The mission of the International Activities Committee is threefold:
Raise international awareness of ACS
Create international relationships with faculty for research collaborations and other scholarly activities
Oversee a budget to provide an individual with an opportunity to attend an international conference, particularly for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity
Committee Activities
Since the previous report, the International Activities Committee has continued its efforts to support international engagement, communication, and programming within the ACS Division of Chemical Education.
The committee submitted an abstract for a Birds of a Feather session at BCCE 2026 titled:
Global Opportunities in Chemistry Education for Everyone: Let’s Talk!
This session was developed to bring together chemistry educators who are already engaged in international work, as well as those interested in getting started, to discuss approaches to global engagement in chemistry education, including cross-cultural projects, virtual exchanges, collaborative research, study abroad programs, and sustainable international partnerships. The session was organized in collaboration with the ACS International Activities Committee and the DivCHED International Activities Committee.
The committee also continued to promote the International Travel Award through its communications and outreach efforts.
Operations Manual and Website Updates
The committee revised its Operations Manual, and the updated version has been posted to the committee website. This work supports continuity, transparency, and clearer guidance for committee operations and future leadership transitions.
Strategic Planning and New Initiatives
The committee has been developing a set of new initiatives aligned with DivCHED strategic priorities and is currently seeking volunteers to help advance these efforts. Five initiatives under discussion include:
- International Educator Spotlight Campaign
A communications project highlighting chemistry educators and chemistry education researchers from different regions of the world through profiles, interviews, newsletter features, social media, and website content. - Online Professional Development Mini-Series for Global and Cross-Cultural Teaching
A series of webinars or workshops focused on topics such as inclusive teaching across cultures, mentoring international students, comparing curricula, and equitable classroom communities. - Regional Networking Receptions at Existing Conferences
Small DivCHED-sponsored networking events at conferences where participants are already attending on their own support, designed to strengthen international and professional connections. - DivCHED Virtual International Networking Series
A recurring online series centered on themes such as teaching chemistry in different national contexts, supporting multilingual learners, international collaborations, and pathways into chemistry education research. - DivCHED International Chapter Mentoring Network
A structured mentoring and partnership effort connecting DivCHED members with international student chapters through liaison relationships, needs assessment, mentor recruitment, and guided engagement.
These initiatives are intended to support engagement, inclusivity, professional development, and communication of DivCHED’s value to a broader community.
Funding Request
The committee also submitted a request for additional funding to support an extra International Travel Award. This request is currently pending review and consideration by the Executive Committee.
International Travel Award
The committee is currently awaiting applications for this year’s International Travel Award and will review applications once the submission period closes.
Symposia and International Engagement
In addition to the BCCE 2026 Birds of a Feather session, the committee submitted an abstract for a new symposium for the ACS National Meeting - Spring 2027. The symposium is currently pending acceptance.
Future Plans
- Review applications and select the recipient(s) for the 2026 International Travel Award
- Continue promotion and support of the International Travel Award
- Advance development of the committee’s five proposed initiatives and recruit volunteers to assist with implementation
- Continue maintaining and updating the committee website and resources
- Support the BCCE 2026 Birds of a Feather session and engage with attendees interested in DivCHED international activities
- If accepted, begin planning for the Spring 2027 ACS symposium
- Continue strengthening international engagement and collaboration within DivCHED
$2500 for the International Travel Award
International Travel Award
Raul R. Rodriguez-Berríos, Professor, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, will attend the Congreso Internacional de la Sociedad Química de México 2026 y 7° Congreso Internacional de Educación Química. September 8–11, 2026, in Oaxaca.