Early Career Investigator Award

Purpose

The purpose of the Early Career Investigator (ECI) Award program recognizes scientists who are no more than 10 years from graduate school or post-doctoral appointment and are a current researcher in a non-academic setting (e.g. industry, government or non-profit laboratory) who have demonstrated outstanding promise for future contributions to Organic Chemistry.

History

This award program to recognize early career organic chemists working in non-academic settings was started in 2007. In 2021, the executive committee recognized the need to recognize mid-career organic chemists working in non-academic settings. Therefore, in 2021, the program was split into the ECI and Mid-Career Investigator (MCI) programs.

Selection of Awardees

Awardees are selected by the Early Career Investigator Awards Committee from a pool of candidates nominated by their respective employers, and are approved by the Executive Committee of the Division of Organic Chemistry. Nominations are accepted through the online Early Career Investigator Award Nomination Form and must include the following materials: (a) a letter containing the address of the nominator and information written on company letterhead of nomination that presents evidence that illustrates the scientist’s promise, creativity, and productivity. (b) the nominee’s CV (including work address and email) that includes a description of their educational background and experience, and publication and patent record and (c) any other information that documents the special achievements and/or contributions made by the nominee. Seconding letters and copies of selected publications will be considered but are not necessary.

Associated events

There are two events associated with the Early Career Investigator Award. There is a dinner for the awardees, typically on Sunday evening of the ACS Fall National Meeting in combination with the TAOC and Mid-Career Investigator Awardees. There is a symposium (half or full day depending on the number of awardees), typically on Sunday or Monday of the ACS Fall National Meeting.

Awardee Responsibilities

Awardees presents a 30 minute scientific talk at the Fall ACS meeting that contains a substantial amount of the scientist’s own work (time period is flexible depending on number of awardees) at the ACS National Fall Meeting. As an awards symposium, under ACS bylaws there is no question and answer period.

Nominations

We encourage nominators to select candidates who are both excellent scientists and good communicators. To nominate a candidate for the Early Career Investigator Award you would need to complete the online nomination form-due February 3, 2023. Nominators must be members or affiliates of the ACS Organic Division. The form requires a letter describing the nominee’s contributions and the nominee’s curriculum vitae. Additional letters and supporting documents are most welcome, but not essential. Nominees no more than 10 years from graduate school or post-doctoral appointment and are a current researcher in a non-academic setting (e.g. industry, government or non-profit laboratory). Nominations from women and minorities who are typically under-represented in chemistry are especially encouraged.
Questions may be directed to Drs. Lisa Marcaurelle and Steve Silverman.

Submission process

Nominations are to be submitted as a single PDF file (named using the format of the Nominee’s information: Last_Name_First_Name_ECIA.pdf i.e. Smith_Jane_MCIA.pdf) through this online form ECIA Form.

Your PDF file should have the following parts in the following order:

  1. Nomination Letter on Company Letterhead
  2. Nominee’s CV
  3. Supplementary Information (optional)

Award history

The Early-Career Investigator Award commenced in 2007 and, to date, has acknowledged 222 investigators. All past and present awardees with their affiliations are listed on the Early Career Investigator’s (ECI) Award History Page by their awarded year.