All Members

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

I agree with you Tom. I don't know how many members completed the survey, but for most surveys the response rate is usually low. I remember doing the survey, but don't remenber "Chemistry in Australia" being referred to. I believe one of the options to prioritise was "RACI Publications" which indirectly refers to the only RACI publication. Thus disguised, many members may not have realised what was being referred to. For those members who have been part of the RACI for some time, such as myself, the idea that Chemistry in Australia would not be published at all may well have been inconceivable. Chemistry in Australia is the one tangible benefit for many members. When I promote the RACI at my work place, Chemsitry in Australia is taken for granted as a benefit that links members. I appreciate that the cost of about $60000 is significant, however that is with a budget income of over $1.6 million. There are surely other ways to save money. I suspect the loss of the on-line / hard copy magazine may cost the RACI many long term members who would otherwise have paid $60000 in their membership payments. 

Ken Smit 

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

For all the "Chemistry in Australia" mourners, I appreciate and recognised the concerns you have been making. As the Chair of the Chemistry in Australia Management Committee for 9 years from 2010 to 2018, the issue of the costs of printing and distributing the magazine has always been an issue for the board. Even then RACI's contribution to the production of the magazine was only $1-2 per member per issue which is really nothing considering it is the only tangible thing most members claim they receive for their RACI membership. Despite that, on the insistence of the Board at that time, the CiA management committee in 2018 came up with a plan to reduce contribution from RACI to the magazine to ZERO and go fully electronic and online. You can read about this in my guest editorial in the April 2018 CiA magazine (attached). I left the committee in 2019 to take up the position of Deputy Dean at Charles Sturt University and cannot comment on what happened to the plan thereafter.

My honest observation is that Chemistry in Australia magazine is the not the real issue for RACI's financial difficulties, but has unfortnately been always seen as the culprit when balancing RACI finances runs into difficulties. The real issue is the massive decline in RACI's membership and really that is where the focus should lie. The membership has declined from around or close to 10,000 in the good old days to only about 3,800 now. That is a massive decline in income from membership. With that sort of decline in income, we need to make significant strategic changes to the way RACI operates, but cutting out Chemistry in Australia magazine is not going to solve the problem. If anything, it may make the problem worse with further decline in membership.

I agree with you Tom. I don't know how many members completed the survey, but for most surveys the response rate is usually low. I remember doing the survey, but don't remenber "Chemistry in Australia" being referred to. I believe one of the options to prioritise was "RACI Publications" which indirectly refers to the only RACI publication. Thus disguised, many members may not have realised what was being referred to. For those members who have been part of the RACI for some time, such as myself, the idea that Chemistry in Australia would not be published at all may well have been inconceivable. Chemistry in Australia is the one tangible benefit for many members. When I promote the RACI at my work place, Chemsitry in Australia is taken for granted as a benefit that links members. I appreciate that the cost of about $60000 is significant, however that is with a budget income of over $1.6 million. There are surely other ways to save money. I suspect the loss of the on-line / hard copy magazine may cost the RACI many long term members who would otherwise have paid $60000 in their membership payments. 

Ken Smit 

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Thank you, Olufemi, for shining some light on this matter. To me, closing down CiA by the RACI  is rather like taking the entertainment system out of a Tesla and hoping it will help the bottom line. As someone who worked in the private sector, I see anything that is sold to someone is a product. RACI membership is a product. If the product is not selling to the target market (all Australian chemists), then you either have to make it more attractive in terms of value for money, or you have to change your market focus. In the latter instance (and in the absence of any data to the contrary), I see that increasingly the market for RACI membership is mainly academics and scientists in public institutions who can see membership is valuable to their careers and may have membership fees baked into their employment contracts. In this case, the RACI can increase membership fees and make it an exclusive club while maintaining financial viability. Frankly, I'd like to see the former, where the product is improved to the point where it is attractive to many more Australian chemists and who will want to buy it.

For all the "Chemistry in Australia" mourners, I appreciate and recognised the concerns you have been making. As the Chair of the Chemistry in Australia Management Committee for 9 years from 2010 to 2018, the issue of the costs of printing and distributing the magazine has always been an issue for the board. Even then RACI's contribution to the production of the magazine was only $1-2 per member per issue which is really nothing considering it is the only tangible thing most members claim they receive for their RACI membership. Despite that, on the insistence of the Board at that time, the CiA management committee in 2018 came up with a plan to reduce contribution from RACI to the magazine to ZERO and go fully electronic and online. You can read about this in my guest editorial in the April 2018 CiA magazine (attached). I left the committee in 2019 to take up the position of Deputy Dean at Charles Sturt University and cannot comment on what happened to the plan thereafter.

My honest observation is that Chemistry in Australia magazine is the not the real issue for RACI's financial difficulties, but has unfortnately been always seen as the culprit when balancing RACI finances runs into difficulties. The real issue is the massive decline in RACI's membership and really that is where the focus should lie. The membership has declined from around or close to 10,000 in the good old days to only about 3,800 now. That is a massive decline in income from membership. With that sort of decline in income, we need to make significant strategic changes to the way RACI operates, but cutting out Chemistry in Australia magazine is not going to solve the problem. If anything, it may make the problem worse with further decline in membership.

I agree with you Tom. I don't know how many members completed the survey, but for most surveys the response rate is usually low. I remember doing the survey, but don't remenber "Chemistry in Australia" being referred to. I believe one of the options to prioritise was "RACI Publications" which indirectly refers to the only RACI publication. Thus disguised, many members may not have realised what was being referred to. For those members who have been part of the RACI for some time, such as myself, the idea that Chemistry in Australia would not be published at all may well have been inconceivable. Chemistry in Australia is the one tangible benefit for many members. When I promote the RACI at my work place, Chemsitry in Australia is taken for granted as a benefit that links members. I appreciate that the cost of about $60000 is significant, however that is with a budget income of over $1.6 million. There are surely other ways to save money. I suspect the loss of the on-line / hard copy magazine may cost the RACI many long term members who would otherwise have paid $60000 in their membership payments. 

Ken Smit 

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Hi Robin, I've hung in there for 58 years of membership, paid my dues for 50 years, and got my mag every month until recent times. Not only did it make me feel part of a community, there were articles which helped me in my job and those which made me think. I appreciated the many, many articles written by members who showed themselves to be gifted science writers and gave freely of their time to write them, some for many years. They informed and entertained, and I learned from them. I offer those wonderful people my thanks.

  I just checked out Resources>Publications on this website, and found the sentence starting "As proud owners of the esteemed magazine "Chemistry in Australia magazine ….". I guess this section will undergo some urgent editing. Seemingly, it would appear that the RACI isn't so proud of CiA or doesn't hold it in much esteem anymore.

So what does the RACI offer members now who can't get to meetings, conferences and seminars in our capital cities, and whose membership fees support these events? Unless you can negotiate payment your membership fees with your employer, I would imagine many would find them a stretch, particularly in these straitened times.

Admittedly, there are occasionally some Zoom platform offerings, but if you're unable to check in at the appointed time, you miss out. I just looked at YouTube, and there is a RACI channel, but only one entry: a silent 57 second slide show from the Victorian Branch from 2023 with images of various unnamed activities over that year. YouTube is an ideal place for edited Zoom meetings to be available to members who are unable to log in at fixed times.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Hi Tom,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts-I'm sorry to hear how disappointed you are about the recent changes to Chemistry in Australia. I want to acknowledge how much the magazine has meant to many of our members over the years.

