By becoming involved in our community, we can support you by:
- keeping you up to date with the chemical sciences
- providing you with support for your subject and profession; and
- giving you access to a wide range of exclusive member benefits
Find extra support
There are a number of other ways we can support you as a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry whether your are a chemical scientist or student in chemistry:
- We offer grants to support travel, events, outreach and research, as well as personal support and guidance. Visit our funding pages
- Royal Society of Chemistry membership provides access to advice, information and financial assistance for you and your family in difficult situations in the form of our Chemists' Community Fund
- We have recently launched our wellbeing and listening service
Please note that only some of the above help is available to non-members.
Browse support by career stage
Find out which of our member support is relevant to you by selecting your employer type;
We help school students, educators and support staff have all the help they need to plan their future, access the best chemical science resources and find their place in the chemical sciences. Below you can find the most relevant products and services to those working or studying at a school or college. Click here to view our full list of member benefits.
School Students
We help school students access study resources, information about careers and make confident decisions about their future in the chemical sciences.
Support for studentsHelp for your studies
Our education resources page contains links to coursework support, experiments, fun games and an interactive periodic table.
A Future in Chemistry
If you are thinking about a career in chemistry, you can browse our website A Future in Chemistry. It highlights job profiles that help you narrow down what you want to do and explore your study options.
Choosing the right degree
If you want to study chemistry at university, explore which courses have achieved accreditation. Accreditation of degree programmes by professional and statutory bodies is a mark of assurance that let you know that a course has met key standards.
Joining our community
As a school student, we do not have a membership category for you quite yet, but you can join us as an affiliate member to receive information on careers in the chemical sciences and receive Chemistry World online and in print.
Teachers
Educators at schools and colleges encourage and enthuse the next generation of the chemical sciences. We support our teacher members with well-rounded professional development, ways to inspire their students with current developments in the chemical sciences and build a helpful network of like-minded peers.
Aid your teaching
Discover our online teaching resources. We have thousands of mixed media resources to support your teaching across chemical topics and contexts. There are resources for students of all levels and it is free to access. Add to this access to Chemistry World and Education in Chemistry for articles and opinions on both chemistry and teaching practice
Make connections
Engage with our education networks, get involved in outreach activities, apply for funding and connect with other education professionals. Our various events and conferences can also help you and your students meet other chemical science professionals.
Enhance your skills
Further your career with our Continuing Professional Development tools and services, and gain recognition for your expertise by applying for Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach). We also have a dedicated Career Management service with careers advisors, events and resources to support your career.
Develop your career
As well as tailored advice and support from our Careers team, teachers can find free CPD resources for teachers on Teach Chemistry and sign up for our dedicated teacher mentor programme.
Technicians
School technicians are critical support staff that help to inspire the next generation of chemical scientists. Our support ensures they have access to a network of members in their local area, qualifications that acknowledge the application of their technical skills, and have opportunities to advance their careers.
Recognise your experience
We award Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) to those working in technical roles and Registered Scientist (RSci) to those in scientific and higher technical roles. Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) are also available to those in senior roles with significant experience. These awards recognise skills and knowledge gained through ongoing professional development, and the impact you have at work. Check out our Professional Awards page to see which award is right for you.
Manage your career
Track your progress with our Continued Professional Development tool to record your development and access online materials and regular webinars to support your career planning.
Build connections
You can connect with your Local Section to meet and network with a diverse range of members in your area or contact your local Educational Coordinator to get involved in outreach and inspire activities in your school.
Our members working in academia cover a variety of research interests and career stages. Below you can find key services and products tailored to career stage for those studying or working at a University. Click here to view our full list of member benefits.
Undergraduates
Our student member support starts before you even begin your degree and continues far beyond graduation.
Support for undergraduatesLay your foundations
As you settle in to university life we help you access the right materials with discounts on your core textbooks, track the skills you are developing with RSC Pathfinder, our Continued Personal Development tool and top up your knowledge with our specialist school-to-university transition resources.
