UK Bioscience strengthened by agreement between three learned societies.
Three of the largest UK learned societies in the biological and environmental sciences took a significant step towards integrating the sector on 10 March, when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on future activities. They are the Society for Experimental Biology, the Biochemical Society and the British Ecological Society. Between them, these organisations have over 10,000 individual members. The interests of their members, who include many Nobel Prize winners and other leading UK scientists, span the entire range of biological enquiry.
The memorandum commits the three societies to work together in a variety of key areas, including the organisation of scientific meetings, education, policy and public engagement. It was signed at the House of Commons in a ceremony witnessed by Lord Hunt (Minister for Sustainable Development and Energy Innovation, and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords) and Phil Willis MP (Chair of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee).
Lord Hunt commented: “Biosciences are the emerging science of the 21st century and it is very positive that three of its most significant learned societies, including two who are approaching their centenary are coming together in this way”.
Professor Martin Humphries, Chairman of the Biochemical Society said: “the old divisions between biological disciplines that defined our subject in the early years of the last century have melted away. Biologists need to work together to help and influence Government and build an ever stronger base for UK science”.
Professor Malcolm Press, President of the British Ecological Society added: “Some of the greatest challenges that face the world – climate change, the spread of infectious diseases, and food security, for example – depend for solutions on interdisciplinary research in the environmental and biosciences. Our closer cooperation can only expedite progress”.
Professor Ian Johnston, President of the Society for Experimental Biology said: ” We recognise that barriers between disciplines only impede scientific progress and we anticipate major benefits to flow from collaborating with other learned societies. Furthermore in areas such as education and public outreach, the three Societies will have much greater impact by working together.”
[L to R, Prof Martin Humphries (Chair, Biochemical Society), Prof Ian Johnston (President, Society for Experimental Biology), Lord Hunt (Minister of Sustainable Development and Energy Innovation, and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords) and Phil Willis MP (Chair Innovation, University and Skills Committee). Prof Malcolm Press (President of the British Ecological Society) is seated].
ENDS
Note to Editors:
For further background information of the three societies involved see:
www.britishecologicalsociety.org
or call:
Dr Chris Kirk (Biochemical Society) 0207 685 2400 / 07795348884
Dr Hazel Norman (British Ecological Society) 0207 685 2500
Christine Trimmer (Society for Experimental Biology) 0207 685 2600
Photographs of the signing are available from any of the above.
