Introduction
Chief Executive’s View
Dariel Burdass, Chief Executive, The Physiological Society
“I am thrilled to welcome our new trustees to the board Professor David Wyllie and Dr Féaron Cassidy. Both Trustees will join the Board following the 2024 Member Forum later this year. Their diverse expertise and perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our organisation, guiding us towards continued growth and success.”
Dariel Burdass
Physiology in Focus
It was fantastic to see so many of you at Physiology in Focus this year held at Northumbria University in their award-winning City Campus East development. Many thanks to our Society Rep, Stuart Goodall, for all his help, support and enthusiasm which was greatly appreciated. This year’s meeting held in collaboration with the Scandinavian Physiological Society was a resounding success, the breadth of physiology was outstanding and it provided an invaluable platform for professional development, wider networking opportunities, and the exchange of innovative ideas.
I know from the overwhelming positive feedback how much you enjoyed the experience too. The poster sessions were particularly impressive, displaying cutting-edge research and fostering engaging dialogue among attendees. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and enthusiasm of our community as we explored new frontiers in physiological science. We very much look forward to joining together with our Europhysiology partners, to co-host the 40th congress of IUPS in Frankfurt.
In conjunction with and prior to the start of the main meeting The Journal of Physiology held their Editorial Board meeting which focused on strategic initiatives to ensure The Journal remains the leading general research journal in the discipline. It was pleasing to see Board members contributing their expertise and vision to shape the future direction of our publications. Their commitment ensures we remain at the forefront of scientific dissemination and impact.
Our gathering culminated in an excellent dinner at the iconic Newcastle Football Stadium. The evening was not only a celebration of our collective achievements but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds with peers and friends. The ambiance and camaraderie made it a night to remember.
Excellence in Physiology plaque unveiling
I was delighted to attend the unveiling of our second ‘Excellence in Physiology Award’ at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS). This award recognises the School’s world-renowned research impact.
Following the plaque unveiling, we were treated to a series of talks by researchers from SSEHS. These talks provided a comprehensive background on physiology at SSEHS, highlighting its historical support for para athletes and shedding light on current research endeavours. Notable presentations covered topics such as female physiology and performance, as well as the physiology of endurance and fatigue, showcasing the School’s cutting-edge work. Many thanks go to the team in the SSEHS who helped to make this event such a resounding success.
Heat Resilience Consensus Event at the House of Lords
Another notable event was the Heat Resilience Consensus event held on the terrace of the House of Lords. This event was an enormous success, bringing together over 150 participants from diverse disciplines, including physiologists, climate experts, and policymakers. The discussion underscored the urgent need to act to protect health and save lives in the face of climate change, emphasising the importance of collaboration among multidisciplinary experts to address critical issues related to heat resilience.
Building on the outcomes and recommendations from both the Heat Resilience Strategy and the “Bringing Mechanistic Understanding and Real-World Impact to the Link Between Extreme Heat and Mental Health” workshop, we were eager to implement some of the key recommendations from these projects which led to the development of the Heat Resilience Consensus, titled “A Global Roadmap for Heat Resilience,” which outlines our goals, including “Next Steps for the UK: National Action Plan for Heat Resilience.” I am pleased to report that internationally, we have support from IUPS and FEPS.
EDI Committee
In 2023, The Society launched its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Roadmap (EDI), and I hope you have had a chance to read it. As a membership organisation, The Society recognises that promoting and embedding EDI is crucial for creating a sense of community and belonging, and fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and acceptance. We understand that a diverse membership allows The Society to draw from a broader array of perspectives, ultimately leading to increased innovation, creativity, and an enriched discipline.
The EDI Roadmap consolidates the efforts we have already made and, importantly, outlines our future steps to further support EDI within our community.
To support this initiative, I am delighted to announce that the Board has agreed to establish a new EDI Committee. This committee will ensure that The Society is making progress in delivering the EDI Roadmap and enhancing diversity and inclusion across all our activities. The Committee will be chaired by our Diversity and Inclusion Champion Trustee – Nephtali Marina-Gonzalez, and Heidi de Wet from the Board will also be joining him.
Welcome to our New Trustees
Lastly, I am thrilled to welcome our new trustees to the board Professor David Wyllie and Dr Féaron Cassidy. Both Trustees will join the Board following the 2024 Member Forum later this year. Their diverse expertise and perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our organisation, guiding us towards continued growth and success.
