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|Points to Ponder
The Society for In Vitro Biology has a rich and varied history, and
many current and former members can recall seminal events in their
careers from professional interactions as a result of participation
in activities of SIVB, whether at the scientific meetings, through
publications from Society journals and other formats, and during various
functions of committees, branch sections, sections, and informal gatherings.
While the past is fascinating for reflective moments, the future for
our profession, and SIVB, offers unlimited opportunities to build
expanded visions. In an opinion many of us share, the life sciences
are critical to humanity's survival and progress as never before,
and non-profit professional societies are essential to fulfill critical
functions with the science.
SIVB is unique in a number of aspects, such as drawing on common
interests in cellular and molecular biology across a broad array
of individual disciplines. We are committed to encouraging students
and young professionals, and are the only major professional society
that has offered free registration for our Annual Meeting to students,
and for these attendees, one year's free membership with an internet
subscription to one of the Society's journals. This two-year program,
which was an initiative from the prior Long Range Planning Committee,
has meant that we now have over 25% of meeting attendees who are
either students or post docs. The 2005 Annual Meeting in Baltimore
might limit this initiative to the first 500 students who apply,
so if you, or anyone you know who might benefit from this opportunity,
has an interest, then the earlier the registration the better.
Now, let's look at a part of our future. As President, my role
is basically one of coordination of the membership's innovations
and ideas. To facilitate the new Board's shared vision, SIVB will
immediately have significant changes that include:
- Our commitment is to open and democratic dialog to reach consensus,
or at least a substantial majority approval, for all decisions.
Effective immediately, all approved minutes of the Board will
be posted on the web page for review by anyone. Agenda items for
Board meetings will be solicited from the entire membership, although
you can still send items through your elected Board representatives
or through a section Chair. Section Chairs will be invited participants
to all Board meetings for the next two years. Anyone wanting to
communicate directly to the President can simply send an email
to president@sivb.org.
- SIVB wants to maintain high quality with our annual meetings,
but we are now focused on operations that are innovative, will
fit within our means, and could provide flexibility in venue and
format. The basics for 2005 in Baltimore and 2006 in Minneapolis
are already in place, but an ad hoc committee, chaired by Indra
Vasil, will evaluate novel structures to recommend for 2007. These
could include proposals from universities to host the meeting,
site selection that facilitates truly joint meetings with other
international organizations such as in Hawaii for convenience
with Asian professional societies, and other concepts. If you
have an idea, or want to bring forth a proposal from your city,
institution, or company, then please contact Dr. Vasil, the business
office, Board members, or your section Chair.
- The Board guarantees that SIVB welcomes volunteers and participation
by the membership. To make good on this claim, you are assured
that if you volunteer to help the SIVB, specifically offering
to serve on a committee, to help with a meeting, to assist with
fundraising, or to volunteer without a particular choice or for
some other idea, then you will have instant acceptance. Everyone
might not get their first choice, but you will be offered an appointed
position. This is a call for volunteers, and we urge you to please
commit your time and energy!
- SIVB does not just provide services such as an Annual Meeting
and scientific publications. We can represent a larger voice for
issues that matter to our membership. In the past, SIVB has taken
stands on public policy. We are now fully committed to consider
such action on a continuing basis and to broadcast such policy
positions to the fullest means possible.
- SIVB will strive to be a diligent custodian of our shared resources,
including funds generated by operations, donations, and membership
fees. Effective July 1, SIVB no longer has employees or a permanent
Business Office. Business Office services will be maintained through
a consulting contract. Our previous Managing Director, Marietta
Wheaton Ellis, will still manage these services through a contract
with her consulting company that is initially for one year until
June 30, 2005. Any interested consultants, for making a proposal
for the period July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, should contact
the Treasurer, Dr. Richard Heller, or another Board member to
obtain the bid information. Proposals are due prior to the fall
2004 Board meeting, and a decision will be made by January 1,
2005.
Last, I have a request. My challenge to you is to bring at least
one new member to the SIVB by the beginning of next year. In particular,
SIVB especially would like to see some of the former members return
to share what we've been able to create as well as first timers.
Thanks for your commitment to the Society, and the Board and I look
forward to hearing from you!
David Altman, SIVB President
president@sivb.org
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