CAS Future Leaders testimonials

"It was an incredible honor to be selected to participate in this program. Among the few other professional development events that I have attended, I must say that the CAS Future Leaders is the best-organized event that I have had the honor of attending. What I also appreciate is that the organizers are very good at selecting participants: Not only are the other participants highly accomplished as scientists, they are also very kind, welcoming, and highly supportive of each other."

"The program exceeded all my expectations by providing a rich and engaging experience that combined expert-led sessions, interactive activities, and valuable networking opportunities. The content was relevant, thoughtfully curated, and delivered in a way that was both inspiring and practical. The program truly empowered CAS Future Leaders to grow professionally and personally, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration."

"I’m truly grateful to be part of the 2025 CAS Future Leaders program! This journey has already given me the chance to learn so much and connect with inspiring and extraordinary people from around the world."

"The programme was absolutely fantastic. I was not entirely sure what to expect coming in, but it exceeded all my expectations - I had an incredible amount of fun and learned a lot. All the sessions and workshops were very well selected and run. I really appreciated particularly the interactive workshops and visiting the CAS infrastructure, but also learning more about CAS and CAS SciFinder."

"The whole program was above excellent. I would like to thank once again for the amazing organization of this program. It is definitely useful for the career development and meeting like minded people in the same career stage. The assembly of the group was also amazing as we managed to get along very well."

"This program was truly my favorite professional development program of the ones I’ve done. The community building we accomplished was absolutely magical! It also helped me to learn more about my unique strengths as a leader and how I can lean into them in my current & future positions. I can’t thank you all enough & I can’t recommend this program enough!!"

"Best thing I ever did professionally. I thank you so much for the opportunity because it truly was life-changing. I haven't felt so inspired in years. You brought together such a fantastic group of people, I feel very privileged to now call them friends. I felt like a VIP for two weeks, and it was a wonderful thing to feel so prestigious and well respected - especially at ACS Fall!"

"Without exaggeration, the CAS Future Leaders program was the most informative, impactful, and empowering thing I've ever done for my professional development. I came away with a completely new perspective on how to approach leadership and communication in science and made lifelong friends from four continents who are all incredibly passionate about helping other people fall in love with science."

"These have been the 2 best weeks in my graduate school experience. We've been able to create new friendships, connections, collaborations, and have gained insights into becoming inclusive leaders. Thank you for this life-changing opportunity, I couldn't recommend this program enough."

"The connections I've made and the insights I've gained are truly transformative!! I'm excited to apply what I've learned and drive positive change in my field and beyond. This experience has truly ignited a new level of enthusiasm and commitment to my professional journey."

"I have always enjoyed visiting companies and experiencing what they do behind the scenes to make things possible. What I appreciate the most about visiting the Columbus office is how transparent its staff are in sharing about their work, thoughts, and future directions of the company."

"There is a good camaraderie among the CAS Future Leaders, and we are global. Joining this cohort helped me realize that I could also be worldly in my career."

"We tap into each other’s diverse chemical backgrounds, support each other’s unique endeavors, and celebrate successes, both in the lab and out."

"The CAS Future Leaders program is an experience that empowers emerging scientists across the globe by valuing different experiences and backgrounds. It’s unlike any other event I have participated in."

"While I learned a lot about innovation and science communication, I also made many new friends from around the world. The CAS Future Leaders program provided a great platform of exchange that I have never experienced before."

"Being part of the Future Leaders transforms your life. You never forget the moment you get that email from CAS. But more importantly, you never forget the people you meet during the program."

"The CAS Future Leaders program not only changed my life, it also paved the way for so many more good things."

"Beyond learning life lessons and skills from top leaders in the chemical industry, participating in Future Leaders gave me the opportunity to connect with inspiring scientists from all over the world, creating strong friendships with remarkable individuals who continue to be a source of support and motivation long after finishing the program."

"For a group of young scientists, strangers to one another, working in such diverse areas of chemical sciences, we connected on a level that no one had ever expected."

"Now, looking back, it's hard to believe that I thought I was bonkers for applying. Networking may be 9-to-5, but the chemistry of CAS Future Leaders is for real."

"You will start the intense training with a broad range of chemists and chemical engineers from all over the world, learning all the skills needed to become a future leader, from storytelling to policy to the use of social media. You will end the program as family, with all the skills needed to lead by example."

"Participating in the CAS Future Leaders program taught me the importance of being intentional with my leadership across various platforms. In the weeks that I spent in the program, it provided me with versatile tools to grow and become an impactful leader. It was truly a transformative experience."

"The CAS Future Leaders program exceeded my expectations in every way. The program made me feel valued and boosted my confidence. I enjoyed the relationships I made during the program and am so excited to see them grow. It was truly a remarkable program."

"I wish every PhD student got to experience this because it provided me with so many new skills that will help me with my degree and with my career beyond academia."

"The CAS Future Leaders program was one of the hallmark moments of my scientific career. I am so thankful to have participated!"

"I learnt so much during the program, established a diverse and international network of peers, and also made some life-long friendships and memories."

"The program brought together people with a diversity of perspectives, interests, and life experiences; and I learned so much from everyone."