| Letter from President Johannes Löwer |
 |
 |
 |
|
Dear colleagues, I would like to ask you to join me in a warm welcome to Betty Dodet, the newly appointed Scientific Manager of IABS. She will help the IABS executives in many aspects, but the most important one is to support the organizers of scientific conferences. Based on her long standing experience in the organization of conferences she will contribute to the scientific excellence of the meetings, but also to a smooth organization. An already achieved goal was the implementation of a web-based registration tool with online payment possibilities. The welcome is extended to Abigail Charlet who works together with Betty and, of course, the IABS executives to improve IABS’ infrastructure. The major changes are highlighted in the document “IABS improves its infrastructure” which you can find in the “News” section of this website. However, the contract with Betty Dodet which was signed end of January is not the only mark in the evolution of IABS in 2012. Another important move is the proposed change of the Constitution. Details can again be read in the “News” section of this website, but the most important aim is to modify sections of the Constitution which could be perceived as creating conflicts of interest. At least in some parts of the world, the public is most sensitive about issues of conflicts of interests, and in medical sciences the credibility of studies depends on the source of financial support and its transparency. I would be very grateful if you could take the time to check the proposed changes and to comment on them. I would also like to invite you to the next General Assembly which is scheduled for May 10 in Baltimore (USA) where we will decide on the proposed changes. You may already have received a written invitation together with the proposed agenda. Should you not be able to come, I would encourage you to send a proxy to the Secretary or to me. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in Baltimore. Johannes Löwer |
To the members of IABS