Congratulations to the newly elected members of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. This year’s new members include GSA Treasurer Trudy F. C. Mackay, former GSA Secretary James E. Haber, GSA Board member Douglas E. Koshland, and GSA members Nancy L. Craig, Roeland Nusse, Lynn M. Riddiford, and Kevin Struhl. The total membership of NAS is now 2,097 individuals, with 409 foreign associates. Congratulations also to GSA member Jeanne T. Lee, recipient of the National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology.
The GENETICS 2010: Model Organisms to Human Biology, meeting registration and housing deadline is May 10. Register now so you won’t miss the workshops, educational lunches, plenary sessions, keynote speakers, poster sessions and exhibits. Make your hotel registration for June 12-15 within the GSA room block at the Sheraton Boston Hotel and be eligible to win a complimentary weekend there.
Poster abstract submissions are still being accepted for the 2010 Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology Meeting until May 10. Early registration ends June 24, 2010. Fees go up after that date.
The GSA Award Nomination site opens mid-May for members to nominate colleagues. Awards include:
Nominations close September 30, 2010.
Policy
The National Institutes of Health have received their proposed budget for the 2011 fiscal year. While testifying before the House Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, NIH Director Francis Collins commended President Obama for his proposed $32.2 million budget for the institutes. Collins detailed some of the current NIH research focused on genomics, personalized medicine, and stem cells, and said that much of the 2011 budget will be funneled into these critical areas of research.
Education advocacy groups have recently released a report recommending to the U.S. government that graduate student financial aid should be a priority if the U.S. wants to retain its competitive edge. Included in the report was a suggestion that $10 million be allocated to doctoral students each year.
Should organizations have the right to patent individual genes? Judge Robert W. Sweet of the U.S. District Court in Manhattan has recently ruled against the University of Utah and Myriad Genetics, Inc. having exclusive rights to the genetic testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 loci. Judge Sweet has gone against the grain in this ruling, as the preceding 11 cases involving gene patents have ruled in favor of gene patent rights. The court of appeals may well follow this trend and reverse Judge Sweet’s ruling. Rulings for either side will have profound implications for genetic research.
Resources
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) has launched a web portal with resources for underrepresented minority students and scientists. The site contains information about FASEB and FASEB Society programs, travel awards, scholarships, and other resources aimed at helping increase diversity in the biomedical workforce. According to FASEB President Mark O. Lively, Ph.D, “We hope that this new website will connect students and scientists with information, resources, and opportunities that will sustain their interest in pursuing scientific careers and facilitate their success as they move forward.”
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Upcoming Important Dates:
May 10, 2010
MOHB: Meeting Registration Deadline
May 10, 2010
MOHB: Housing Reservation Deadline
Have You Renewed Your Membership for 2010?
If not, renew today!
GENETICS
March Issue
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Do you have a brief announcement to submit to GSA e-News?
E-news items include news about GSA members -- new position, book publication, awards or grants received and obits; short policy items; brief research news items and grant programs; and, award nomination announcements. Deadline for next issue: May 12, 2010. Send items to Sherry Marts, smarts@genetics-gsa.org
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