EB Restructuring
Developing outcomes assessment tools. SAC requested that all sections get accurate headcounts for the section symposia at EB2010 (and EB2011 and EB2012), in addition to the session topic and day and time of the session. The data obtained will be used to determine if the restructuring improves attendance at sessions programmed by each section, as well as the extent to that Wednesday programming is embraced by EB attendees. The SAC will be developing a survey to be distributed to EB11 and EB12 attendees to determine if members like or dislike the new EB structure (including clustering).
Publicizing the EB restructuring (expansion & clustering). SAC members will be working with their sections to inform members (via newsletters and listserv announcements) about the new EB structure. It is important to emphasize the cluster days for each section and the fact that the expanded EB program allows each section to offer additional sessions. SAC Chair Pam Carmines and JPC Chair Ron Lynch will prepare an article to be published in The Physiologist explaining the programming changes to the membership.
Implementing the EB restructuring. SAC members have been charged to work with their sections’ JPC representatives to encourage careful scheduling of sessions in a way that minimizes close scientific overlap with cluster partners.
APS 125th anniversary
In preparation for APS’ 125th anniversary, each section chair has been charged with working with their section to create a Timeline of Physiology for their field. They have also been asked to have their section identify classic articles published in APS journals, for use in creating their timeline and for potential inclusion in a special publication to be generated in association with the 125th anniversary celebration.
Section Reports
Most sections report that their primary challenges are recruiting trainees and involving them in section activities, and obtaining financial support for section awards & activities. Each section presents multiple awards at EB, with most of these awards recognizing trainees and early career investigators.
Each section has updated their Standard Operating Procedures within the past three years. The sections are also working on producing Procedural Handbooks for each Officer and Steering Committee position.
The expansion of EB, which adds one symposium or featured topic session to each section’s program portfolio, is viewed as a great opportunity for enhancing the scientific appeal of the meeting. There is anticipation that the expanded program may increase participation of more scientists in the field. Most sections are enthusiastic about the clustering of programming within EB, and some have already begun publicizing the “meeting with a meeting” format to their members.
The CNS’ “outside-the-box” thinking led to their sponsorship of a David Bruce Award (using non-APS generated funds). Recognizing this as a means of maintaining the pipeline of talent entering the field, other sections are considering whether to follow the lead of the CNS section in this regard.
Approximately half of the sections have begun to utilize social media (primarily Facebook) as a means of connecting with trainees and early career investigators.