CAS Future Leaders™
Join a group of exceptional Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars from around the world to take the next steps in your leadership journey. Apply by Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Apply today
What is CAS Future Leaders?
The CAS Future Leaders program supports the growth of science leadership among early-career scientists. Since 2010, the program has awarded Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars opportunities to learn leadership skills, engage in scientific discourse, and connect with peers and innovators from around the world.

Learn
Get exclusive leadership training from industry experts and learn how CAS connects the world’s scientific knowledge.
Engage
Share your latest discoveries to advance scientific knowledge at the American Chemical Society fall meeting.
Connect
Network to make meaningful connections with peers and innovators from around the world.
Testimonials
2026 Program benefits
- $1,000 USD
- 3-year ACS membership
- Profile featured in C&EN (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 articles)
- Complimentary registration for the ACS meeting
- Opportunity to present your research at the ACS meeting
- Complimentary registration for an ACS Professional and Leadership Development course at the ACS meeting
- Lifetime membership in the CAS Future Leaders Community
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible to apply?
You must be a current Ph.D. student (or plan to be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in 2026) or postdoctoral scholar in chemistry or related science, with a working knowledge of multiple research information tools.
How do you define “postdoctoral scholar”?
We consider a postdoctoral scholar as an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path. We acknowledge that while the duration of postdoctoral training varies, typically, this period is between two to five years. Training occurs in and prepares postdoctoral scholars for careers in academia, industry, nonprofits, government institutions, or to engage in entrepreneurship around the world (adapted from NSF/NIH).
What are the program dates?
December 1, 2025 - Call for applications opens
January 25, 2026 - Call for applications closes
March 2026 - Selection announcement
August 17-22, 2026 - CAS Future Leaders in Columbus, OH
August 23-27, 2026 - ACS Fall 2026 in Chicago, IL
What are the primary application requirements?
You must provide the following documents:
- Essay
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Letter of recommendation
To submit your application, you also must agree to the CAS Future Leaders Terms & Conditions.
What should my essay include?
Your 500- to 1,000-word essay should describe:
- Your current research projects and future goals
- The value of CAS SciFinder or other scientific information solutions to your research
Essays will be evaluated based on originality and clarity of the writing and must be written in English. Tables/figures and references do not count against the word limit. You may include up to 2 tables/figures.
What should the letter of recommendation include?
Your letter of recommendation should be written by an advisor, mentor, or supervisor and should describe:
- How they know you
- Your research achievements
- Your potential for science leadership
- Your unique qualifications for the program
Who should I select for my letter of recommendation?
You should select the advisor, mentor, or supervisor who best knows your research achievements and potential for science leadership. It does not need to be your current advisor, mentor, or supervisor.
How will I be contacted if I am selected?
The applicants who are determined to have the greatest potential for science leadership will be contacted by email in March 2026.
How are CAS Future Leaders selected?
Science leaders are not only accomplished in their research, but also in their activities beyond the lab (e.g., volunteer work, outreach, community service). Potential for science leadership will be assessed based on the overall quality of your application materials. Reviewers include the CAS Future Leaders team, CAS leadership across the organization, and a team of scientists responsible for the intellectual indexing of journal articles and patents for the CAS Content CollectionTM.
What travel-related expenses are covered by CAS?
CAS will arrange and pay for:
- Air travel to Columbus, ACS Fall 2026, and home
- Hotel stays in Columbus and Chicago
- Registration for ACS Fall 2026
- Meals and shuttle transportation in Columbus
In addition, $1,000 USD will be provided to offset any other travel-related expenses.
Who should I contact with questions about the program?
Email the CAS Future Leaders team at futureleaders@cas.org.
CAS Future Leaders Top 100
The CAS Future Leaders Top 100 program recognizes additional outstanding applicants. This new initiative honors their accomplishments and provides exclusive benefits to support their science leadership growth.
- Exclusive virtual leadership training and networking opportunities
- Lifetime membership in the CAS Future Leaders Community
- 1-year ACS membership
Hear from our CAS Future Leaders
Read inspiring stories from previous participants about how the program opened new doors, enhanced their careers, and gave them an unforgettable experience.
Past CAS Future Leaders
Meet our exceptional alumni who shaped their personal and professional journeys through our program.
Insights from CAS Future Leaders
Explore the unique insights and perspectives of our program alumni in this collection of publications, videos, and journal articles.
Contact us
Questions about the CAS Future Leaders program? See our FAQ and Terms & Conditions or email the CAS Future Leaders team. Not a Ph.D. student or postdoctoral scholar? Download our printable flyer to share with someone you know!
Connect with us on X (Twitter)
Stay connected with our CAS Future Leaders community on X (formerly Twitter), where we share updates, insights, and opportunities to engage with our program and alumni.






