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Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 10 No. 6, 2000, pp. 2-3 FROM THE EDITOR Martin Playne, Senior Editor Code Number: au00060
In the December issue, we are featuring proposals from the Directors of the ABA , the findings of the Steering Committee set up by the Directors in July 2000, and a summary of the findings of the Buchan Report, which was commissioned independently by the Federal Government to examine the need for a new biotechnology industry association. The thrust of these reports is to set up a restructured ABA more able to service the needs of the new biotechnology industry which is emerging as we go into the new millennium. There is no doubt that there is a need for change, and a need for a professional executive in the ABA. The debate is mostly about the form it should take, and on how to maintain the involvement and loyal support of our Ordinary Members, while being seen to provide all the services now required by an emerging industry. Such servicing requires both focus and money - and can be seen by some as being detrimental to the interests of Ordinary Members. I can assure you that the Directors and the members of the Steering Committee have been making strenuous efforts to ensure that we retain all the benefits of the present Association for all members, while creating a new dynamic Association to lead the way ahead for our industry sector. The Directors do need all the help and advice that we, the membership at large, can give them. Consequently, this magazine will be allocating a special section in the coming issues devoted to the re-structuring of the ABA - it is your forum. Take the opportunity. The documents concerned with re-structuring of the ABA will also be mounted on our web site (http://www.aba.asn.au/). This issue also has a paper on legal aspects of biotechnology by Adam Lieberman on royalties stacking and co-ownership. Biotechnology and the Wine Industry was the title of our special feature planned for December. Unfortunately, that fell through due to heavy commitments by experts in the field at this time of the year. We hope to reschedule that feature at a later time. May I wish you all a happy Christmas and wonderful New Year. Special Features for the Year 2001The following list of special features are planned for 2001. While we normally seek contributions from experts for each special feature, we are also very keen to accept proferred papers relevant to the themes listed. Please contact the editor well in advance if you would like to make such contributions to discuss details and deadlines. Space is limited, consequently, short, concise and focussed papers are preferred. The Editor would also like to hear from you if you have suggestions for future special features, or would like to co-edit a special feature. He would particularly like to receive, in the next few weeks, your views on these topics, and any others you would like to see in future issues. The Editor, Dr Martin Playne, can be contacted on: Telephone: (03) 9598 9818; Email: mplayne@netspace.net.au
Scheduled for 2002:
Legal, patenting, commercial and financial aspects of biotechnology will be covered in all issues of the magazine. We are pleased to receive at any time papers from practitioners in those areas. We are also seeking Issues papers (up to 800 words) on any biotechnology-related topic, and more Letters to the Editor (up to 300 words). There will be much opportunity in the coming year for all readers to make comment on the restructuring process in particular. Copyright 2000 - Australasian Biotechnology |
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