The International Committee of the APS has worked throughout the past year to develop strategies to enhance participation of international APS members in the activities of the Society. Active member participation in the activities of APS is necessary for the Society's growth and development. In particular, active engagement of the international membership is critical in order to achieve the vision developed by the strategic plan in becoming a more diverse society.
Participation was encouraged this year by urging self nomination for membership in the International Committee among our international members. This was a successful campaign that resulted in numerous self-nominations and an active recruitment of candidates for membership in the Committee. In addition, the composition of our Committee was enhanced by the addition of a trainee representative, Dr. Christian Ochoa.
Through the Latin American Initiative, APS provided support for three symposia in Latin America, which were successful in providing a much needed enrichment of Latin American physiologists, including students, and fostering collaborative ties with several institutions south of the border. This program, which provides support for didactic or scientific symposia in Latin America, is an excellent opportunity for our Society to share talents and resources with colleagues in Latin America. APS members are encouraged to apply for this funding mechanism.
The International Committee has continued to urge Council and the APS leadership to develop mechanisms that will enhance international participation in APS activities, particularly through inclusion of international scientists in section-sponsored symposia. This initiative has gained considerable support and new and exciting opportunities are in discussion to ensure that symposia become more inclusive of our international members. A new initiative, that will be launched this fall, will be a newsletter targeted at international members to help stimulate their interest in becoming active members of our Society. That mechanism is likely to be the most successful in their integration into the Society's overall activities. Finally, let me take this opportunity to urge you to become an ambassador for our society by reaching out to make the experience of visiting international members and their integration during the EB meeting a memorable experience.
Patricia E. Molina, Chair