Build your reputation
Once you have found your feet we want to provide you with plenty of opportunities to strengthen your knowledge through Chemistry World and our ChemSpider database, connect with experts in your area through our local sections and get practical experience through an internship or placement found on our chemical science jobs board. Completion of a placement year can even help you get Registered Status, displaying the professional experience you have gained.
Show your talent
Towards the end of your degree, you need to put all of your skills on show. We are here to help launch you into the next stage of your career with our special interest groups often closely linked to final year research projects, revisions resources and guides for thesis writing and viva advice, and our ChemCareers series of webinars preparing you for what comes next.
Postgraduates
Our postgraduate member support helps you gain recognition for your existing skills, make the right connections to support your research and help you plan for the future.
Begin your professional development journey.
As an Associate Member, you can clearly demonstrate the wide range of skills and knowledge you have developed in your undergraduate degree and display your clear commitment to the chemical sciences. Combine this with an award such as Registered Scientist or Registered Science Technician for formal recognition of professional skills and you will have made your first step along the path to Chartered Chemist status.
Build career-advancing connections
By joining our special interest groups and divisions you can connect with people who want to share their experience and knowledge. Our community is all about sharing knowledge and ideas and our grants and funding include travel grants that exist to help you get where you need to be to develop yours.
Access advice and guidance
Our specialist careers management team can provide you with tailored support with one of our Catalyst consultations, CV Checks, online guidance and CPD resources to help you manage your professional development.
Teaching and research staff
We support our members working in research and academia through opportunities to widen their exposure, contribute to the advancement of the chemical sciences and engage with like-minded communities.
Share your ideas
Promote your work and hear about the latest research at conferences and events. As a member you can receive reduced conference registration fees and will be eligible to apply for a wide variety of funding opportunities, including travel grants and research funding. You can also get 15% off the article processing charge when publishing in one of our open access journals.
Meet our community
Join our Divisions and Interest Groups to pursue and broaden your interests and build a valuable network of contacts. They run events, activities and even help advise on science policy.
Display your experience
Achieving Chartered Chemist status clearly displays not only your expertise but also your ongoing commitment to developing your skills. Scientists with less than 6 years post-graduate experience can access our professional development programme, which provides a framework to meet 12 distinct attributes that make competent chemical scientist. If you hold more than 6 years post-graduate experience you can access our direct route to the qualification, in recognition of suitable knowledge and skills.
Be at the forefront of chemistry
Access a variety of e-books, journals and databases from various publishers as well as content from our journals. You will also receive access to Chemistry World which covers the latest developments in research, business and the job market.
Technicians
Technicians in academia are critical to ensuring that the research undertaken in their institution happens in a safe and controlled manner. Our support ensures they have access to high-quality training courses, qualifications that acknowledge the application of their technical skills, and have opportunities to advance their careers.
Get ahead
In your role, you will need to maintain a strong awareness of the techniques and practices relevant to your institution. Our approved training courses database can help you make confident choices when identifying high quality training options.
Grow your network
We have a large number of communities, linked to specific areas of the chemical sciences and our analytical division interest groups in particular can help you exchange information and ideas at events and activities.
Access professional awards
We offer a range of professional awards; Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) is awarded to those working in technical roles and Registered Scientist (RSci) to those in scientific and higher technical roles. Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) are also available to technicians in senior roles with significant experience. These awards recognise skills and knowledge gained through ongoing professional development, and the impact you have at work. Check out our Professional Awards page to see which award is right for you.
Parental Leave/Carer Leave
Many of our members take a period of leave from work for to start a family or other commitments. For many this can be a time to take a break and consider what options are open to them. See our career break tab to see how we support our members during this time.
Our members working in industry cover a wide range of sectors and career stages. Below you can find key services and products tailored to those working or studying in an industrial environment. Click here to view our full list of member benefits.
