CAS Future Leaders
Join a group of exceptional Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars from around the world to take the next steps in your leadership journey. Learn how to apply and submit your application for the 2024 CAS Future Leaders program by Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Apply nowAdvance your career and make meaningful impacts in science
The CAS Future Leaders program supports the growth of science leadership among early-career scientists. Since 2010, the program has awarded Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars opportunities to learn leadership skills, engage in scientific discourse, and connect with peer scientists and innovators from around the world.
Learn
Get exclusive leadership training from industry experts and learn how CAS connects the world’s scientific knowledge.
Engage
Share your latest discoveries to advance scientific knowledge at the American Chemical Society fall meeting.
Connect
Network to make meaningful connections with peer scientists and innovators from around the world.
2024 Program benefits
- Profile featured in C&EN (2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023 articles)
- Complimentary registration for the ACS meeting
- Opportunity to present your research at the ACS meeting
- Complimentary registration for an ACS Professional and Leadership Development course at the ACS meeting
- Lifetime membership in the CAS Future Leaders Alumni Community
Testimonials
2023 CAS Future Leaders
This year's participants were selected from among hundreds of highly qualified applicants, representing a wide array of scientific disciplines and organizations from around the world. Congratulations to our 2023 class:
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 2024) 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.
What are the program dates?
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 will I be contacted if I am selected?
The 35 applicants who are determined to have the greatest potential for science leadership will be contacted by email in March 2024.
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.
What travel-related expenses are covered by CAS?
CAS will arrange and pay for:
- Air travel to Columbus, ACS Fall 2024, and home
- Hotel stays in Columbus and Denver
- Registration for ACS Fall 2024
- Meals and shuttle transportation in Columbus
In addition, $1,000 USD will be provided to offset any other travel-related expenses.
Who should I contact with questions about the program?
Email the CAS Future Leaders team at futureleaders@cas.org.