As you may be aware, both the recent member survey and feedback from Assembly-comprised of representatives from both branch and division levels, who are intended to reflect the broader RACI membership-indicated that the magazine is no longer a sustainable or strategic priority for the organisation at this time.

That said, we absolutely value the contributions of our writers and subject matter experts. The MyRACI platform will continue to offer opportunities for contributors to share their work and engage directly with fellow members. We're actively working to increase engagement with MyRACI, and while it will take time, we're optimistic about the direction it's heading. Many divisions are now developing plans to use the platform more effectively-something we've not consistently done in the past-and we're doing all we can to support and encourage that.

Also, I believe the YouTube channel you visited may not be the official RACI one. You can find our official content here: https://www.youtube.com/@RACInational/videos, which includes recordings from seminars, lecture series, and other member events. We're also continuing to encourage our event organisers to include virtual access wherever possible, and we expect to see even more of that in the future.

Thanks again for your message, and I hope you have a great Friday.

Warm regards,
Hannah

Hi Robin, I've hung in there for 58 years of membership, paid my dues for 50 years, and got my mag every month until recent times. Not only did it make me feel part of a community, there were articles which helped me in my job and those which made me think. I appreciated the many, many articles written by members who showed themselves to be gifted science writers and gave freely of their time to write them, some for many years. They informed and entertained, and I learned from them. I offer those wonderful people my thanks.

  I just checked out Resources>Publications on this website, and found the sentence starting "As proud owners of the esteemed magazine "Chemistry in Australia magazine ….". I guess this section will undergo some urgent editing. Seemingly, it would appear that the RACI isn't so proud of CiA or doesn't hold it in much esteem anymore.

So what does the RACI offer members now who can't get to meetings, conferences and seminars in our capital cities, and whose membership fees support these events? Unless you can negotiate payment your membership fees with your employer, I would imagine many would find them a stretch, particularly in these straitened times.

Admittedly, there are occasionally some Zoom platform offerings, but if you're unable to check in at the appointed time, you miss out. I just looked at YouTube, and there is a RACI channel, but only one entry: a silent 57 second slide show from the Victorian Branch from 2023 with images of various unnamed activities over that year. YouTube is an ideal place for edited Zoom meetings to be available to members who are unable to log in at fixed times.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Hi Hannah, thanks for your reply and for encouraging me to explore more on the MyRACI platform. During my travels, I came across a blog by Prof Colin Raston which I think deserves a wider readership than that afforded by its current location. He has taken the step of raising awareness of ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition), and as another who is "on the spectrum", I can only thank him for his efforts, all the more important as he is such a brilliantly successful and prominent scientist. 

Unfortunately, the popular image of ASC in the public mind is that of the small minority who are profoundly affected. Like many components of the human condition, ASC tends to follow a normal distribution, and the majority of those with ASC are less affected. Due to our "pattern seeking" predilection, many of us find a home in STEM, and it is likely that the proportion of those who have ASC is higher in STEM occupations than in society at large. For those who are interested, you can take the Autism Spectrum Quotient (ASQ) test free online at a number of locations. Here is the link to one. Reading the preamble prior to taking this test is important. 

Personally, I find the terms "neurotypical" and "neurodiverse" unhelpful and potentially divisive. I recall learning at school Carl Jung's saying "the normal person has yet to be found, and when found, cured". This reflected his perspective on individuality and the idea that "normalcy" is a subjective and elusive concept. Jung believed that embracing one's unique traits and complexities was essential for personal growth and self-realization. To be honest, I'd forgotten who said it, and used Copilot to track it down for me. 

Hi Tom,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts-I'm sorry to hear how disappointed you are about the recent changes to Chemistry in Australia. I want to acknowledge how much the magazine has meant to many of our members over the years.

As you may be aware, both the recent member survey and feedback from Assembly-comprised of representatives from both branch and division levels, who are intended to reflect the broader RACI membership-indicated that the magazine is no longer a sustainable or strategic priority for the organisation at this time.

That said, we absolutely value the contributions of our writers and subject matter experts. The MyRACI platform will continue to offer opportunities for contributors to share their work and engage directly with fellow members. We're actively working to increase engagement with MyRACI, and while it will take time, we're optimistic about the direction it's heading. Many divisions are now developing plans to use the platform more effectively-something we've not consistently done in the past-and we're doing all we can to support and encourage that.

Also, I believe the YouTube channel you visited may not be the official RACI one. You can find our official content here: https://www.youtube.com/@RACInational/videos, which includes recordings from seminars, lecture series, and other member events. We're also continuing to encourage our event organisers to include virtual access wherever possible, and we expect to see even more of that in the future.

Thanks again for your message, and I hope you have a great Friday.

Warm regards,
Hannah

Hi Robin, I've hung in there for 58 years of membership, paid my dues for 50 years, and got my mag every month until recent times. Not only did it make me feel part of a community, there were articles which helped me in my job and those which made me think. I appreciated the many, many articles written by members who showed themselves to be gifted science writers and gave freely of their time to write them, some for many years. They informed and entertained, and I learned from them. I offer those wonderful people my thanks.

  I just checked out Resources>Publications on this website, and found the sentence starting "As proud owners of the esteemed magazine "Chemistry in Australia magazine ….". I guess this section will undergo some urgent editing. Seemingly, it would appear that the RACI isn't so proud of CiA or doesn't hold it in much esteem anymore.

So what does the RACI offer members now who can't get to meetings, conferences and seminars in our capital cities, and whose membership fees support these events? Unless you can negotiate payment your membership fees with your employer, I would imagine many would find them a stretch, particularly in these straitened times.

Admittedly, there are occasionally some Zoom platform offerings, but if you're unable to check in at the appointed time, you miss out. I just looked at YouTube, and there is a RACI channel, but only one entry: a silent 57 second slide show from the Victorian Branch from 2023 with images of various unnamed activities over that year. YouTube is an ideal place for edited Zoom meetings to be available to members who are unable to log in at fixed times.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Dear Tom,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and reflections-it's incredibly valuable to hear from members of our community with lived experience and such thoughtful perspectives.

We're very grateful to Professor Colin Raston for his blog and his leadership in raising awareness around Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). You're absolutely right that voices like his are vital in broadening understanding, particularly within the STEM community where, as you noted, individuals with ASC are likely represented in greater proportion than in the general population.

I'm also pleased to let you know that RACI has recently launched a dedicated Inclusion & Diversity webpage, where our Inclusion & Diversity Committee (RIDC) will continue to share relevant resources, articles, and papers-including contributions such as Professor Raston's. This platform is part of our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment across the chemistry community. You will hear more about some of our projects focusing on diversity and inclusion over the coming months. 

Thank you again for your insights, and please do keep engaging-we truly value your voice.

Warm regards,
Hannah

Hi Hannah, thanks for your reply and for encouraging me to explore more on the MyRACI platform. During my travels, I came across a blog by Prof Colin Raston which I think deserves a wider readership than that afforded by its current location. He has taken the step of raising awareness of ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition), and as another who is "on the spectrum", I can only thank him for his efforts, all the more important as he is such a brilliantly successful and prominent scientist. 

Unfortunately, the popular image of ASC in the public mind is that of the small minority who are profoundly affected. Like many components of the human condition, ASC tends to follow a normal distribution, and the majority of those with ASC are less affected. Due to our "pattern seeking" predilection, many of us find a home in STEM, and it is likely that the proportion of those who have ASC is higher in STEM occupations than in society at large. For those who are interested, you can take the Autism Spectrum Quotient (ASQ) test free online at a number of locations. Here is the link to one. Reading the preamble prior to taking this test is important. 

