SAB NewsMembership Reaches the 30,000 Mark -- Time To Set New GoalsPosted 6/9/2006 “The Science Advisory Board experience helps in gaining confidence that allows you to achieve your goals,” says Tahira Farooqui, Ph.D., of Ohio State University, and a member of The Science Advisory Board Steering Committee. The Science Advisory Board recently reached a new milestone as membership in the community reached 30,000. Since 1997, The Science Advisory Board has become a valuable resource to an increasing number of scientists and medical professionals in the life sciences. Michael Corey, Ph.D., author of the “Scientist Errant” blog on The Science Advisory Board Web site, commented: “The Science Advisory Board almost makes one believe that humankind is redeemable. They started with a business model, and with our help they built a community. It’s astonishing what one can find on the site now: recommendations, protocols, philosophy, humor, contacts, ethics, weblogs (ahem), and even jobs. Scientists get information and are rewarded for their input. Vendors get unbiased feedback, which is very hard to obtain from direct surveys. Visitors find interesting things to read. Everyone seems to benefit, except for the avian influenza virus, which is running scared, thanks to our synergistic community.” The idea of community is very important to our members. In fact, it is what makes the Board more than just a scientific Web site. It is a gathering of scientists who enjoy and benefit from sharing ideas relating to their research. “The Science Advisory Board has made me feel part of the larger scientific community. I rarely have time to go to seminars or conferences in my field, and the Board has reduced my sense of isolation from the rest of the scientific community.” Nicole Gaskin, University of Alabama at Birmingham This milestone is significant because a strong, diversified membership ensures that the opinions of the Board’s expert members—including you—will continue to be instrumental in shaping the production and development of products used by life scientists worldwide. “From the perspective of a small group leader, I appreciate the opportunity to provide focused feedback to our suppliers. It's like a civic duty in order to improve the products offered to laboratories in our field, like the vote. The Science Advisory Board is empowering to small-scale science.” Heather Etchevers, Ph.D., INSERM The studies conducted on a regular basis by The Science Advisory Board have proved to be an invaluable resource to our members, which is why thousands of individuals take part in a variety of studies each month. “The Science Advisory Board has provided me with insight into a variety of topics, either through studies, reviews or polls which I would not otherwise look into. Of special note is the study program, which is remarkably rewarding. Aside from the points that can be earned to redeem products, each completed study provides a fresh perspective into a number of issues and into my own scientific practices. It wasn’t until I participated in a number of studies that I realized how much I rely on products based on brand reputation or current use. I’ve since opened my eyes to the products I am using, and have focused on the product’s scientific merit and effectiveness rather than on the company from which they come.” Staff Scientist, U. S. Pharmaceutical Company Not only are more and more scientists joining The Science Advisory Board, but we continue to strive toward making the resources available to you more valuable. These resources include profiles of scientists and medical professionals in the Member Spotlight column; book, Web site and product reviews; discussions on science, medicine and policy issues in the Discussion Forum; Blogs on a range of issues from science ethics to sales reps; and editorials on cutting edge or controversial topics in the Perspectives column. “I have utilized the Forum on numerous occasions to help with specific protocols or issues that have arisen during my research. I have also used the information provided by The Science Advisory Board to provide links and clues to help with numerous aspects of my career. I always recommend that colleagues and students visit the site, and I urge them to consider joining because I believe the Board is a valuable asset to the scientific community.” Professor Emma Frost, Ph.D., University of Manitoba “The Forum is extremely useful for getting in touch with experts that I normally would not have access to. The discussions are of immediate, practical use, and the advice given is usually sound. The Protocol Review Section has been personally beneficial. In addition, the studies, which poll scientists from around the world, are informative to me. These studies also review the latest laboratory practices and reagents, which I find very useful.” Beatrice Goh, Ph.D., National University of Singapore In closing, Vashist G. Yennu-Nanda, Ph.D., of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and a member of The Science Advisory Board Steering Committee has eloquently described his experience with the Board as such: "Each time I log on to The Science Advisory Board Web site, I find myself in the midst of a vibrant international community which brings the most unique perspectives to the scientific arena. The Board has widened the definition of science for me and opened avenues that I never knew existed. Being one of 30,000 scientists from around the world who get together ‘under one tree’ gives me a feeling of empowerment. I extend my best wishes to The Science Advisory Board and hope that it will keep the vitality of science alive for a long time to come." Thanks to all of you who have contributed your time, expertise and opinions through your participation with The Science Advisory Board. We look forward to your continued involvement as we now set our sights on reaching the 35,000-member mark. I am a firm believer in setting goals. Those who read my open letter to the membership in February will remember that I set as a personal goal to help lead The Science Advisory Board in reaching the goal of 35,000 members by the end of the year. But as Arnold Toynbee, English historian and historical philosopher said, “It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at that goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it.” So I am challenging myself and the rest of The Science Advisory Board staff to set as a goal for 2006, not just to reach 35,000 members, but to strive to make The Science Advisory Board an even more valuable resource to each one of our individual members. Regards, Mike Kibler Executive Director The Science Advisory Board |
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