The American Chemical Society (ACS) offers a range of scholarships and fellowships designed to support students, researchers and chemistry professionals pursuing academic, scientific and professional development opportunities. The programmes provide opportunities ranging from summer research experiences for high school students to postdoctoral research and public policy fellowships.
Through its Scholarships & Fellowships portfolio, ACS supports individuals seeking to advance their chemistry knowledge, research experience and professional careers. Opportunities currently highlighted by the organization include the Project SEED Fellowship, Project SEED Scholarship, ACS Public Policy Fellowships and Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowship.
The opportunities cover different stages of an academic and professional journey, making the ACS funding portfolio relevant to students interested in chemistry as well as researchers pursuing advanced scientific careers.
The ACS Scholarships & Fellowships programme is part of the organization’s broader Funding & Awards portfolio. According to ACS, these opportunities support participants in pursuing unique learning and professional development experiences while advancing their research and studies.
The available programmes have different eligibility requirements, durations and objectives. Prospective applicants should therefore review each individual fellowship or scholarship page to determine which opportunity matches their academic level, research interests and career goals.
Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of the key research opportunities featured by ACS.
The fellowship supports a Ph.D. candidate who will pursue research at the chemistry and biology interface through a two-year postdoctoral fellowship.
The programme is particularly relevant to researchers whose work bridges chemistry and biology and who are preparing to progress into postdoctoral research.
A postdoctoral fellowship can provide researchers with an opportunity to deepen their scientific expertise, contribute to new research and establish collaborations within their field. The two-year structure of the Irving S. Sigal Fellowship provides a defined period for advanced research at the chemistry-biology interface.
Researchers interested in this opportunity should consult the official ACS fellowship page for the current eligibility requirements, application instructions, deadlines and funding details.
Project SEED Fellowship
The Project SEED Fellowship is an 8–10 week summer programme designed for high school students.
The programme pairs participating students with scientific mentors and provides access to a meaningful technical research experience. This can give students an early opportunity to explore scientific research and gain practical exposure in a professional research environment.
The fellowship is therefore aimed at an earlier stage of the academic pathway than the ACS postdoctoral opportunities.
Students interested in gaining hands-on research experience should review the Project SEED programme requirements and application information.
Project SEED Scholarship
ACS also offers the Project SEED Scholarship, a one-year, non-renewable scholarship for former participants of the Project SEED Summer experience.
Selection is based on factors including achievement in school, success in the Project SEED programme and the student’s intended chemical-related field of scientific study.
The scholarship can provide financial support to eligible former Project SEED participants as they continue their education and pursue studies connected to chemistry or related scientific fields.
ACS Public Policy Fellowships
For ACS members interested in the intersection of science and public policy, the organization offers ACS Public Policy Fellowships.
These fellowships provide opportunities to gain practical experience and insights into public policy by working on Capitol Hill or at ACS.
The programme can expose fellows to the relationship between scientific expertise and policy development, while providing professional experience outside traditional laboratory-based research.
Interested applicants should review the programme’s specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.
Who Can Benefit From ACS Opportunities?
The ACS Scholarships & Fellowships portfolio covers several stages of education and professional development.
Potential applicants include:
- High school students seeking technical research experience.
- Former Project SEED participants pursuing chemical-related studies.
- Ph.D. candidates progressing into postdoctoral research.
- ACS members interested in science and public policy.
- Researchers and chemistry professionals seeking opportunities to advance their careers.
Because the programmes serve different audiences, applicants should avoid assuming that eligibility for one ACS opportunity automatically applies to another.
More ACS Funding Opportunities
Beyond scholarships and fellowships, ACS provides additional funding and award opportunities in areas including green chemistry, sustainability, industry, local sections and technical divisions.
The organization encourages prospective applicants to browse its wider funding portfolio to identify opportunities relevant to their research, studies or professional activities.
Browse ACS Funding & Awards Opportunities
How to Apply
Applicants should begin by identifying the ACS programme that corresponds to their academic or professional stage. They should then review the official programme page for eligibility requirements, application materials, deadlines and other conditions.
For the Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowship, prospective researchers should pay particular attention to the research focus at the chemistry and biology interface and the requirements associated with the two-year postdoctoral programme.
Students considering Project SEED should review the separate fellowship and scholarship requirements because the two programmes serve different purposes.
Key ACS Opportunities at a Glance
Organization: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Opportunities: Scholarships and fellowships
Research fellowship: Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowship
Sigal duration: Two years
Research focus: Chemistry and biology interface
Student programme: Project SEED Fellowship
Project SEED duration: 8–10 weeks
Scholarship: Project SEED Scholarship
Policy programme: ACS Public Policy Fellowships
Target applicants: Students, researchers and ACS members, depending on the programme
The American Chemical Society Scholarships & Fellowships portfolio provides opportunities across different stages of academic and professional development. From technical research experiences for high school students to postdoctoral research and public policy placements, prospective applicants can explore the programmes according to their qualifications and career objectives.
Applicants should always verify the latest programme-specific requirements and deadlines directly with ACS before submitting an application.