Personally, I find the terms "neurotypical" and "neurodiverse" unhelpful and potentially divisive. I recall learning at school Carl Jung's saying "the normal person has yet to be found, and when found, cured". This reflected his perspective on individuality and the idea that "normalcy" is a subjective and elusive concept. Jung believed that embracing one's unique traits and complexities was essential for personal growth and self-realization. To be honest, I'd forgotten who said it, and used Copilot to track it down for me. 

Hi Tom,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts-I'm sorry to hear how disappointed you are about the recent changes to Chemistry in Australia. I want to acknowledge how much the magazine has meant to many of our members over the years.

As you may be aware, both the recent member survey and feedback from Assembly-comprised of representatives from both branch and division levels, who are intended to reflect the broader RACI membership-indicated that the magazine is no longer a sustainable or strategic priority for the organisation at this time.

That said, we absolutely value the contributions of our writers and subject matter experts. The MyRACI platform will continue to offer opportunities for contributors to share their work and engage directly with fellow members. We're actively working to increase engagement with MyRACI, and while it will take time, we're optimistic about the direction it's heading. Many divisions are now developing plans to use the platform more effectively-something we've not consistently done in the past-and we're doing all we can to support and encourage that.

Also, I believe the YouTube channel you visited may not be the official RACI one. You can find our official content here: https://www.youtube.com/@RACInational/videos, which includes recordings from seminars, lecture series, and other member events. We're also continuing to encourage our event organisers to include virtual access wherever possible, and we expect to see even more of that in the future.

Thanks again for your message, and I hope you have a great Friday.

Warm regards,
Hannah

Hi Robin, I've hung in there for 58 years of membership, paid my dues for 50 years, and got my mag every month until recent times. Not only did it make me feel part of a community, there were articles which helped me in my job and those which made me think. I appreciated the many, many articles written by members who showed themselves to be gifted science writers and gave freely of their time to write them, some for many years. They informed and entertained, and I learned from them. I offer those wonderful people my thanks.

  I just checked out Resources>Publications on this website, and found the sentence starting "As proud owners of the esteemed magazine "Chemistry in Australia magazine ….". I guess this section will undergo some urgent editing. Seemingly, it would appear that the RACI isn't so proud of CiA or doesn't hold it in much esteem anymore.

So what does the RACI offer members now who can't get to meetings, conferences and seminars in our capital cities, and whose membership fees support these events? Unless you can negotiate payment your membership fees with your employer, I would imagine many would find them a stretch, particularly in these straitened times.

Admittedly, there are occasionally some Zoom platform offerings, but if you're unable to check in at the appointed time, you miss out. I just looked at YouTube, and there is a RACI channel, but only one entry: a silent 57 second slide show from the Victorian Branch from 2023 with images of various unnamed activities over that year. YouTube is an ideal place for edited Zoom meetings to be available to members who are unable to log in at fixed times.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

I totally agree 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

Most of CiA's advertising seemed to me to be brand maintenance, rather than announcement of new products, deals, etc. With the publication of only 4 editions per year, it's no wonder advertisers couldn't be attracted. If the RACI wants to attract advertisers, perhaps they need to make MyRACI more attractive. The current Home page is very, very boring. I would suggest a tiled format, with links to articles contributed by universities on developments, inventions, innovations and commercialisations, with sponsored articles from advertisers showcasing their latest products and accessories interspersed. I subscribe to the Lab Roots newsletter which employs such a format. It's attractive, and it features articles you want to read and come back to. Advertisers have a space, too. Science Nordic is another online magazine which has an attractive format. All the other stuff that's currently on this site can be "members only" access, but let's make the home page bright, colourful and an irresistible read (at least to science junkies like myself). 

I totally agree 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

Some more ideas:

1. Change the platform name from "MyRACI" to (wait for it, drum roll please) "Chemistry in Australia". Hopefully the RACI has the trademark on that name. There's already quite a few "My...." out there, "MyNRMA", for example . Among members (OK, among some members) it's a recognised brand.
2. Think of ways to monetise the platform to take some of the financial pressure off members. Going on from the idea of putting interesting university and other local chemistry news on the home page and opening it up to some advertising, use it as a vehicle to project the RACI more publicly and to attract new members. If there's insufficient copy coming in from local sources, have an "In The News" feature, talking about current chemistry-related subjects. Members would have free access to any material, but non-members would have a rationed access to maybe one or two free articles per month after signing up to provide name and email address. This provides valuable marketing information, and an opportunity to canvass for new members.. 
   
   
3. There could also be special featured sponsored editions for (say) instrument and equipment makers. Analytical chemists would appear to be the largest group of members, so there could be editions featuring the latest advances in say NIR, Raman, bench-top NMR, Mass Spec, automation, online analysis etc. Advertisers could pay for a link to YouTube where companies feature their products.

None of the ideas above are new and are being used by other institutions and companies. I make no apology for the fact that I spent my career in the private sector, and this often has an impact on the way I think.

Most of CiA's advertising seemed to me to be brand maintenance, rather than announcement of new products, deals, etc. With the publication of only 4 editions per year, it's no wonder advertisers couldn't be attracted. If the RACI wants to attract advertisers, perhaps they need to make MyRACI more attractive. The current Home page is very, very boring. I would suggest a tiled format, with links to articles contributed by universities on developments, inventions, innovations and commercialisations, with sponsored articles from advertisers showcasing their latest products and accessories interspersed. I subscribe to the Lab Roots newsletter which employs such a format. It's attractive, and it features articles you want to read and come back to. Advertisers have a space, too. Science Nordic is another online magazine which has an attractive format. All the other stuff that's currently on this site can be "members only" access, but let's make the home page bright, colourful and an irresistible read (at least to science junkies like myself). 

I totally agree 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

Tom - I agree

 Perhaps the problem here  is that those who are making decisions on behalf of members are thinking with an academic/scientific brain rather than with a creative/industry brain  - that the RACI is limited by its own imagination.  

I was pondering an interesting question overnight  in respect of what I personally get from my personal membership. As an industry based Health and Safety professional specialising in chemical management and lab safety and PhD candidate  - the answer was not a lot.

• Access to the RACI Mentoring Program - there are no mentors in this space. 
• Access to webinars, workshops, lectures and networking opportunities by joining our Careers Development Program. - very few events in this space 
• Discounted fees at RACI events & conferences - instead of paying $20.00 to attend a site visit it is $10.00 or a reduced rate on the occasional webinar
• Access to a number of National, Branch & Divisional RACI Awards, Grants & Lectureships - I am a recipient of the one of the two awards available in my field of expertise. 
• Access to member only job listings - nothing of interest here  - not that many jobs actually get advertised via the RACI and none in my area of expertise.
• Networking opportunities - State Branches and Division only hold a limited number of face to face events in an area to which I am not qualified or interested  then the opportunities for networking is reduced to the occasional webinar.  What happened to ChemBeer in Vic or a Trivial night ?????
• Recognition of professional status – use of post nominal affix, FRACI - tick this box. 

So basically I am paying for some post nominals.  Chemistry in Australia was an area where I actually got something from for my membership. It was a chance to get some articles published. I was interesting read - Now that is gone. 

