Boosting the Impact of EFMC Young Scientists Network Through the Creation of Working Groups.

The establishment of the Young Scientists Network (YSN) by the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) served as a proactive response to the evolving landscape of the scientific community. The YSN aims to assist early-career medicinal chemists and chemical biologists by responding to emerging themes, such as the influence of social media, shifts in gender balance within the scientific population, and evolving educational opportunities. The YSN also ensures that the upcoming generation of scientists actively contributes to shape the EFMC's strategic direction while addressing their specific needs. Initially conceived as a general concept, YSN has evolved into a proactive and dynamic team which demonstrates a tangible impact. To boost the impact of the YSN and involve additional motivated young scientists, we have adopted a novel organization, and structured the team in seven working groups (WGs). Herein, we will discuss the tasks of the different WGs as well as the activities planned for the near future. We believe this structure will strengthen the pivotal role YSN has already played in serving medicinal chemists and chemical biologists in Europe. The YSN now has the structure and motivation to pave the way to attract young scientists across Europe and to give them the stage within EFMC.

The Facets of Diversity: The EFMC Perspective.

Diversity in science refers to cultivating talent, while promoting full inclusion across the community. In medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, it enhances creativity and encourages contributions from multiple perspectives, leading to better decision making and broader scientific impact. The European Federation for Medicinal chemistry and Chemical biology (EFMC) embraces and promotes diversity, to ensure representation of all talents, and enable equality of opportunity through fairness and transparency. EFMC has historically paid continuous attention to diversity in terms of culture, geography and equilibrium between academia and industry, with over the last few years a focus on increasing gender balance, aiming at a fair representation of the scientific community and equal opportunities independently of gender. EFMC promotes cultural diversity as it reinforces openness and mutual respect. All scientific organizations of a scope compatible with its remit are welcome within EFMC, where their members benefit from a welcoming, psychologically safe, and stimulating environment. Herein, we describe the state of diversity within the EFMC, how the situation has evolved over the years and where diversity should be further encouraged.

The Young Scientists Network: How the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) Became Young Again.

The European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) created the Young Scientists Network (YSN) to support early-career medicinal chemists and chemical biologists. By doing this, it addressed the rapid changes taking place in the scientific community and in our society, such as the rise of social media, the evolution of the gender balance in the scientific population, and educational needs. Creating the YSN was also a way to ensure that the next generation of scientists would contribute to shaping EFMC's strategy, while recognizing and addressing their needs. The YSN was set up as a very dynamic concept, and has now developed to the point where its impact is evident. The activities it promotes complement EFMC's community support and scientific opportunities, rejuvenating the Federation and preparing it for the future. It also provides opportunities for many brilliant young scientists, who do not hesitate to invest time and energy in supporting our community and shaping their own future.