The American Chemical Society (ACS) recently announced the winners of two Dreyfus Foundation-supported awards aimed at diversity in the chemical sciences as part of their 2027 National Award Winners. Both Awardees will be honored at the ACS Spring 2027 Meeting in New Orleans, LA.
The 2027 ACS-Dreyfus Award for Encouraging Underrepresented and Economically Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences went to Karen S. Molek, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry, University of West Florida. It was given “for leveraging her professional career as a champion who advocates, supports, and empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds to realize and achieve their academic potential.”
The award – established in 1993 to recognize significant accomplishments by individuals in stimulating students, underrepresented in the profession, to elect careers in the chemical sciences and engineering – consists of $5,000 and a certificate. A grant of $10,000 is also made to an eligible non-profit institution, designated by the recipient, to strengthen its activities in meeting the objectives of the award.
The 2027 ACS-Dreyfus Award for Encouraging Women into Careers in the Chemical Sciences went to Dr. Judith N. Burstyn, Professor of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was given “for encouraging women into careers in the chemical sciences – from junior trainees to junior and senior peers at her home institution and far beyond.”
The award – established in 1993 to recognize significant accomplishments by individuals who have stimulated or fostered the interest of women in chemistry, promoting their professional development as chemists or chemical engineers – consists of $5,000 and a certificate. A grant of $10,000 is also made to an eligible non-profit institution, designated by the recipient, to strengthen its activities in meeting the objectives of the award.
Nominations for the 2028 National Awards, including these two Dreyfus Foundation-supported awards, is December 5, 2026. Information on how to submit a nomination can be found on the ACS Website.