According to the  Annual Report 2023/24 the RACI  published 4 excellent, interesting and informative editions of the Magazine, yet despite the transition to a fully digital edition, the committee decided not to purse technology that would enhance the digital experience . Instead the RACI members are left with nothing.  

As you say  - there are so many  opportunities which are being missed.  Things like special editions, supplements, the use of technology to enhance the digital experience  -  I remember that we used to have a Fellow's edition where all the newly appointed fellows would get a small section in the CiA to introduce themselves  - this has gone. 

I am sure that there are plenty of untapped ideas out there - unfortunately - nobody on the Board is listening. 

Cheers

Lisa 

Some more ideas:

1. Change the platform name from "MyRACI" to (wait for it, drum roll please) "Chemistry in Australia". Hopefully the RACI has the trademark on that name. There's already quite a few "My...." out there, "MyNRMA", for example . Among members (OK, among some members) it's a recognised brand.
2. Think of ways to monetise the platform to take some of the financial pressure off members. Going on from the idea of putting interesting university and other local chemistry news on the home page and opening it up to some advertising, use it as a vehicle to project the RACI more publicly and to attract new members. If there's insufficient copy coming in from local sources, have an "In The News" feature, talking about current chemistry-related subjects. Members would have free access to any material, but non-members would have a rationed access to maybe one or two free articles per month after signing up to provide name and email address. This provides valuable marketing information, and an opportunity to canvass for new members.. 
   
   
3. There could also be special featured sponsored editions for (say) instrument and equipment makers. Analytical chemists would appear to be the largest group of members, so there could be editions featuring the latest advances in say NIR, Raman, bench-top NMR, Mass Spec, automation, online analysis etc. Advertisers could pay for a link to YouTube where companies feature their products.

None of the ideas above are new and are being used by other institutions and companies. I make no apology for the fact that I spent my career in the private sector, and this often has an impact on the way I think.

Most of CiA's advertising seemed to me to be brand maintenance, rather than announcement of new products, deals, etc. With the publication of only 4 editions per year, it's no wonder advertisers couldn't be attracted. If the RACI wants to attract advertisers, perhaps they need to make MyRACI more attractive. The current Home page is very, very boring. I would suggest a tiled format, with links to articles contributed by universities on developments, inventions, innovations and commercialisations, with sponsored articles from advertisers showcasing their latest products and accessories interspersed. I subscribe to the Lab Roots newsletter which employs such a format. It's attractive, and it features articles you want to read and come back to. Advertisers have a space, too. Science Nordic is another online magazine which has an attractive format. All the other stuff that's currently on this site can be "members only" access, but let's make the home page bright, colourful and an irresistible read (at least to science junkies like myself). 

I totally agree 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

Our organisation has now taken away the post nomials from our email signatures, so I can't even use my MRACI CChem :(

I expect to see the final June edition of Chemistry in Australia (since it will be cancelled from 1st July).

------------------------------
Robert Russell

Original Message:
Sent: 15-04-2025 09:21
From: Lisa Stevens
Subject: Mourning "Chemistry in Australia"

Tom - I agree

 Perhaps the problem here  is that those who are making decisions on behalf of members are thinking with an academic/scientific brain rather than with a creative/industry brain  - that the RACI is limited by its own imagination.  

I was pondering an interesting question overnight  in respect of what I personally get from my personal membership. As an industry based Health and Safety professional specialising in chemical management and lab safety and PhD candidate  - the answer was not a lot.

• Access to the RACI Mentoring Program - there are no mentors in this space. 
• Access to webinars, workshops, lectures and networking opportunities by joining our Careers Development Program. - very few events in this space 
• Discounted fees at RACI events & conferences - instead of paying $20.00 to attend a site visit it is $10.00 or a reduced rate on the occasional webinar
• Access to a number of National, Branch & Divisional RACI Awards, Grants & Lectureships - I am a recipient of the one of the two awards available in my field of expertise. 
• Access to member only job listings - nothing of interest here  - not that many jobs actually get advertised via the RACI and none in my area of expertise.
• Networking opportunities - State Branches and Division only hold a limited number of face to face events in an area to which I am not qualified or interested  then the opportunities for networking is reduced to the occasional webinar.  What happened to ChemBeer in Vic or a Trivial night ?????
• Recognition of professional status – use of post nominal affix, FRACI - tick this box. 

So basically I am paying for some post nominals.  Chemistry in Australia was an area where I actually got something from for my membership. It was a chance to get some articles published. I was interesting read - Now that is gone. 

According to the  Annual Report 2023/24 the RACI  published 4 excellent, interesting and informative editions of the Magazine, yet despite the transition to a fully digital edition, the committee decided not to purse technology that would enhance the digital experience . Instead the RACI members are left with nothing.  

As you say  - there are so many  opportunities which are being missed.  Things like special editions, supplements, the use of technology to enhance the digital experience  -  I remember that we used to have a Fellow's edition where all the newly appointed fellows would get a small section in the CiA to introduce themselves  - this has gone. 

I am sure that there are plenty of untapped ideas out there - unfortunately - nobody on the Board is listening. 

Cheers

Lisa 

------------------------------
LisaStevens
Principal OHS Consultant
Lisa J Stevens And Associates

Original Message:
Sent: 15-04-2025 08:06
From: Thomas (Tom) Smith
Subject: Mourning "Chemistry in Australia"

Some more ideas:

1. Change the platform name from "MyRACI" to (wait for it, drum roll please) "Chemistry in Australia". Hopefully the RACI has the trademark on that name. There's already quite a few "My...." out there, "MyNRMA", for example . Among members (OK, among some members) it's a recognised brand.
2. Think of ways to monetise the platform to take some of the financial pressure off members. Going on from the idea of putting interesting university and other local chemistry news on the home page and opening it up to some advertising, use it as a vehicle to project the RACI more publicly and to attract new members. If there's insufficient copy coming in from local sources, have an "In The News" feature, talking about current chemistry-related subjects. Members would have free access to any material, but non-members would have a rationed access to maybe one or two free articles per month after signing up to provide name and email address. This provides valuable marketing information, and an opportunity to canvass for new members.. 
   
   
3. There could also be special featured sponsored editions for (say) instrument and equipment makers. Analytical chemists would appear to be the largest group of members, so there could be editions featuring the latest advances in say NIR, Raman, bench-top NMR, Mass Spec, automation, online analysis etc. Advertisers could pay for a link to YouTube where companies feature their products.

None of the ideas above are new and are being used by other institutions and companies. I make no apology for the fact that I spent my career in the private sector, and this often has an impact on the way I think.

------------------------------
Tom Smith

Original Message:
Sent: 14-04-2025 22:18
From: Thomas (Tom) Smith
Subject: Mourning "Chemistry in Australia"

Most of CiA's advertising seemed to me to be brand maintenance, rather than announcement of new products, deals, etc. With the publication of only 4 editions per year, it's no wonder advertisers couldn't be attracted. If the RACI wants to attract advertisers, perhaps they need to make MyRACI more attractive. The current Home page is very, very boring. I would suggest a tiled format, with links to articles contributed by universities on developments, inventions, innovations and commercialisations, with sponsored articles from advertisers showcasing their latest products and accessories interspersed. I subscribe to the Lab Roots newsletter which employs such a format. It's attractive, and it features articles you want to read and come back to. Advertisers have a space, too. Science Nordic is another online magazine which has an attractive format. All the other stuff that's currently on this site can be "members only" access, but let's make the home page bright, colourful and an irresistible read (at least to science junkies like myself). 

