It is my great honor to have the opportunity to serve you this year as Chair of the Northeastern Section of the ACS (NESACS). NESACS has a long and rich history and is one of the largest and most influential sections of American Chemical Society. The Section’s base covers many academic institutions and a broad range of chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The diversity of the people and the organization make this chemistry community dynamic and vibrant.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Chair of the section, Prof. Ruth Tanner, for her dedication, leadership and excellent service to the Section.

In 2013 as Chair, I will concentrate on four priorities:

Expanding Cross-functional Collaborations. My goal for NESACS is to expand the amount of crossfunctional activity in NESACS between different NESACS groups [Medicinal Chemistry Group, YCC(Younger Chemists Committee), Continuing Education, Government Relations and Chemical Education] For example, local medicinal chemists of the MCG could be encouraged to support the Chemical Education group by making trips to local high schools for outreach; YCC could take more responsibility for organizing the annual celebration of the 50- and 60- year members. Reaching out with Better Communications. My goal is to proactively reach out to students and our local communities to increase the public appreciation of chemistry for meeting world needs. I also want to encourage interest in chemistry among young people and to increase membership and attendance at NESACS events and meetings. Increasing Support for Career Development. Continue to sponsor workshops to help local scientists in their career development. Explore innovative ways to train members for today’s competitive global work environment. Enhancing Global Collaboration. Enhance international cooperation by supporting an expansion in the number of “international” symposia and exchange programs that bring academic and industrial scientists based in Europe and Asia to NESACS events to share ideas and to network. Explore setting up an international exchange fund to support such activities.

Stay connected! You can keep track of our activities and upcoming events by visiting the section website at http//www.nesacs.org for breaking news as well as to read The Nucleus in PDF format. You can also read our outstanding blog at http://blog.nesacs.org/. In addition, you can join a NESACS discussion group and get updates on the Section’s activities at the NESACS LinkedIn® network.

Get involved! I hope to see more and more of you participating in the events that NESACS offers. Our monthly meetings usually take place somewhere in the Boston area on the second Thursday of each month between September and May. Please tell us your thoughts and your suggestions to help make this section better.

This is your Section. Together, we can make a difference! Wish you all the best in 2013!