Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to apply?
You must be a current Ph.D. student (or plan to be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in 2023) or postdoctoral scholar in chemistry or related science, with a working knowledge of multiple research information tools.
How do you define “postdoctoral scholar”?
We consider a postdoctoral scholar as an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path.* We acknowledge that while duration of postdoctoral training varies, typically, this period is between two to five years. Training occurs in and prepares postdoctoral scholars for careers in academia, industry, nonprofits, government institutions or to engage in entrepreneurship around the world. *Adapted from NSF/NIH
What are the program dates?
| December 1, 2022 | Call for applications opens |
| January 29, 2023 | Call for applications closes |
| March 2023 | Selection announcement |
| August 7-12, 2023 | CAS Future Leaders in Columbus, OH |
| August 13-17, 2023 | ACS Fall 2023 in San Francisco, CA |
What are the primary application requirements?
You must provide the following documents:
- Essay
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Letter of recommendation
To submit your application, you also must agree to the CAS Future Leaders Terms & Conditions.
What should my essay include?
Your 500- to 1,000-word essay should describe:
- Your current research projects and future goals
- The value of CAS SciFindern or other scientific information solutions to your research
Essays will be evaluated based on originality and clarity of the writing and must be written in English. Tables/figures and references do not count against the word limit. You may include up to 2 tables/figures.
What should the letter of recommendation include?
Your letter of recommendation should be written by an advisor, mentor or supervisor and should describe:
- How they know you
- Your research achievements
- Your potential for science leadership
- Your unique qualifications for the program
Who should I select for my letter of recommendation?
You should select the advisor, mentor or supervisor who best knows your research achievements and potential for science leadership. It does not need to be your current advisor, mentor or supervisor.
How are CAS Future Leaders selected?
Potential for science leadership will be assessed based on the overall quality of your application materials. Reviewers include the CAS Future Leaders team, CAS leadership across the organization and a team of scientists responsible for the intellectual indexing of journal articles and patents for the CAS Content CollectionTM.
How will I be contacted if I am selected?
The 30 applicants who are determined to have the greatest potential for science leadership will be contacted by email in March 2023.
What travel-related expenses are covered by CAS?
CAS will arrange and pay for:
- Air travel to Columbus, ACS Fall 2023, and home
- Hotel stays in Columbus and San Francisco
- Registration for ACS Fall 2023
- Meals and shuttle transportation in Columbus
In addition, $1,000 USD will be provided to offset any other travel-related expenses.
Back to CAS Future Leaders.