Biosciences Federation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Biosciences Federation is a United Kingdom body formed in 2002. The Federation aims to unite the biosciences community over issues of common interest relating to both research and teaching, to influence the formulation of UK policy relating to biosciences, and to promote public debate on ethical issues.

The president of the Federation is Sir Tom Blundell (2004–date), and Richard Dyer, former director of the Babraham Institute, is the chief executive officer (2006–date).

As of 2007, there are 51 member or associated organisations covering the entire range of life sciences; these include the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, AstraZeneca, Biochemical Society, British Pharmacological Society, Institute of Biology, Physiological Society, Society for General Microbiology and the Zoological Society of London.

[edit] Activities

The Federation responds to government consultations on biology-related issues; responses are also published the Federation's website. It distributes news on policy relating to science to a range of organisations including universities, research councils, pharmaceutical companies and government bodies. The Federation hosts several life sciences careers conferences, as well as occasional symposia on issues within its remit, such as open access publishing. It also supports an annual award for scientific communication.