------------------------------
Tom Smith

Original Message:
Sent: 14-04-2025 20:09
From: Lisa Stevens
Subject: Mourning "Chemistry in Australia"

I totally agree 

------------------------------
LisaStevens
Principal OHS Consultant
Lisa J Stevens And Associates

Original Message:
Sent: 14-04-2025 17:45
From: Daniel Turner
Subject: Mourning "Chemistry in Australia"

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

This  is an interesting development  I am surprised if that was the case,  as the By-lays 2021 clearly state that 

By-law 5  ABBREVIATED DESIGNATIONS FOR MEMBERS

The Board shall determine the abbreviated designations or post nominals to be used by each grade of

Membership after the Member's name.

5.1 A full Member and Post-Graduate Member shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI.

5.2 A Member Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI CChem.

5.3 A Fellow shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI.

5.4 A Fellow Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI CChem.

5.5 A Honorary Life Member shall be entitled to prefix their designation by the abbreviation Hon.

5.6 Associate Members of the RACI shall not be entitled to use an abbreviated designation after their name.

5.7 The post nominals may not be used once the individual ceases to be a member of the RACI.

The  removal of post nominals would require the change to the by-laws that would require the matter to be put before the membership. 

Unless a) the RACI national office has not posted the current version of the by-lays on the website (which is required to do b) removed  the By-law without the consent of the members.

Cheers

Lisa 

Our organisation has now taken away the post nomials from our email signatures, so I can't even use my MRACI CChem :(

I expect to see the final June edition of Chemistry in Australia (since it will be cancelled from 1st July).

Tom - I agree

 Perhaps the problem here  is that those who are making decisions on behalf of members are thinking with an academic/scientific brain rather than with a creative/industry brain  - that the RACI is limited by its own imagination.  

I was pondering an interesting question overnight  in respect of what I personally get from my personal membership. As an industry based Health and Safety professional specialising in chemical management and lab safety and PhD candidate  - the answer was not a lot.

• Access to the RACI Mentoring Program - there are no mentors in this space. 
• Access to webinars, workshops, lectures and networking opportunities by joining our Careers Development Program. - very few events in this space 
• Discounted fees at RACI events & conferences - instead of paying $20.00 to attend a site visit it is $10.00 or a reduced rate on the occasional webinar
• Access to a number of National, Branch & Divisional RACI Awards, Grants & Lectureships - I am a recipient of the one of the two awards available in my field of expertise. 
• Access to member only job listings - nothing of interest here  - not that many jobs actually get advertised via the RACI and none in my area of expertise.
• Networking opportunities - State Branches and Division only hold a limited number of face to face events in an area to which I am not qualified or interested  then the opportunities for networking is reduced to the occasional webinar.  What happened to ChemBeer in Vic or a Trivial night ?????
• Recognition of professional status – use of post nominal affix, FRACI - tick this box. 

So basically I am paying for some post nominals.  Chemistry in Australia was an area where I actually got something from for my membership. It was a chance to get some articles published. I was interesting read - Now that is gone. 

According to the  Annual Report 2023/24 the RACI  published 4 excellent, interesting and informative editions of the Magazine, yet despite the transition to a fully digital edition, the committee decided not to purse technology that would enhance the digital experience . Instead the RACI members are left with nothing.  

As you say  - there are so many  opportunities which are being missed.  Things like special editions, supplements, the use of technology to enhance the digital experience  -  I remember that we used to have a Fellow's edition where all the newly appointed fellows would get a small section in the CiA to introduce themselves  - this has gone. 

I am sure that there are plenty of untapped ideas out there - unfortunately - nobody on the Board is listening. 

Cheers

Lisa 

Some more ideas:

1. Change the platform name from "MyRACI" to (wait for it, drum roll please) "Chemistry in Australia". Hopefully the RACI has the trademark on that name. There's already quite a few "My...." out there, "MyNRMA", for example . Among members (OK, among some members) it's a recognised brand.
2. Think of ways to monetise the platform to take some of the financial pressure off members. Going on from the idea of putting interesting university and other local chemistry news on the home page and opening it up to some advertising, use it as a vehicle to project the RACI more publicly and to attract new members. If there's insufficient copy coming in from local sources, have an "In The News" feature, talking about current chemistry-related subjects. Members would have free access to any material, but non-members would have a rationed access to maybe one or two free articles per month after signing up to provide name and email address. This provides valuable marketing information, and an opportunity to canvass for new members.. 
   
   
3. There could also be special featured sponsored editions for (say) instrument and equipment makers. Analytical chemists would appear to be the largest group of members, so there could be editions featuring the latest advances in say NIR, Raman, bench-top NMR, Mass Spec, automation, online analysis etc. Advertisers could pay for a link to YouTube where companies feature their products.

None of the ideas above are new and are being used by other institutions and companies. I make no apology for the fact that I spent my career in the private sector, and this often has an impact on the way I think.

Most of CiA's advertising seemed to me to be brand maintenance, rather than announcement of new products, deals, etc. With the publication of only 4 editions per year, it's no wonder advertisers couldn't be attracted. If the RACI wants to attract advertisers, perhaps they need to make MyRACI more attractive. The current Home page is very, very boring. I would suggest a tiled format, with links to articles contributed by universities on developments, inventions, innovations and commercialisations, with sponsored articles from advertisers showcasing their latest products and accessories interspersed. I subscribe to the Lab Roots newsletter which employs such a format. It's attractive, and it features articles you want to read and come back to. Advertisers have a space, too. Science Nordic is another online magazine which has an attractive format. All the other stuff that's currently on this site can be "members only" access, but let's make the home page bright, colourful and an irresistible read (at least to science junkies like myself). 

I totally agree 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

This  is an interesting development  I am surprised if that was the case,  as the By-lays 2021 clearly state that 

By-law 5  ABBREVIATED DESIGNATIONS FOR MEMBERS

The Board shall determine the abbreviated designations or post nominals to be used by each grade of

Membership after the Member's name.

5.1 A full Member and Post-Graduate Member shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI.

5.2 A Member Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI CChem.

5.3 A Fellow shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI.

5.4 A Fellow Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI CChem.

5.5 A Honorary Life Member shall be entitled to prefix their designation by the abbreviation Hon.

5.6 Associate Members of the RACI shall not be entitled to use an abbreviated designation after their name.

5.7 The post nominals may not be used once the individual ceases to be a member of the RACI.

The  removal of post nominals would require the change to the by-laws that would require the matter to be put before the membership. 

Unless a) the RACI national office has not posted the current version of the by-lays on the website (which is required to do b) removed  the By-law without the consent of the members.

Cheers

Lisa 

Our organisation has now taken away the post nomials from our email signatures, so I can't even use my MRACI CChem :(

I expect to see the final June edition of Chemistry in Australia (since it will be cancelled from 1st July).

Tom - I agree

 Perhaps the problem here  is that those who are making decisions on behalf of members are thinking with an academic/scientific brain rather than with a creative/industry brain  - that the RACI is limited by its own imagination.  

I was pondering an interesting question overnight  in respect of what I personally get from my personal membership. As an industry based Health and Safety professional specialising in chemical management and lab safety and PhD candidate  - the answer was not a lot.

