President's Letter - June 2021
Written by Dr Susan Northfield, MRACI
Published 7 June 2021
Dear RACI Victorian Branch community,
Sadly, the month of June finds us all in yet another lockdown. I hope you have all been well these last two weeks and are looking after yourselves. We do not yet know when we will be able to host in-person events again this year, however, we have not been idle. Last year taught us all much about virtual engagement and VIC branch, especially our fantastic Group committees, have plans to host upcoming events virtually.
I wish to start by highlighting the recent work of our Early Career Chemists Group (ECCG), who earlier this year ran an event with the RACI Careers Development program that focussed on Mental Health in the Workplace. This was a fantastic initiative, which their group has provided an article about in this newsletter and it is especially timely to mention as we come to the end of a second week of Victoria’s fourth lockdown. I commend the ECCG and Career Development Program for developing this event, and am delighted to advise that you can access the recording of the webinar through this link. Please take time to read the ECCG’s article in this newsletter and view their webinar, featuring the Black Dog Institute.
Now to focus on upcoming Branch events. Last month we announced that registrations are open for CHEM2021, a conference we are holding on Zoom on July 12 and 13 for early and mid-career chemists, which is being organised by a group of extremely hard-working early and mid-career chemists on the Branch Committee. Abstract submissions have now closed, but registration remains open. Importantly, this event is open for anyone and everyone with the intention to provide opportunities for chemists who were especially impacted by the pandemic due to loss of opportunities to present their work, which is vital at their career stage. We are proud to be hosting this event and any questions can be directed to [email protected].
Registration for CHEM2021 includes a free ticket to our Branch Trivia Night, which will be on the evening of July 13th. We hope you can attend both events but welcome you to register for the Trivia Night specifically if you cannot attend the conference. Once again this is an event open to everyone, and we hope it will provide some fun for members and non-members alike!
Speaking of membership, please be advised that membership renewals are due this month. Keep an eye on your emails for further information, or simply log-in to your account on the RACI website to renew your membership now.
The Victorian Branch are excited to announce that applications will open in mid-June for the Victorian Branch RACI Awards. All Victorian members will receive an email when the Award applications are made live on our website. There are ten Awards available in 2021 and applications will be open until September. We hope you will consider applying or nominating a colleague. Finally, I would like to bring to your attention the RACI National Awards. Applications are currently open, with deadlines extended to June 25th. Get on to the website now to see if you are eligible and get your applications in.
As I write this, I cannot be certain of when we will come out of lockdown. In the meantime, I send all of you my best wishes as we await the outcome of this current outbreak. Take care and be well.
Best wishes to you all!
Dr Susan Northfield
RACI VIC Branch President
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