As more in-person events take place around the world, the IYCN, as a global network with a vision to connect and empower younger chemists globally, will continue to organize online events like this year's General Assembly, offering opportunities for all our members to participate without cost barriers.
Our 2022 General Assembly took place on August 14th with delegates from 66 different countries. On this occasion, the IYCN Board and delegates discussed the goals of the organization and approved amendments to the IYCN Statutes and Bylaws (see latest version here: https://www.iycnglobal.com/organization). The changes were minor and mainly related to some processes and diversity on the Board. These changes also allowed the Board to transition our “Finance Committee” to an “Industry Relations Committee”, which better reflects our goals to increase our partnership with industry.
At the General Assembly we also elected the new Board of the IYCN for the period 2022-2023, with 16 Board or Associate members representing 13 different countries. We take this opportunity to thank the former IYCN Board for their leadership, commitment and dedication to the IYCN and the younger chemists' community as the IYCN grows across borders. Some committees are actively looking for dedicated members (see calls in this newsletter and on our social media channels) and we are also looking for volunteers interested in graphic design.
Forming new connections and networks, as well as strengthening old ones, thrives through face-to-face interactions, and we therefore look forward to the IUPAC World Chemistry Congress 2023 in The Hague, The Netherlands. More information can be found here (https://iupac2023.org/). In partnership with the European Young Chemists' Network (EYCN) and the Dutch Young Chemists (Jong KNCV), the IYCN organizes a program aimed at young chemists throughout the conference. At this event, the IYCN will also hold its 2023 General Assembly in a hybrid format (in person and virtual) and plans a networking opportunity.
As a network, we set ourselves several strategic goals for our tenure. Among other things, we will strengthen our new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Science for Policy committees so that we can actively promote EDI within our organization and participate in policy discussions. In the past few weeks, the IYCN has started two major projects: First, on September 25th, the IYCN organized the first Global Conversation on Sustainability in cooperation with IUPAC. It is in line with the goals of IUPAC and the IYCN to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through raising awareness and implementing sustainable chemistry-based practices (https://www.gcs-day.org/). Second, the IYCN launched a mental health survey among chemistry students, junior researchers, and recent graduates (http://tinyurl.com/2p8zmw2d). Please get involved so we can shed more light on the state of mental health in science.
Torsten John and Bianca Davids
On behalf of the IYCN Executive Board
