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Message from the SIVB President

Tuesday, October 8, 2024  
Posted by: Michele Schultz

As President of the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB), it is with great pleasure that I extend a personal invitation for you to join our community. The mission of SIVB is to foster the scientific and technical growth of its members, conduct biotechnology research to understand biology at the cellular and developmental level, and promote, expand, and support the scientific knowledge base for the benefit of society. Rooted in the legacy of the Tissue Culture Association (TCA), which was founded nearly eighty years ago, the Society has undergone significant evolution over the years and has been influenced by pioneers in the field whose contributions have not only shaped its direction and progress but have also set benchmarks for excellence. These esteemed members have been recognized since 1991 with the Lifetime Achievement Award and since 2001 their profiles are showcased in the In Vitro Report offering a glimpse into the distinguished careers and achievements that have marked the history of the Society. Similarly, by being an active member you have the power to enhance our collective impact on both science and society at large and to contribute to the Society’s future growth and evolution. Your involvement can take various forms: presenting your groundbreaking research at our Annual Meeting, contributing to our peer-reviewed journals, assuming leadership positions within the Society, or advocating for a specific cause resulting in innovative, fact-based policies.

SIVB members, whether they are part of the Plant Biotechnology (PB) Section or the In Vitro Animal Cell Sciences (IVACS) Section, come from a wide range of experience and research interests. This interdisciplinary expertise across diverse fields is not just a hallmark of our organization; it is also a driving force. Being a member of SIVB offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your career and personal development.

The SIVB’s Annual Meeting serves as a dynamic forum for members at various stages of their scientific careers. It welcomes students, postdoctoral researchers, emerging scientists, and those well-established in their fields. This meeting is key for staying informed about the latest developments within your respective areas of expertise and represents a platform to share your scientific findings through presentations and posters. It provides an opportunity to forge connections with fellow researchers, mentors, and scientific leaders, fostering both professional collaborations and personal bonds. If you are a student who submits an abstract for the annual meeting, you will receive FREE REGISTRATION to the scientific sessions! You can also apply for the SIVB Student Travel AwardCellular Toxicology AwardHonor B. Fell AwardHope E. Hopps AwardJohn S. Song AwardJoseph F. Morgan AwardMarietta Wheaton Saunders AwardPhilip R. White Memorial AwardThe Gordon Sato and Wally McKeehan Award and Wilton R. Earle Award that are presented to a select group of students based on review of their abstract submissions and provides financial support to attend the meeting and present your research.

The Society has two peer-reviewed journals: "In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology–Animal" and "In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology–Plant". As part of their membership benefits, Members of the SIVB have the option to select to receive either the Animal or Plant journal, included with their paid dues. Published by SpringerNature, these journals enjoy a broad international readership and offer a premier platform for publishing your original research. You can also contribute to the publication process of the journals as qualified reviewers and, through your critical comments and helpful suggestions, you will help maintain and increase the quality of the research reported.

Members' active engagement in the Society's various activities, such as committee work and annual meeting planning, offers insights into the governance of a professional body and fosters the development of a comprehensive set of leadership skills. These skills are not only applicable within the confines of the Society but are also transferable to professional careers and beyond. My involvement in the Society’s activities has improved my ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals. Additionally, I have gained practical experience in guiding initiatives, from the initial idea to successful completion while learning to allocate resources efficiently and navigate potential risks. Leadership is about continuous learning, adapting, and growing, all of which are facilitated by the dynamic experiences offered by active membership in SIVB.

The Society also recognizes members annually with different awards: Lifetime Achievement AwardDistinguished Scientist AwardFellow Award and Early Career Award. These awards not only serve as a benchmark for excellence, encouraging professionals to strive for innovation and quality in their work, but they also provide a platform for peers to acknowledge the contributions of their colleagues.

As you can see, there are many ways to be an active member of the Society and your contribution it is more than participation; it is about making a significant impact in advancing the field of in vitro biology. To join the SIVB or renew your membership, click on the “Join” or “Renew” buttons on the top of this page and follow the instructions. Should you have questions, please contact the SIVB Business Office by email at sivb@sivb.org.

#SIVB #togetherwegrow #membership Piero Barone, PhD SIVB President, 2024 - 2026