Newsletters

Newsletter - October 2012

At the end of my first two months as SRB President, I am pleased to report that the Society is now poised to capitalise on the sterling work of our members in expanding a robust and exciting society.

In late September, the Australian government announced a review of all discretionary grant schemes. Since then both the ARC and CRC have confirmed that all funding announcements and the opening of new rounds are on hold - and I hope that this delay will be brief. It is important that SRB members work together at this time to encourage, mentor and support each other as finances become limited and competition to secure external funding increases. Feedback to government on research funding is important - and SRB members are encouraged to view the McKeon consultation document and to comment by 31st Oct 2012.

Newsletter - August 2012

This will be my last Newsletter as President of the SRB, and I shall soon be leaving you in the very capable hands of the incoming President, Professor Eileen McLaughlin from Newcastle. For the past three years, Eileen has expertly served the Society in the heavy lifting role of POC Co-chair, and she will be able to bring her deep experience and expertise to the much easier (I must confess)role of President.

Newsletter - April 2012

"Recently emerging from the trials of NHMRC and ARC Grant-writing, I have had time to reflect on the challenges currently facing scientific research and Reproductive Biology, in particular. It is tempting to wallow in sombre mood in the face of the ongoing challenges of global financial uncertainty, political paralysis and a productive research community nonetheless facing limiting funding and static Grant success rates. At this time, it is especially important that more senior scientists be mindful of our younger researchers, who are particularly vulnerable and no doubt feel the uncertainty more acutely. Young researchers, our students and postdoctoral scientists, are the future and they need our encouragement, sage advice and practical support, now as much as ever."

Newsletter - May 2011

"The World Congress on Reproductive Biology is almost upon us. As Congress
host, the SRB will be holding its Annual Conference back-to-back with the
WCRB, and we encourage all SRB members to seize this opportunity to attend
a major International Meeting on our own shores, and to make a strong
showing for Australian reproductive biology. The Congress features an exciting
program put together by an International Program Committee, with many
prominent local and international speakers, including our own Peter Koopman,
together with John Eppig (SSR), Hiroshi Nagashima (SRD) and John Carrol
(SRF). Satellite workshops have also been organised by ANZPRA and another
by ESHRE entitled “Human reproductive tissues, gametes and embryos:
innovations by science-driven culture and preservation systems”."

Newsletter - October 2010

"At the end of my first year as SRB President, I am pleased to report that the Society is in a very strong position. Society finances have emerged from the GFC in fine shape, with our net assets up 15% over the same period last year, and a substantial recovery in income in 2010 after two rather lean years. Membership is also up considerably this year, with SRB membership now having increased every year since 2005, representing a 60% increase in the size of the Society in just 5 years!"

Newsletter - December 2009

"These are interesting times for Reproductive Biology. Our discipline faces the challenge of
maintaining relevance and vigour, when much cutting-edge research championed by
reproductive biologists, such as assisted reproduction, cloning, sex selection and stem cell
biology, has already entered the mainstream. While we should be proud of our past
successes, and must continue to champion our technologies within the wider society, we
must also continue to seek out and embrace the opportunities of the future. This is how we
shall continue to be a presence internationally and a voice for national policy. Accordingly,
your Council has decided to make it a priority in its coming term to look critically at the future
directions of the Society, and its evolving role as we approach the second decade of the 21st
Century."

Newsletter - August 2009

IN THIS ISSUE:
-Presidents message
-Annual Scientific Meeting
-Program highlights
-Award Lectures
-New Investigator Finalists
-New Executive members
-Student Events
-Social events
-Breakfast Workshops
-Workshops
-Sponsors
-Other Conferences

Newsletter - November 2008

"This has been another year of strong performance by the Society in many
areas. Our financial position continues to strengthen despite the volatility of the
share market. Our cash reserves now stand at almost $200,000. I think that we
need to give serious thought to using some of this reserve for the benefit of the
Membership and to improve the Society. The Committee will be addressing this
at the meeting prior to the AGM but I welcome suggestions from the
membership at large for actions and activities which would improve our
Society."

Newsletter - January 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:
- Happy New Year from your SRB President
- 2007 Annual Conference Awardees
- Call for Program Suggestions – Melbourne 2008
- Membership Renewals – instructions to renew online
- Council Announcements

Newsletter - November 2006

"This is my first opportunity to write to you all as the incoming President of the SRB. I first attended
the then (A)SRB as a first year PhD student in 1975. I recall being most impressed by the quality
of work presented and the rigorous, often vigorous, debate which accompanied some papers. I
was delighted to see that at our recent meeting at the Gold Coast this tradition continued although
there seems now a greater "politeness" about some of the questioning! We are fortunate that we
have such a strong, proud tradition in the very many different research topics which fall under the
umbrella of reproductive biology. We need to actively guard and maintain this tradition."