• Access to the RACI Mentoring Program - there are no mentors in this space. 
• Access to webinars, workshops, lectures and networking opportunities by joining our Careers Development Program. - very few events in this space 
• Discounted fees at RACI events & conferences - instead of paying $20.00 to attend a site visit it is $10.00 or a reduced rate on the occasional webinar
• Access to a number of National, Branch & Divisional RACI Awards, Grants & Lectureships - I am a recipient of the one of the two awards available in my field of expertise. 
• Access to member only job listings - nothing of interest here  - not that many jobs actually get advertised via the RACI and none in my area of expertise.
• Networking opportunities - State Branches and Division only hold a limited number of face to face events in an area to which I am not qualified or interested  then the opportunities for networking is reduced to the occasional webinar.  What happened to ChemBeer in Vic or a Trivial night ?????
• Recognition of professional status – use of post nominal affix, FRACI - tick this box. 

So basically I am paying for some post nominals.  Chemistry in Australia was an area where I actually got something from for my membership. It was a chance to get some articles published. I was interesting read - Now that is gone. 

According to the  Annual Report 2023/24 the RACI  published 4 excellent, interesting and informative editions of the Magazine, yet despite the transition to a fully digital edition, the committee decided not to purse technology that would enhance the digital experience . Instead the RACI members are left with nothing.  

As you say  - there are so many  opportunities which are being missed.  Things like special editions, supplements, the use of technology to enhance the digital experience  -  I remember that we used to have a Fellow's edition where all the newly appointed fellows would get a small section in the CiA to introduce themselves  - this has gone. 

I am sure that there are plenty of untapped ideas out there - unfortunately - nobody on the Board is listening. 

Cheers

Lisa 

Some more ideas:

1. Change the platform name from "MyRACI" to (wait for it, drum roll please) "Chemistry in Australia". Hopefully the RACI has the trademark on that name. There's already quite a few "My...." out there, "MyNRMA", for example . Among members (OK, among some members) it's a recognised brand.
2. Think of ways to monetise the platform to take some of the financial pressure off members. Going on from the idea of putting interesting university and other local chemistry news on the home page and opening it up to some advertising, use it as a vehicle to project the RACI more publicly and to attract new members. If there's insufficient copy coming in from local sources, have an "In The News" feature, talking about current chemistry-related subjects. Members would have free access to any material, but non-members would have a rationed access to maybe one or two free articles per month after signing up to provide name and email address. This provides valuable marketing information, and an opportunity to canvass for new members.. 
   
   
3. There could also be special featured sponsored editions for (say) instrument and equipment makers. Analytical chemists would appear to be the largest group of members, so there could be editions featuring the latest advances in say NIR, Raman, bench-top NMR, Mass Spec, automation, online analysis etc. Advertisers could pay for a link to YouTube where companies feature their products.

None of the ideas above are new and are being used by other institutions and companies. I make no apology for the fact that I spent my career in the private sector, and this often has an impact on the way I think.

Most of CiA's advertising seemed to me to be brand maintenance, rather than announcement of new products, deals, etc. With the publication of only 4 editions per year, it's no wonder advertisers couldn't be attracted. If the RACI wants to attract advertisers, perhaps they need to make MyRACI more attractive. The current Home page is very, very boring. I would suggest a tiled format, with links to articles contributed by universities on developments, inventions, innovations and commercialisations, with sponsored articles from advertisers showcasing their latest products and accessories interspersed. I subscribe to the Lab Roots newsletter which employs such a format. It's attractive, and it features articles you want to read and come back to. Advertisers have a space, too. Science Nordic is another online magazine which has an attractive format. All the other stuff that's currently on this site can be "members only" access, but let's make the home page bright, colourful and an irresistible read (at least to science junkies like myself). 

I totally agree 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

Sorry, yes I meant my work organisation. 

This  is an interesting development  I am surprised if that was the case,  as the By-lays 2021 clearly state that 

By-law 5  ABBREVIATED DESIGNATIONS FOR MEMBERS

The Board shall determine the abbreviated designations or post nominals to be used by each grade of

Membership after the Member's name.

5.1 A full Member and Post-Graduate Member shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI.

5.2 A Member Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation MRACI CChem.

5.3 A Fellow shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI.

5.4 A Fellow Chartered Chemist shall be entitled to use the abbreviated designation FRACI CChem.

5.5 A Honorary Life Member shall be entitled to prefix their designation by the abbreviation Hon.

5.6 Associate Members of the RACI shall not be entitled to use an abbreviated designation after their name.

5.7 The post nominals may not be used once the individual ceases to be a member of the RACI.

The  removal of post nominals would require the change to the by-laws that would require the matter to be put before the membership. 

Unless a) the RACI national office has not posted the current version of the by-lays on the website (which is required to do b) removed  the By-law without the consent of the members.

Cheers

Lisa 

Our organisation has now taken away the post nomials from our email signatures, so I can't even use my MRACI CChem :(

I expect to see the final June edition of Chemistry in Australia (since it will be cancelled from 1st July).

Tom - I agree

 Perhaps the problem here  is that those who are making decisions on behalf of members are thinking with an academic/scientific brain rather than with a creative/industry brain  - that the RACI is limited by its own imagination.  

I was pondering an interesting question overnight  in respect of what I personally get from my personal membership. As an industry based Health and Safety professional specialising in chemical management and lab safety and PhD candidate  - the answer was not a lot.

• Access to the RACI Mentoring Program - there are no mentors in this space. 
• Access to webinars, workshops, lectures and networking opportunities by joining our Careers Development Program. - very few events in this space 
• Discounted fees at RACI events & conferences - instead of paying $20.00 to attend a site visit it is $10.00 or a reduced rate on the occasional webinar
• Access to a number of National, Branch & Divisional RACI Awards, Grants & Lectureships - I am a recipient of the one of the two awards available in my field of expertise. 
• Access to member only job listings - nothing of interest here  - not that many jobs actually get advertised via the RACI and none in my area of expertise.
• Networking opportunities - State Branches and Division only hold a limited number of face to face events in an area to which I am not qualified or interested  then the opportunities for networking is reduced to the occasional webinar.  What happened to ChemBeer in Vic or a Trivial night ?????
• Recognition of professional status – use of post nominal affix, FRACI - tick this box. 

So basically I am paying for some post nominals.  Chemistry in Australia was an area where I actually got something from for my membership. It was a chance to get some articles published. I was interesting read - Now that is gone. 

According to the  Annual Report 2023/24 the RACI  published 4 excellent, interesting and informative editions of the Magazine, yet despite the transition to a fully digital edition, the committee decided not to purse technology that would enhance the digital experience . Instead the RACI members are left with nothing.  

As you say  - there are so many  opportunities which are being missed.  Things like special editions, supplements, the use of technology to enhance the digital experience  -  I remember that we used to have a Fellow's edition where all the newly appointed fellows would get a small section in the CiA to introduce themselves  - this has gone. 

I am sure that there are plenty of untapped ideas out there - unfortunately - nobody on the Board is listening. 

Cheers

Lisa 

Some more ideas:

1. Change the platform name from "MyRACI" to (wait for it, drum roll please) "Chemistry in Australia". Hopefully the RACI has the trademark on that name. There's already quite a few "My...." out there, "MyNRMA", for example . Among members (OK, among some members) it's a recognised brand.
2. Think of ways to monetise the platform to take some of the financial pressure off members. Going on from the idea of putting interesting university and other local chemistry news on the home page and opening it up to some advertising, use it as a vehicle to project the RACI more publicly and to attract new members. If there's insufficient copy coming in from local sources, have an "In The News" feature, talking about current chemistry-related subjects. Members would have free access to any material, but non-members would have a rationed access to maybe one or two free articles per month after signing up to provide name and email address. This provides valuable marketing information, and an opportunity to canvass for new members.. 
   
