Supporting members

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 Chemistry World magazine every month which covers the latest developments in research, business and the job market.

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.

Access 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. 

Technician 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.

Specialist 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.

Evidence 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. 

Chartered 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. 

Display 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 including our flagship industry event, Chemistry Means Business, to meet potential organisations. You can also share best practices with our Consultancy group to help advance your business. 

Take 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. We even hold Chemistry World Jobs Live, our annual recruitment fair, which gives you an opportunity to meet the hiring managers face to face.

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. 

Helping 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 receive your regular copies of Chemistry World in print or we can organise a talking version to arrive at your door. We can even arrange for one of our volunteer visitors to arrive with it. 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. 

Helping 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.  

Get 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

When Chemistry World lands on your doorstep each month, we know our retired members are some of our most avid reader but you can also access daily updates online or even receive a talking version each month.