| The American Chemical Society: Fostering International Research Experiences for Undergraduates (IREU) |
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bridges vol. 19, October 2008 / Institutions & Organizations The future strength of US chemistry research depends on ensuring a steady supply of well-trained science students who can work collaboratively across different cultures. Yet chemistry undergraduates have few opportunities during their training to study or carry out research in other countries. To address this growing challenge, the American Chemical Society (ACS) sought to establish an International Research Experience for Undergraduates (IREU) program that would afford US students the opportunity to conduct scientific research and experience a different culture. In 2007, the American Chemical Society received funding from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemistry to partner with the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst), DAAD, for a pilot exchange program to place US and German chemistry undergraduates in academic laboratories in the other country. The DAAD worked with the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker), GDCh, to publicize the scheme throughout Germany and select US participants. The program used the established network of NSF-funded chemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) sites in the United States and the network of German laboratories participating in the DAAD's Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) program. The IREU pilot scheme placed 10 Americans in RISE laboratories and 10 Germans in chemistry REUs. Access to the full article is free, but requires you to register. Registration is simple and quick – all we need is your name and a valid e-mail address. We appreciate your interest in bridges. |
