This month, I would like to share some thoughts about the importance of international collaboration to the scientific enterprise. These ruminations are prompted in part by my participation in the World Pharmacology Congress (WPC) that was held in Melbourne in July. This congress, held every four years, provides an opportunity for pharmacology societies throughout the world to network and collaborate while sharing their science. ASPET, as a Diamond Sponsor at the meeting, sponsored a terrific plenary talk delivered by Dr. Katerina Akassoglou, ASPET Fellow. The ASPET team held productive formal and informal meetings with members of the leadership of several other societies, including those from China, Germany, and the UK. Our goals ranged from personal introductions, to joint activities at upcoming annual meetings, to potential collaborations in the arena of scientific publishing. The next meetings of WPC will be held in Milan, Italy, in 2030 and in Daegu, South Korea, in 2034.
Scientific research is certainly one of the most international of careers. When I was in graduate school, I had the privilege of making friends with fellow graduate students from various parts of the world. These associations were completely new to me at the time. In addition to our shared experiences as students, we shared cultural experiences with an emphasis on cooking. I carry those culinary lessons with me today. I have greatly benefited from training international scientists over the years, both personally and professionally.
On the scientific side, international collaborations are critical to the advancement of science. More than ever, research findings are rapidly shared across boundaries. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies operate in an international environment. Our trainees seek to advance their careers by pursuing training in multiple countries.
Some of the proposed changes in federal grant regulations appear to arise from a misunderstanding, or lack of knowledge, of the international nature of science. Events such as WPC, and the ASPET Annual Meeting, are opportunities to strengthen international collaborations and to showcase the successes of these efforts. Kudos to Alicja Urbaniak, Chair of the ASPET Partnership Committee, for facilitating such positive interactions. The exchange of information benefits us all. For example, I had great discussions in Melbourne with the leader of a European society about how ASPET encourages membership and provides career development for pharmacology trainees. This person commented that he encourages his trainees to submit papers to ASPET journals because the reviewers provide such excellent and thoughtful feedback…this is quite a compliment to our journals!
I encourage the ASPET membership to celebrate international partnerships, and to refer to them in science policy discussions and in outreach to the public. We are stronger as a society and as individuals when we share information and learn new approaches from others. Human health is a global priority.
Sincerely,
Kay Meier, PhD
President, ASPET