Apprentices
Our support for apprentices focuses on recognition for experience alongside opportunities to widen interests in the chemical sciences
Support for apprenticesAccess career information and resources
As an apprentice, you will be building your knowledge and applying it in an industrial setting. Using our Professional Development recording tool to track your progress, alongside online resources and webinars from our careers management team will help you launch your career.
Get recognised
If you have been tracking your development throughout your apprenticeship, you might have gained relevant professional experience that will allow you to apply for registered status. Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) and Registered Scientist (RSci) are awards that formally recognize these skills and how you have developed them in the working environment.
Meet your network
Throughout your apprenticeship, our local section events, special interest groups and online forums can ensure that you have every opportunity to pursue your passion and connect with people that want to help you get ahead.
Technicians
To support industry technicians we provide access to peer-reviewed training courses, qualifications that acknowledge the application of skills, and career advancing opportunities.
Support for techniciansTechnician Commitment
The Royal Society of Chemistry are committed to fully supporting technicians and the Technician Commitment. Find out more about the support available to you and see our action plan here.
Get ahead
In your role, you will need to maintain a good awareness of the techniques and practices relevant to your organisation. Our approved training courses database help you make confident choices when identifying high quality training options.
Grow your network
We have a large number of communities, linked to specific areas of the chemical sciences and our analytical division interest groups in particular can help you exchange information and ideas at events and activities, with many specifically targeted toward younger members.
Access professional awards
We offer a range of professional awards; Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) is awarded to those working in technical roles and Registered Scientist (RSci) to those in scientific and higher technical roles. Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) are also available to technicians in senior roles with significant experience. These awards recognise skills and knowledge gained through ongoing professional development, and the impact you have at work. Check out our Professional Awards page to see which award is right for you.
Graduate scientist
The support we provide to recent graduates and early career scientists helps them transfer the knowledge and skills they have gained into evidenced experience and career progress.
Support for graduate scientistSpecialist career advice
Having a one-to-one Catalyst consultation with one of our careers management team can launch you in the right career direction. The specially designed sessions provide you with a framework and career management tools to take your next career step with confidence.
Connecting with your community
We offer several Early Career Networking opportunities to network with chemical scientists in a friendly and accessible environment. Offering peer-to-peer support, conferences, help and advice it furthers your personal and professional development. You could also engage the help of an experienced mentor to help you navigate the challenges that may arise through this early stage in your career.
Continue your professional development journey
As a practising scientist, succeeding in your role will mean enhancing your knowledge and skills whilst building your experience. Recording the evidence of the activities that you are involved in will help you gain Registered Scientist (RSci) status. If you already hold 3 years of professional experience, you may be ready to embark on our Professional Development Programme. This two-year programme gives you a clear set of attributes with which to develop and successful completion results in the Chartered Chemist Award.
Established scientist
We enable established scientists to maintain and enhance their skillsets and build the connections that help collaboration, exchange of information and ideas and allows them to stay informed of major developments in their field.
Support for established scientistEvidence your experience
As a competent chemical scientist, achieving Chartered Chemist status clearly displays your expertise and your ongoing commitment to developing your skills. Scientists with professional experience of at least 6 years can access a direct route to the qualification, in recognition of suitable qualification and experience.
Keep in touch with your community
We have a large number of communities, linked to specific areas of the chemical sciences and our Industry and Technology division and its associated interest groups have a focus on supporting innovation, helping you collaborate, exchange information and share ideas at a range of events and activities.
Career Management
Our specialist career management team are here to help you with the career challenges you are currently facing and are available face-to-face, over the phone or by skype. If you have overcome various career challenges, you could train with us to become a Royal Society of Chemistry mentor. Our mentors share their experiences with younger members helping them set and achieve career goals whilst building greater self-confidence.
Managers
We recognise the additional skills needed and responsibilities held by managers in the chemical sciences. Our support enables them to develop leadership skills, share their experiences and gain recognition for the responsibility they hold.
