Technical Achievement Awards (TAOC)

Charge of the Program

The purpose of the Technical Achievements in Organic Chemistry Program is to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of organic chemistry from accomplished, professional chemists holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent. The program has split into these two programs to recognize more individuals:

  • The Early Career -Technical Achievements in Organic Chemistry (EC-TAOC) Award is for individuals who are currently pursuing careers in industrial or government sectors and are no more than 10 years from undergraduate (bachelor’s) or graduate (master’s) school
  • The Mid Career -Technical Achievements in Organic Chemistry (MC-TAOC) Award is for individuals who are currently pursuing careers in industrial or government sectors and are more than 10 years from undergraduate (bachelor’s) or graduate (master’s) school

Selection of Awardees

Awardees are selected by the Early and Mid Career TAOC Awards Committee from a pool of candidates nominated by their respective employers, and are approved by the Executive Committee of the Division of Organic Chemistry. Nominations are accepted through the online Early Career or Mid Career TAOC Nomination Form and must include the following materials: (a) a letter containing the address of the nominator and information written on company letterhead of nomination that presents evidence that illustrates the scientist’s promise, creativity, independence and productivity. (b) the nominee’s CV (including work address and email) that includes a description of their educational background and experience, and publication and patent record and (c) any other information that documents the special achievements and/or contributions made by the nominee (i.e. mentorship, leadership). Seconding letters and copies of selected publications will be considered but are not necessary.

Events Associated with TAOC Awards

There are two events associated with the Early Career /Mid Career TAOC Awards. There is a dinner for the awardees, typically on Sunday evening of the ACS Fall National Meeting in combination with the Early and Mid-Career Investigator Awardees. There is a symposium typically on Wednesday of the ACS Fall National Meeting.

Awardee Responsibilities

Awardees presents a 30 minute scientific talk at the Fall ACS meeting that contains a substantial amount of the scientist’s own work (time period is flexible depending on number of awardees) at the ACS National Fall Meeting. As an awards symposium, under ACS bylaws there is no question and answer period.

Nominations

We encourage nominators to select candidates who are both excellent scientists and good communicators. To nominate a candidate for the Early or Mid Career TAOC Award you would need to complete the appropriate online nomination form-due January 21, 2025. Nominators must be members or affiliates of the ACS Organic Division. The form requires a letter describing the nominee’s contributions and the nominee’s curriculum vitae. Additional letters and supporting documents are most welcome, but not essential. For EC-TAOC nominees must be no more than 10 years from graduating (bachelor’s or master’s) for MC-TAOC nominees must be more than 10 years from graduating (bachelor’s or master’s) and are a current researcher in a non-academic setting (e.g. industry, government or non-profit laboratory). Nominations from women and minorities who are typically under-represented in chemistry are especially encouraged.

Questions may be directed to Elizabeth Swift and Vanessa Marx.

Submittal Process

Nominations are to be submitted as a single PDF file (named using the format: Nominee’sLast Name_First Name_TAOC.pdf i.e. Smith_Jane_TAOC.pdf) through these online forms:
Early Career-TAOC
Mid Career-TAOC

Your PDF file should have the following parts in the following order:

  1. Nomination Letter on Company Letterhead
  2. Nominee’s CV
  3. Supplementary Information (optional)

History

The TAOC was initiated in 1992, and with the 2024 Awardees, there have been a total of 437 awards. A list of awardees and their affliations can be found HERE.