The mission of CFBS is "To promote the acquisition, facilitate the dissemination and encourage the utilization of knowledge in the biological and biomedical sciences, and to contribute, in a substantive way, to the development of a forward-looking science and technology policy for Canada".

To achieve this mission, CFBS currently operates in three main areas:

1. Advocacy,
2. Secretariat for Constituent Societies and
3. Organization of scientific meetings.

1. Advocacy
   Until recently our Advocacy operations have been in the capable hands of Dr. Bruce Sells, as Executive Director of CFBS. The Executive Director prepares regular Science Policy Reports and Briefs and provides reports on Advocacy & Executive Director activities to our membership via CFBS website & "CFBS Alerts".. CFBS has developed relationships with a number of other like-minded organizations, such as the Canadian Consortium for Research (CCR), Partnership Group in Science & Engineering (PAGSE) and Health Research Advocacy Network (HRAN). These organizations coordinate the articulation of important messages from our science communities to the so-called "decision-makers" in government.

   When Bruce Sells announced his intention to stand down from the Executive Directorship, CFBS circulated member Societies with a call for suggestions and nominations for the Executive Director position. Following a thorough search, CFBS was delighted that Dr. Art Olson agreed to serve as Executive Director of CFBS effective immediately. Dr. Olson is a biochemist who brings more than 30 years experience in the management of scientific activities in government at the provincial and federal level. He served for more than 10 years as Assistant Deputy Minister in his roles in Agriculture Canada and retired as President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Dr. Olson therefore has an intimate knowledge of the inside workings of the Canadian government that will be of great value to the advocacy efforts of CFBS.

   CFBS is also delighted that Dr. Bruce Sells has agreed to continue with CFBS as ED-Emeritus for 2006 to work closely with Dr. Olson. Dr. Sells has been a superb advocate for CFBS and its member Societies and the overlap between Dr. Sells and Dr. Olson will allow for a smooth transition in the Executive Directorship of CFBS.

   The Canadian Federal government is also in transition from a minority Liberal government to a minority Conservative government. At this point it is unclear whether the new government might change the current slate of programs relevant to CFBS membership (CFI, CRC Chairs, NCE programs etc.) and/or develop new programs. Consequently this is an important time for CFBS to make sure that the voice of its constituency is heard in Ottawa. Also important in this regard is that CFBS is a Society of Societies and welcomes input from its member Societies in lobbying partnerships. CFBS can facilitate meetings with decision makers for representatives from individual Societies and Societies should contact the CFBS office for specific information. This is an important time for our various member biological societies to provide guidance to our new Federal Government and we welcome your comments and suggestions on these matters.
   

2. Secretariat for Constituent Societies
   The CFBS office provides a range of services, on a fee-for-service basis, that is designed to facilitate the administrative operations of our member societies. Such activities might include the management and collection of membership dues & society meeting registration and abstracts through our secure web server, website management, book keeping and meeting organization. Mrs. Wafaa Antonious will be happy to provide assistance and cost estimates for these services.
   
   
3. Scientific Meetings
   CFBS Annual Scientific Meetings have varied quite dramatically in format over the years. Previously CFBS meetings were based on University Campuses with meals and accommodation being supplied by university residences. These were low-budget meetings but for a long time had active and prestigious scientific programs with a large number of short oral presentations. Indeed, at that time, attendance and presentation at the annual CFBS meeting was considered an essential activity for all of our faculty and trainees. However more recently, several constituent Societies of CFBS developed their own annual meetings, participation and attendance at the annual CFBS meeting waned and CFBS changed the format of CFBS meetings.

   Several years ago the format of CFBS meetings was switched to a more "theme-orientated" meeting, based in hotels and convention centers. These meetings now consist of major symposia with high profile national and international speakers on subjects aligned to the interests of subgroups of member societies. In addition there are always large poster sessions in the new format of CFBS meetings. CFBS can be flexible in meeting format, selecting either specific conference venues or university campuses, to suit the wishes of the individual supporting societies and organizing committees. While the 47th CFBS Annual Meeting (First Northern Lights Conference) was held in the splendid Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre in June 2004, the 48th CFBS Annual Meeting (Second Northern Lights Summer Conference) was held at the University of Guelph on June 22nd to 25th, 2005. Both meetings were very successful and planning is now underway for the 49th CFBS Meeting (Third Northern Lights Summer Conference) on “Shining Light on Biological Processes” to be held at the University of Saskatchewan, June 14 - 18, 2006 and for the 50th CFBS Meeting (Fourth Northern Lights Fall Conference) on “Infection and Immunity” to be held at the Ottawa Congress Center, October 10 - 13, 2006.

   Topics for the CFBS meetings come from proposals put forward by member Societies or groups of Societies and we welcome suggestion for 2007 and 2008 meetings.

Best wishes,
Michael J.H. Ratcliffe
President, CFBS 2005-2007
Professor and Chair, Department of Immunology
University of Toronto

Posted: February 15, 2006