Support for ManagersChartered Status for your management skills
If you hold the Chartered Chemist award with the right level of management experience, you can access the qualified route to Chartered Manager status awarded by the CMI. This award is the definitive accolade for the professional manager evidencing continuously effective performance
Management Group
Connect with your peers
Our Management Group is a special interest group that runs events to develop your leadership skills and share ideas with other members who hold similar responsibilities to you.
Train your staff
The Royal Society of Chemistry can help you ensure that your staff are working towards becoming experts in the profession through the accreditation of company training. Our schemes provides you with the confidence that your staff are developing all of the attributes that make a competent chemical scientist and enables them to achieve various levels of professional qualification.
Consultants
Consultants offer organisations in the chemical science sector with expertise that has been developed over a career of experience. We help these members have these capabilities recognised and enable them to highlight their skills to the right audience.
Support for ConsultantsDisplay your excellence
You can access a Chartered Award that is appropriate to the field in which you offer your consultancy services. Holding one of these awards clearly displays to future clients the expertise that you hold and your commitment to enhancing your knowledge.
Get discovered
Our Directory of Consultants helps organisations find the expertise they need. Making yourself and your knowledge discoverable on this directory will widen your exposure with the Royal Society of Chemistry community and beyond.
Meet peers and clients
Through our networks and events you have access to endless opportunities to meet grow your community and meet collaborators. You can also share best practices with our Consultancy group to help advance your business.
Parental Leave/Carer Leave
Many of our members take a period of leave from work for to start a family or other commitments. For many this can be a time to take a break and consider what options are open to them. See our career break tab to see how we support our members during this time.
We provide bespoke resources and services to members in the early stages of their career to further both their personal and professional development, and opportunities to network with chemical scientists from a range of backgrounds in a friendly and accessible environment. Click here to view our full list of member benefits.
Events and activities for early career members
Our staff and volunteers organise hundreds of physical and virtual conferences, meetings and workshops a year; you can find the right event for you on our events database. We also offer grants and bursaries to support you to attend.
We can help! From resources to get you started, to grants to get you going, we can help you organise your early career event and promote it on our events database.
Support for early career members
These resources and services are available to all early career members, no matter what sector you work in.
We offer funding opportunities for running events, attending conferences, research visits and professional development to our early career members.
Connect with other like-minded members through our educational Interest Groups, or find members near you through our Local Sections.
Our dedicated Careers team offer tailored advice and support for early career members, from monthly webinars to our award winning mentoring programme.
Our Grants for Carers and Assistance Grants are available to help you attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference or workshop or a professional development event, and our bullying & harassment support line and Hardship Grants are available to anyone working or studying in the chemical sciences.
Support for early career teachers
We offer a variety of funding opportunities for teachers, including teacher training scholarships, school equipment grants, and different funds for outreach and public engagement.
Connect with other like-minded members through our educational Interest Groups, or find members near you through our Local Sections.
As well as tailored advice and support from our Careers team, teachers can find free CPD resources for teachers on Teach Chemistry and sign up for our dedicated teacher mentor programme.
Our Grants for Carers and Assistance Grants are available to help you attend a chemistry-related meeting, conference or workshop or a professional development event, and our bullying & harassment support line and Hardship Grants are available to anyone working or studying in the chemical sciences.
Supporting the international early career community
We actively seek to identify areas for collaboration with international networks to support the wider international early career community.
The European Young Chemists’ Network is the early career Division of the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) and represents the interests of all chemists in Europe under the age of 35. EYCN 30 member societies from 28 countries and organises webinars, podcasts and physical events supporting early career chemical scientists.
If you would like to know more about how we work with EYCN, please contact the Networks team.
Contact the Networks TeamsThe International Younger Chemists’ Network (the early career group of IUPAC) supports and advocates for younger scientists working across the chemical sciences towards a globally sustainable future. You can sign up to their newsletter to learn about their activities and volunteering opportunities.