   
3. There could also be special featured sponsored editions for (say) instrument and equipment makers. Analytical chemists would appear to be the largest group of members, so there could be editions featuring the latest advances in say NIR, Raman, bench-top NMR, Mass Spec, automation, online analysis etc. Advertisers could pay for a link to YouTube where companies feature their products.

None of the ideas above are new and are being used by other institutions and companies. I make no apology for the fact that I spent my career in the private sector, and this often has an impact on the way I think.

Most of CiA's advertising seemed to me to be brand maintenance, rather than announcement of new products, deals, etc. With the publication of only 4 editions per year, it's no wonder advertisers couldn't be attracted. If the RACI wants to attract advertisers, perhaps they need to make MyRACI more attractive. The current Home page is very, very boring. I would suggest a tiled format, with links to articles contributed by universities on developments, inventions, innovations and commercialisations, with sponsored articles from advertisers showcasing their latest products and accessories interspersed. I subscribe to the Lab Roots newsletter which employs such a format. It's attractive, and it features articles you want to read and come back to. Advertisers have a space, too. Science Nordic is another online magazine which has an attractive format. All the other stuff that's currently on this site can be "members only" access, but let's make the home page bright, colourful and an irresistible read (at least to science junkies like myself). 

I totally agree 

There's also a lost revenue stream, as industry partners can't advertise in a non-existent publication circulated to RACI's several thousand members.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

As a member for over 40 years and no longer being in the academic/tertiary education sphere, I agree with Robin and with Ken S. What other than Chemistry in Australia do I get for my membership? Attending conferences is not an option and subscriptions to academic chemistry publications is not a financial option either. Regrettably,  I too may have to reconsider whether membership of RACI is worth it if I get nothing tangible in return. Kudos and post nominals may not be enough.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

It appears that the RACI is now down to a membership about equivalent to my (Philadelphia) Local Section of the ACS.  We used to publish and mail a monthly newsletter ("the Catalyst"), but cost-cutting led us to switch to publishing it online, as of several years ago.  Meanwhile, most of the generation and production is done by a volunteer group of us (with a modestly-paid Editor who finally puts the whole thing together).  I still receive hardcopies of Chemistry World (formerly Chemistry in Britain) and of the ACS's C&E News.  The Chemical Institute of Canada/CSC (6,000 members) also gave up publishing the printed version of CIC News several years ago, and now just posts news articles on its website.  This approach is less transparently navigable than an "electronic magazine".  So the $$$ fundamentals may well make publishing a hardcopy difficult for Chemistry in Australia.  However, this discussion thread has several suggestions for improving the RACI website, and so far, it is quite unclear whether an electronic (PDF) version of the magazine is going to be available; I'd strongly advocate for that to be the case.  During the pandemic, I was able to participate in several Zoom meetings of RACI groups, but now, the same question arises for me as for others: What shall I get for my membership $$$ ?  This is not a rhetorical question: I'd appreciate seeing a proper answer to it.

As a member for over 40 years and no longer being in the academic/tertiary education sphere, I agree with Robin and with Ken S. What other than Chemistry in Australia do I get for my membership? Attending conferences is not an option and subscriptions to academic chemistry publications is not a financial option either. Regrettably,  I too may have to reconsider whether membership of RACI is worth it if I get nothing tangible in return. Kudos and post nominals may not be enough.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

From both a financial and an environmental perspective, print media is disappearing the Royal Society of Chemistry recently announced to its members changing the way that it delivers  Chemistry World , Voice and Update from 2026. 

First with the reduction of the amount of print material that they publish and distribute  ( Chemistry World will be published in print bi monthly). The Voice and Update print will also change. They will also be changing the focus of Voice and Update to include more member stories and insights online. 

However, in announcing the changes,  not only did they explain the reasons behind the move  (i.e. increased costs, move to digital first approach, reducing the reliance on print  well as delivering high quality content across digital platforms, at the bottom of the email that made a statement that not only turned the negative into a positive, they reached out to members with the following statements

"Over the coming weeks, we will be inviting members to help shape the future of our print and digital communications. Your feedback and ideas will play a key role in ensuring that our new approach is right for our members and our wider chemistry community. We will keep you updated as these changes take shape and look forward to working together to build a more connected and sustainable RSC community".  I am waiting to see what this engagement is. 

At this point not only has the RSC reached out to members and explained the issues , identified the proposed changes and INVITED members to provide feedback to "ensure that the new approach is right for our members".  This is the difference between the RSC and the RACI.

Engaging members in process is important. I am sure that across the RACI Community that there would have been some great ideas on how to keep Chemistry in Australia  (albeit in a fully digital edition)  In an age of technology were are only limited by our imagination. 

On this thread alone there have been some very interesting ideas, including having a suppliers director edition . we used to have the'Fellows' edition where all the new FRACI would be introduced to the membership. We used to have a dangerous goods report from Jeff Simpson. 

It comes back to engaging the membership not pushing them away. 

Think it is time for a rethink on Chemistry in Australia. 

Cheers

Lisa

It appears that the RACI is now down to a membership about equivalent to my (Philadelphia) Local Section of the ACS.  We used to publish and mail a monthly newsletter ("the Catalyst"), but cost-cutting led us to switch to publishing it online, as of several years ago.  Meanwhile, most of the generation and production is done by a volunteer group of us (with a modestly-paid Editor who finally puts the whole thing together).  I still receive hardcopies of Chemistry World (formerly Chemistry in Britain) and of the ACS's C&E News.  The Chemical Institute of Canada/CSC (6,000 members) also gave up publishing the printed version of CIC News several years ago, and now just posts news articles on its website.  This approach is less transparently navigable than an "electronic magazine".  So the $$$ fundamentals may well make publishing a hardcopy difficult for Chemistry in Australia.  However, this discussion thread has several suggestions for improving the RACI website, and so far, it is quite unclear whether an electronic (PDF) version of the magazine is going to be available; I'd strongly advocate for that to be the case.  During the pandemic, I was able to participate in several Zoom meetings of RACI groups, but now, the same question arises for me as for others: What shall I get for my membership $$$ ?  This is not a rhetorical question: I'd appreciate seeing a proper answer to it.

As a member for over 40 years and no longer being in the academic/tertiary education sphere, I agree with Robin and with Ken S. What other than Chemistry in Australia do I get for my membership? Attending conferences is not an option and subscriptions to academic chemistry publications is not a financial option either. Regrettably,  I too may have to reconsider whether membership of RACI is worth it if I get nothing tangible in return. Kudos and post nominals may not be enough.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Thank you Lisa. It is interesting to read what other national chemical societies are doing.  I think having the magazine closed for both on-line and hard copy issues is profoundly negative for member cohesian and ownership. However, under the current circumstances, it will only be apparent how important Chemistry in Australia is to members when there is sufficient feedback.to the National Office. 

From both a financial and an environmental perspective, print media is disappearing the Royal Society of Chemistry recently announced to its members changing the way that it delivers  Chemistry World , Voice and Update from 2026. 

First with the reduction of the amount of print material that they publish and distribute  ( Chemistry World will be published in print bi monthly). The Voice and Update print will also change. They will also be changing the focus of Voice and Update to include more member stories and insights online. 

