication ; andreceiving constructive feedback. I believe this plays a pivotal role in helping
and establishing our members withpublishing opportunities that are crucial
to the quality, breadth, and depth oftheir careers.
In ConclusionChemistry is a global discipline, andgreat discoveries rely on strategic collaborations between scientists acrossthe world. Our work within the societiesthat support these chemists should also
reflect that reality.
Pacifichem, CS3, ACS on Campus,

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and ChemRix are strong examples ofthat collaborative spirit and what thepowerful relationship between CSJ andACS can deliver.
We will also continue to look at additional opportunities for new and expanded partnerships to support members ofboth societies, and the broader chemistr y enterprise. Some of which may include events focused on key global challenges, enhanced networking
opportunities across borders, and opportunities to promote equity and diversity in the workforce.
Through programs such as these,combined with the history and allianceof the two societies, we can continue together to be a driving force for the impor tant work under taken throughout
the chemistry enterprise.
The world has many challenges facing it as articulated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Chemistry must be a powerful force tohelp solve many of our most complex
problems, and collaborations betweensocieties like the Chemical Society ofJapan and the American Chemical Society are essential in leading the charge.
Ⓒ 2024 The Chemical Society of JapanThe commentary shown here is written by a commentator invited by theCommentary Committee of the Society, and the author is basically responsible for the contents. The Society acknowledges that this isimportant and worth publishing.
Opinions and comments of the readers are highly appreciated.
E-mail: ronsetsu@chemistry.or.jp