If you would like to know more about how we work with IYCN, please contact the Networks team.
Contact the Networks TeamThere are many reasons for an individual to take a break from their career. Family commitments, redundancy or as an opportunity to evaluate where their career is taking them. Whatever the reason, we provide our members with ways to keep in touch with the community, explore the options available to them and maintain their knowledge and skills.
Recent Graduates
We have support specific to those recent graduates who are looking for their first chemical science job role. Our support helps ease the pressure and find the right opportunities.
Support for recent graduatesTake a breather
Our Chemists’ Community Fund can provide you with a breathing space grant designed to support recent graduates when looking for their first job. If you are struggling with student debts and living independently then you may be eligible for a one off payment of £300 to spend however you may need.
Find the opportunities
The Chemistry World jobs board has internships, placements and graduate roles from a wide range of well-known chemical science organisations, and you can tailor suggestions to your location, career stage or area of interest.
Get the right advice
Our career management team can provide you with tools, advice and guidance specifically tailored to finding a role in the graduate jobs marketing. Their specialism in the chemical sciences means they can give you tips to tailor your CV, prepare for interviews and even deal with recruitment agencies.
Parental Leave/Carer leave
Many of our members take time away from work to start a family or look after loved ones. Our support ensures that during this time, you are able to take a step back whilst still keeping in touch with the chemical sciences and fully prepared to return to the workplace when you are ready.
Support for parental leave/carer leaveHelping with unexpected costs
You can access a reduced subscription rate for a period of extended leave and through our Chemists’ Community Fund, access financial aid to help with unexpected costs or respite breaks.
Keeping in touch
You may be very happy to forget about the chemical sciences for a few months, but if you want to keep up to date with all the current chemical science information, you will have access to Chemistry World. We can even arrange for one of our volunteer visitors to meet with you. They are always keen to chat about similar interests in the chemical sciences.
Returning to work
If you are considering returning to the workplace, we can help you prepare with guidance from our careers management team or by connecting you with an experienced mentor. They can help you identify and achieve your chosen goals.
Job Seekers
Many of our members find themselves unemployed whether through choice or redundancy and look to us for support to help them back into the workplace. We can provide financial support, specialist careers advice and plenty of opportunities to build your skills, all with the aim to help you find your perfect role.
Support for job seekersHelping with unexpected costs
You can access a reduced subscription rate for a period of extended leave and through our Chemists’ Community Fund, access financial aid to help with unexpected costs. We also provide grants to help you retrain for your ideal role and with our database of approved courses, you can ensure that you access the highest-quality training.
Practical advice and specialist guidance.
Our career management team can provide you with practical advice and guidance to help you find your idea role. They provide support at each stage of the process, from identifying professional development targets, building a network, using job boards and recruitment agencies, updating your CV, and preparing for interviews.
Building your network
Participating in activities held by your local section can help you make contacts in your area. If you are passionate about particular areas of chemistry, our special interest groups will help you meet the influencers in those areas.
Retired
Some of our most active members are our retired community. Sharing their years of experience and expertise with us, they help drive our activities, inspire the wider public and support the next generation of the chemical sciences
Support for retiredGet inspired
Our local sections run a range of events and activities in your area ranging from retired member lunches through to general interest lectures. Getting to know your local section will help you meet new friends and continue your interest and passion in the chemical sciences.
Get involved
If you are interested in volunteering, there are a wide range of options available ranging from one off events to providing long-term support to a project or to our community. It is a great way to keep in touch with the community and enjoy sharing your chemical science knowledge.
Get the latest news…in a way that suits you
Chemistry World access ensures you get daily updates on the key headlines as well as deeper dives into exciting research so you can keep exploring your passion for the chemical sciences.
Contact the membership team
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 1223 432141
- Email:
- Membership
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