Royal Society of Chemistry

Ed first joined the RSC in 2007, is now an MRSC and primarily active in the Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry (MASC) interest group.

The benefits of membership have been various during my research career, be they conferences, discounts, finding hard-to-get books in the Burlington House library or having Nobel Laureates give seminars for members. I would highly encourage any chemist or natural scientist close to chemistry to join.

Chemistry Society of Japan

Ed first joined the CSJ in 2022, participating in the annual meeting in 2023.

JSPS Alumni Association (UK/RoI)

Ed joined the JSPS Alumni Association of the UK and Republic of Ireland after going to Kanazawa to work with Prof Ogoshi, which has provided networking opportunities and events on science and international relations.

I thoroughly recommend the Summer Programme for any PhD student who would like to forge a collaboration with a group in Japan, even if you have no grasp of the language! Through the networking opportunities I have not only made new contacts but also rediscovered former colleagues when previous groups had positions vacant. The Summer Programme also gives you key experience if you want to do a Postdoctoral Fellowship with JSPS later on, but even if you have not been on the programme, definitely apply. A opportunity like this can spark an interest beyond your research as well: Although I had only done an introductory unit in Japanese as an undergrad in 2005 before I went out to Kanazawa in 2015, I somehow passed the JLPT N3 in the winter of 2019 and currently hold N2.