Empowering the next gen of Humanitarian Scientists
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
CWB Student Chapters
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We help students develop a holistic understanding of the depth and breadth of humanitarian challenges.
We are dedicated to developing the next generation of compassionate bridge-builders—the scientists, leaders, and humanitarians needed globally. Our mission is to help students gain a holistic understanding of the depth and breadth of humanitarian challenges. Because these issues are complex and multidisciplinary, we approach them not with simple solutions, but with thoughtful interventions that prioritize respect for the communities we serve—their traditions, knowledge, and autonomy.
Science is a transformative tool, but our work pushes beyond the problem-solution mindset to address the systemic causes of inequality. We challenge our volunteers and ourselves to operate outside comfort zones, leveraging diverse ways of thinking to deliver meaningful, lasting empowerment so communities can guide their own lives.
We’re building a new kind of student network, one that sees the proper role for science, but learns to appreciate the power of connection in solving humanitarian challenges.
Student Chapters
The mission of Chemists Without Borders is to use science to improve the quality of life in communities most in need. As a global humanitarian organization, we achieve this through service, education, innovation, and community empowerment. CWB student chapters extend our reach and provide local capabilities to address needs more effectively.
We want the students in our student chapters to understand the complexity of people and their needs, wants, capabilities, and capacities. Science is only a tool, albeit one we believe is a transformative agent. However, science is neither the beginning nor the end goal of any humanitarian project. We expect our students and student chapters to learn to function outside their comfort zone by challenging them to read, discuss, and learn about the human condition. Our Student Chapters are designed to include students from all disciplines and across the University, creating unique learning experiences and equipping them with the leadership to leverage multiple disciplines and different ways of thinking to deliver meaningful and lasting interventions and solutions.
We are committed to helping our students become the next generation of bridge builders between science and society, to eventually become the scientists/leaders/humanitarians that are desperately needed around the world.
Benefits
Student chapter members will be affiliated with the global community of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), allowing them to build strong networks and foster a professional spirit within the international scientific community. Members will receive career advice and mentoring from a global community of chemists and other scientists, and gain experience preparing and presenting technical material.
Student chapter members will be able to develop and engage in projects that benefit communities in need and gain valuable leadership experience. They will also build strong, effective, holistic teams to achieve ambitious objectives.
Requirements
Students wishing to apply for chapter designation will need the following:
- Have a minimum of five (5) undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing with an interest in all fields of the natural and physical sciences. Membership should be extended to students in the non-sciences who are committed to humanitarian action.
- Secure the participation of a full-time faculty member or a senior staff member from a relevant department to oversee and advise the Chapter.
- Secure the university’s agreement and follow all applicable university protocols for initiating a student chapter.
- Designation of individuals as officers for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
- Apply to include the following:
- Full name, academic standing, and field of study for each proposed member
- Full name of faculty advisor or senior staff member and their agreement to serve in that capacity
