CFBS Mission Poster

The CFBS brings together those researchers who belong to the major life science disciplines in Canada.

Our MISSION: To promote the acquisition, facilitate the dissemination and encourage the utilization of knowledge in the biological and biomedical sciences, and to contribute in a substantive way to the development of a forward-looking science and technology policy for Canada.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

I   The Canadian Federation of Biological Societies (CFBS) was formed in 1957 and incorporated in 1979.

II  CFBS is currently composed of 12 Biological/Biomedical Societies and Associations. Most of CFBS members are university based researchers while a significant number are from research laboratories in government and industry.

III  The Federation office in Ottawa is supported financially by income derived from the Annual Meeting, which it sponsors and organizes in collaboration with volunteers in the scientific community, and from funds provided by each Society in the Federation.

IV  Communication with its members. To assist the interaction between CFBS and its members, a web-site has been established to communicate issues of importance to the biological/life science community as they arise and to receive input from its members. A newsletter aids in the dissemination of information related to science policy subjects under consideration, programs of upcoming meetings, government appointments of interest to the Research Community, new sources of research funds, timing, location and themes of future scientific meetings of CFBS and its Societies. Other materials are included when appropriate.

V   Major functions of CFBS are the following:

i). To lobby governments on issues of importance to the biological/biomedical science community
Our lobbying involves science policy development and in this effort we work closely with the Canadian Consortium for Research (CCR) which is composed of organization including AUCC , CAUT and other groups representing the physical and social sciences that have mandates similar to our own. In addition, we have developed a relationship with the Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGES) to provide our expertise to this-science-based organization. Separately and/or in cooperation with these colleagues, issues of concern to the life scientists are brought to the attention of decision-makers before action is taken. Finally, in this area we interact regularly with members of parliament, senior government bureaucrats and senior managers of the various granting Councils.

ii) To increase public awareness of the life sciences in Canada
Each year during the Annual Meeting a plenary evening session is devoted to a topic of public interest. The individual who delivers this lecture is presented with the Gordin Kaplan award, a prize given in recognition of outstanding activity in the promotion of science .

iii) To organize a major scientific meeting each year
This Annual Meeting is designed to provide:

1 ) the opportunity to "show-case" the best in Canadian Science.

2 ) an opportunity for graduate students and young investigators to interact with national/international researchers from a variety of institutions; and

3 ) a forum for researchers to obtain an in-depth treatment of two thematic areas of investigation in an environment which promotes effective interaction;

4 ) a forum for outstanding internationally recognized investigators to contribute to the scientific sessions.

Updated: February 05, 2007