Announcing

U.S. National Committee's Young Observer Program
47th IUPAC General Assembly and 44th IUPAC Congress
Istanbul, Turkey
August 8-16, 2013

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), a worldwide leader in advancing the chemical sciences, is holding its 47th General Assembly (August 8-15) and the 44th World Chemistry Congress (August 11-16) in Istanbul, Turkey.   The U.S. National Committee for IUPAC is seeking outstanding U.S. scientists and engineers under the age of 45, with interests and expertise related to the working groups of IUPAC, to travel as Young Observers to Istanbul. The USNC/IUPAC may provide travel fellowships of up to $2,500 to successful candidates, pending availability of funds.  This Young Observer Program provides an excellent opportunity to become involved in the work of IUPAC, develop an international network of scientists and engineers, and represent your U.S. colleagues in the chemical sciences. 

The Young Observer program is intended for individuals interested in learning about what IUPAC does and becoming involved in the work of its Divisions and Committees. 

Criteria

Successful candidates must: 

• Be a scientist or engineer under the age of 45 and active in chemistry or chemical engineering in academia, government, or industry.
  
• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (Green Card Holder).
  
• Have a specific interest in one or more of the business meetings and technical sessions that will be held in Istanbul.
• Have a strong interest in collaborative work with scientists in laboratories outside of the United States.
  
• Have an interest in continuing activities through the IUPAC organization.   

In addition:

• Applicants should have, but are not required to have, five years of independent research/work experience after the completion of their education.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to submit an abstract to the scientific program of the Congress.
• Former YOs may apply for a maximum second YO experience. They must demonstrate how they have remained involved with IUPAC since their participation in the YO program.

Program Expectations

Selected Young Observer Fellowship awardees will:

• Attend an Orientation Session and Welcome Reception for U.S. and international Young Observers.
• Attend a business meeting of an IUPAC Division or Standing Committee.  See here for brief descriptions of the Divisions and Committees. The USNC/IUPAC will assist you in making the necessary connections to observe the Division and/or Committee business meeting(s) in which you are interested.
  
• Attend an informal welcome dinner for the U.S. delegation and U.S. Young Observers.
  
• Submit a brief written report on your experiences in order to provide feedback.

Young Observers will also be invited to attend other events and meetings during the congress. In addition, Young Observers are encouraged to visit an academic or research facility in Istanbul, Turkey during their stay. The USNC will assist with connections where possible.

Applications

Please complete the online application including brief answers to the questions listed below (questions 4 and 5 are optional).  You may want to draft your answers before beginning to complete the form as it can not be saved or edited once submitted.

1. How would participation as a Young Observer at the IUPAC General Assembly further your professional development?

2. In which IUPAC Divisions, Committees or projects would you like to participate? Briefly indicate why. If you have ideas on how you could stay involved in IUPAC after the General Assembly and Congress, please indicate so.
   Please click here for descriptions of IUPAC Divisions and Committees. Consult the IUPAC website for links to the Divisions and Committees and their activities. Information on IUPAC projects is also available at http://www.iupac.org/home/projects.html.

3. Have you recently been involved with any international collaborative activities? Describe briefly. If not, describe your interest in international collaboration.

4. Have you submitted (or do you plan to submit) an abstract for presentation at the IUPAC Congress. If so, to which session? Attach abstract if available.
   Although submitting an abstract is not required, it may strengthen an application.  Information on the scientific program of the IUPAC Congress is available at http://iupac2013istanbul.org.

5. If you are a former YO applying for a second experience, please describe how you have remained involved in IUPAC since your YO experience.

• Undergraduate degree, institution, and year
• Graduate degree, institution, and year
• Post-graduate academic experience (location and years)
• Work experience (last five years or longer if relevant)
• Research accomplishments from the last five years (list publications with references as appropriate)

APPLY NOW!

APPLICATION DEADLINE

February 4, 2012 - APPLY NOW!

QUESTIONS?

For questions or further information, please contact the U.S. IUPAC Young Observer Program at IUPACYO@nas.edu or Lynelle Vidale

USEFUL INFORMATION

The General Assembly consists of the union’s business meetings. The IUPAC Divisions and Standing Committees will meet to discuss their plans and activities. Toward the end of the Assembly, the IUPAC Council (including delegates representing IUPAC member countries) votes on union decisions. More information on IUPAC and its activities can be found at http://www.iupac.org. The Congress is the scientific program of the meeting. Information on the topical sessions and instructions on submitting an abstract are available online at http://iupac2013istanbul.org. For brief descriptions of what the IUPAC Divisions and Committees do, please see here.