History

Prof David Masson was the driving force behind the establishment of the Australian Chemical Institute (ACI) in Sydney in September 1917. The ACA/AAC&M (Australasian Chemical Association/Australasian Association of Chemists and Metallurgists) represents and promotes the science industry workers’ welfare to advance their case for better salaries.

Until the 1920s, the majority of Australia’s chemical industry is in the hands of tradesmen and industrial pioneers, who have a sparse scientific background or little opportunity to study chemistry. Members of ACI are becoming increasingly frustrated by the imperial attitude and lack of support for a charter from the Institute of Chemistry of Great Britain and Ireland.

In 1923, ACI is incorporated under the Companies Act (NSW) and Masson becomes the first president (1923–1924). The first student members are accepted in late 1923, and by 1925 there are regulations setting new standards for membership admission. By the end of the decade membership has grown to 842. State branches begin to flourish, and in 1927 the Victorian Branch establishes its office at Kelvin Hall in Melbourne.

The Royal Charter is granted – the catalyst for a new lease on institute life. The ACI National Office is relocated in 1934 to Melbourne and the Australian Chemical Institute Journal and Proceedings is brought to life.

During World War II, the institute is involved in establishing a register of professional chemists for the Department of Defence that provides information on qualifications, skills and experience. From state branches, special interest groups develop their professional activities. In the 1940s the institute is in the vanguard encouraging educational institutes to raise academic standards. Employers grant workers increased study leave and the institute recommends the first scale of minimum salaries for all professional chemists.

The provision of a supplemental Royal Charter allows the use of ‘Royal’ in RACI from 1953.

The RACI Council holds its first national convention to raise the professional profile of chemistry and the chemical industry. At the same time, the state branch–based active groups start to evolve into national divisions to advance global scientific interests.

Some 700 delegates attend the 3rd National Convention in August of 1966, an event that marks the beginning of the institute’s jubilee year celebrations in 1967. The program includes both macro and micro scientific topics, which increases interest.

Analytical Chemistry and Industrial & Engineering Chemistry form divisions in 1969.

Chemistry in Australia becomes the flagship publication for members in July 1977.

The institute is restructured. The Royal Charter is replaced by the Victorian Incorporations Act and the institute becomes RACI Inc. Australia-wide.

RACI celebrates 100 years of connecting chemists across academia and industry. The centenary  publication, A Century of Bonds, is launched at the centenary congress.

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute embarks on a revitalization journey as 2023 unfolds, signalling the initiation of a comprehensive renewal process. This transformative endeavour underscores the institute's commitment to adaptability and progress, aiming to enhance its mission, functions, and overall impact within the evolving landscape of Australian and global chemistry.