Dr M. Paz Muñoz, Senior Lecturer in Synthetic Chemistry within Lancaster’s Chemistry Department was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Organic Chemistry Community Council. Her appointment was announced at the RSC AGM meeting on the 1st July. Dr Munoz -who arrived at Lancaster last year – was nominated by Head of Department Nick Evans, with supporting statements from prominent members of the organic chemistry community. Her nomination was ratified by the RSC Organic Chemistry Community Council and put for election during May 2024 with another 3 candidates.

Alongside Dr Muñoz, Dr Joelle Prunet of Glasgow University was also elected to the council. The pair will begin their three-year term after the next AGM, which took place on 1^st July.

The Royal Society of Chemistry, originally established in 1841 and granted Charter status in 1980, is the official professional body for chemists in the UK. The Organic Chemistry Community (and by extension, its governing council) supports chemists within the field of organic chemistry, stimulating research activity such as conferences and national and international meetings, and acting as an advocate for the field of organic chemistry to the wider scientific community, as well as to the general public.

On her appointment, Dr Muñoz said: “I have recently started a new chapter in my academic career, and I am looking for opportunities to grow and contribute to the discipline in exciting ways.

As the Head of the Organic Section and Chemistry Director of Engagement, I find important to lead by example and collaborate in activities that will raise my and the Department’s external profile.

The RSC Council is the perfect platform for both. I am ready to take on new challenges and bring my skills to help design and implement a strategy to support the advancement of the Organic Chemistry discipline and its community members.

In the last few years, the RSC has introduced many great initiatives to improve the research culture and inclusivity in the scientific community. However, there are still issues to address. For example, the low number of women and ethnic or other minorities in professorial roles in the Organic Chemistry community is still worrying. My ambition is to contribute and invigorate, through the Organic Community Council, the implementation of current and new strategies to address these and other important issues, and to help the RSC to set the standards and lead the way to a healthier scientific community and society.”