For the first time ever, ACS on Campus, the American Chemical Society’s premier outreach program, headed to Russia for a two-stop roadshow. The Institute of Chemistry at St. Petersburg State University and the N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow hosted the program on two consecutive days in April. […]
For the first time ever, ACS on Campus, the American Chemical Society’s premier outreach program, headed to Russia for a two-stop roadshow. The Institute of Chemistry at St. Petersburg State University and the N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow hosted the program on two consecutive days in April.
ACS on Campus staff were extremely grateful for the overwhelmingly positive response received from the Russian research community, with more than 150 students, early-career researchers, and faculty members attending the events.
World-renowned chemists were able to join the roadshow, featuring Professor Erick Carreira the Editor-in-Chief of Organic Letters; Dr. Anja Oasmaa, Associate Editor, Energy & Fuels; and Professor Karsten Meyer, Associate Editor, Organometallics. During the events, they were able to share their most recent research and best practices on scientific publishing with the audiences.
Professor Karsten Meyer remarked on a memorable discussions on the latest technology, publishing advice, career insights, and current challenges in science, which the speakers were able to have with the “brilliant crowd” of students and faculty members.
Professor Anja Oasmaa said she was fascinated by the historically famous professors at Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry in Moscow. Looking back on the events, she said, “The present professors are obviously continuing the impressive work at this Institute. I was impressed on the very high level of education and activity of students both in University of St. Petersburg and at Zelinsky Institute.”
Attendees’ questions were not restricted to program sessions, as they followed ACS Editors on a memorable visit to the Mendeleev Museum in St. Petersburg. This afternoon trip highlighted the very foundations of chemistry as a discipline. The visit was especially meaningful since 2019 marks the celebration of the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, marking the 150th anniversary of Mendeleev presenting his version of the table.
Professor Erick Carriera remarked, “The museum wonderfully preserves Mendeleev’s office and laboratory as well as an impressive exhibit of various items of historical importance to the Chemical Sciences. The collection includes instrumentation, letters, manuscripts, photographs, journal collection, and library; additionally, various versions of the periodic table are on display that illustrate Mendeleev’s brilliant mind at work as the idea evolved.”
The Director of the Institute of Chemistry, Professor Irina Balova, warmly hosted the stay in St. Petersburg. The reception in Moscow was just as exceptional, as Director Professor Mikhail Egoro hosted the program representatives over dinner.
ACS on Campus staff were honored to collaborate with the Institute of Chemistry at St. Petersburg State University and the N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow through engaging events featuring these fantastic speakers.