However, in announcing the changes,  not only did they explain the reasons behind the move  (i.e. increased costs, move to digital first approach, reducing the reliance on print  well as delivering high quality content across digital platforms, at the bottom of the email that made a statement that not only turned the negative into a positive, they reached out to members with the following statements

"Over the coming weeks, we will be inviting members to help shape the future of our print and digital communications. Your feedback and ideas will play a key role in ensuring that our new approach is right for our members and our wider chemistry community. We will keep you updated as these changes take shape and look forward to working together to build a more connected and sustainable RSC community".  I am waiting to see what this engagement is. 

At this point not only has the RSC reached out to members and explained the issues , identified the proposed changes and INVITED members to provide feedback to "ensure that the new approach is right for our members".  This is the difference between the RSC and the RACI.

Engaging members in process is important. I am sure that across the RACI Community that there would have been some great ideas on how to keep Chemistry in Australia  (albeit in a fully digital edition)  In an age of technology were are only limited by our imagination. 

On this thread alone there have been some very interesting ideas, including having a suppliers director edition . we used to have the'Fellows' edition where all the new FRACI would be introduced to the membership. We used to have a dangerous goods report from Jeff Simpson. 

It comes back to engaging the membership not pushing them away. 

Think it is time for a rethink on Chemistry in Australia. 

Cheers

Lisa

It appears that the RACI is now down to a membership about equivalent to my (Philadelphia) Local Section of the ACS.  We used to publish and mail a monthly newsletter ("the Catalyst"), but cost-cutting led us to switch to publishing it online, as of several years ago.  Meanwhile, most of the generation and production is done by a volunteer group of us (with a modestly-paid Editor who finally puts the whole thing together).  I still receive hardcopies of Chemistry World (formerly Chemistry in Britain) and of the ACS's C&E News.  The Chemical Institute of Canada/CSC (6,000 members) also gave up publishing the printed version of CIC News several years ago, and now just posts news articles on its website.  This approach is less transparently navigable than an "electronic magazine".  So the $$$ fundamentals may well make publishing a hardcopy difficult for Chemistry in Australia.  However, this discussion thread has several suggestions for improving the RACI website, and so far, it is quite unclear whether an electronic (PDF) version of the magazine is going to be available; I'd strongly advocate for that to be the case.  During the pandemic, I was able to participate in several Zoom meetings of RACI groups, but now, the same question arises for me as for others: What shall I get for my membership $$$ ?  This is not a rhetorical question: I'd appreciate seeing a proper answer to it.

As a member for over 40 years and no longer being in the academic/tertiary education sphere, I agree with Robin and with Ken S. What other than Chemistry in Australia do I get for my membership? Attending conferences is not an option and subscriptions to academic chemistry publications is not a financial option either. Regrettably,  I too may have to reconsider whether membership of RACI is worth it if I get nothing tangible in return. Kudos and post nominals may not be enough.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

Thank you Lisa. It is interesting to read what other national chemical societies are doing.  I think having the magazine closed for both on-line and hard copy issues is profoundly negative for member cohesian and ownership. However, under the current circumstances, it will only be apparent how important Chemistry in Australia is to members when there is sufficient feedback.to the National Office. 

From both a financial and an environmental perspective, print media is disappearing the Royal Society of Chemistry recently announced to its members changing the way that it delivers  Chemistry World , Voice and Update from 2026. 

First with the reduction of the amount of print material that they publish and distribute  ( Chemistry World will be published in print bi monthly). The Voice and Update print will also change. They will also be changing the focus of Voice and Update to include more member stories and insights online. 

However, in announcing the changes,  not only did they explain the reasons behind the move  (i.e. increased costs, move to digital first approach, reducing the reliance on print  well as delivering high quality content across digital platforms, at the bottom of the email that made a statement that not only turned the negative into a positive, they reached out to members with the following statements

"Over the coming weeks, we will be inviting members to help shape the future of our print and digital communications. Your feedback and ideas will play a key role in ensuring that our new approach is right for our members and our wider chemistry community. We will keep you updated as these changes take shape and look forward to working together to build a more connected and sustainable RSC community".  I am waiting to see what this engagement is. 

At this point not only has the RSC reached out to members and explained the issues , identified the proposed changes and INVITED members to provide feedback to "ensure that the new approach is right for our members".  This is the difference between the RSC and the RACI.

Engaging members in process is important. I am sure that across the RACI Community that there would have been some great ideas on how to keep Chemistry in Australia  (albeit in a fully digital edition)  In an age of technology were are only limited by our imagination. 

On this thread alone there have been some very interesting ideas, including having a suppliers director edition . we used to have the'Fellows' edition where all the new FRACI would be introduced to the membership. We used to have a dangerous goods report from Jeff Simpson. 

It comes back to engaging the membership not pushing them away. 

Think it is time for a rethink on Chemistry in Australia. 

Cheers

Lisa

It appears that the RACI is now down to a membership about equivalent to my (Philadelphia) Local Section of the ACS.  We used to publish and mail a monthly newsletter ("the Catalyst"), but cost-cutting led us to switch to publishing it online, as of several years ago.  Meanwhile, most of the generation and production is done by a volunteer group of us (with a modestly-paid Editor who finally puts the whole thing together).  I still receive hardcopies of Chemistry World (formerly Chemistry in Britain) and of the ACS's C&E News.  The Chemical Institute of Canada/CSC (6,000 members) also gave up publishing the printed version of CIC News several years ago, and now just posts news articles on its website.  This approach is less transparently navigable than an "electronic magazine".  So the $$$ fundamentals may well make publishing a hardcopy difficult for Chemistry in Australia.  However, this discussion thread has several suggestions for improving the RACI website, and so far, it is quite unclear whether an electronic (PDF) version of the magazine is going to be available; I'd strongly advocate for that to be the case.  During the pandemic, I was able to participate in several Zoom meetings of RACI groups, but now, the same question arises for me as for others: What shall I get for my membership $$$ ?  This is not a rhetorical question: I'd appreciate seeing a proper answer to it.

As a member for over 40 years and no longer being in the academic/tertiary education sphere, I agree with Robin and with Ken S. What other than Chemistry in Australia do I get for my membership? Attending conferences is not an option and subscriptions to academic chemistry publications is not a financial option either. Regrettably,  I too may have to reconsider whether membership of RACI is worth it if I get nothing tangible in return. Kudos and post nominals may not be enough.

Yes, I totally agree. After 44 years membership, having no Chemistry in Australia is now causing me to seriously consider cancelling my membership as it has been the main tangible benefit of membership for me as a retired chemist. I was told by RACI that only a very small number of survey respondents prioritised Chemistry in Australia which I find highly surprising and unbelievable for a professional organisation.

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date. 

I will miss Chemistry in Australia. For much of my career, it was an important link with my profession. As an industrial chemist, I worked in places outside major cities and overseas. It was difficult to get to meetings, and impossible to persuade employers to fund me to the blockbuster events. It was hard enough getting to industry-specific non-RACI conferences. I looked forward to getting my copy each month in the mail. In some way, it made me feel part of a community. Under Sally Woollett's editorship, it was transformed into an excellent magazine, and it might be worthwhile thanking her again for her work over the years. 

I understand escalating costs have driven it to extinction. I understand that academics at least are able to keep in touch with their immediate areas of study through their university-funded subscriptions, and they may have little time to read essentially general interest magazines such as Chemistry in Australia. I guess that for many members they are so time-poor that even this online facility on which I'm writing seems to have attracted so  little interest to date.