https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.96.18

30 June – 2 July 2014, The QEII Conference Centre London, UK

Over 1,000 physiologists attended The Society’s main annual conference held this year in the purpose-built Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster. The location came in especially handy for the successful launch of Engaging with Parliamentarians at the House of Commons on Monday 30 June.

The programme for Physiology 2014 included some 25 symposia, including the inaugural Presidential Symposium, and five prize lectures. Attendees also enjoyed the poster sessions of over 500 communications, 80 oral communications and two demonstrations. There was also the Welcome Reception at Central Hall Westminster on Monday 30 June, with entertainment from GI Distress, and the Society Dinner, which took place on Tuesday 1 July.

Physiology 2015 takes place on 6–8 July 2015 at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff and registration opens on 1 January – we hope to see you there!

Rachel Harper
Marketing Specialist – Europe,
ADInstruments, UK
Major Sponsor

The Physiological Society’s ‘Physiology’ conference is the most important conference in the ADInstruments European office’s calendar as it allows us to meet with our core audience and current customers, gaining important feedback and also allowing us to keep researchers and educators up to date with our innovative product offering.

We were pleased to welcome a wide selection of visitors to the booth, with some taking part in our fun interactive demonstration, which proved popular with delegates. The activities at the outreach tent were great at gaining the attention of the public and even allowed ADInstruments staff to take part in some fun networking with The Physiological Society staff while bouncing on the space hoppers.

We look forward to building our relationship with The Society over the coming years and events.

Christopher Torrens
University of Southampton, UK
Ordinary Member

Physiology 2014 was a packed three days of physiology and much, much more.

Monday: Discussing the value of teaching in higher education before judging posters in the Science of Life competition; the projects and the quality of the presentations were superb. After that it was off to the oral presentations to see what was new and to lend some moral support to colleagues.

Tuesday: Starts with an excellent breakfast and conversation with the editors of Physiological Reports. Next it was down to the Outreach Tent to compete with Westminster Abbey and the local sites to bring physiology to the public. From there judging posters for the Rob Clarke Awards and again so impressed by the quality of both posters and presentation – considerably better than some of my own PhD efforts. A quick spell on the Membership desk espousing the benefits of membership before the days ends with Prof Winston’s plenary and dinner with colleagues, old and new.

Wednesday: Symposia in the morning followed by Prof Sleight’s excellent Paton Lecture. Next off to the Society Reps meeting and had some interesting discussions. Finally take in another symposium before making sure my student is ready for her poster session (she was and did an excellent job). All done, bring on Physiology 2015…

James Kerin
Marketing Director, Cairn Research
Exhibitor

The main Physiological Society meeting is a key date on our calendar. In fact, we have been attending these meetings for more years than we care to remember, and we shall of course continue to support them as we continue to grow. In addition to exhibiting our latest offerings, it is a great opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones.

Fortunately for us there is a high proportion of expert (present and potentially future) customers who are particularly helpful in the identification and development of new products. Our new four-way image splitter, on display for the first time, is an excellent example of this.

We would like to thank The Physiological Society for looking after us each year and making us feel welcome to all elements of the meetings, including all the social events too!

We shall of course be in attendance in Cardiff next year and look forward to seeing everyone there.

Robert Banks
University of Durham, UK
Ordinary Member (Retired)

The Main Meeting of The Society always promises excellent science in good company, and Physiology 2014, meeting in its new home city, certainly lived up to expectations.

The packed programme meant that one had to be highly selective. This was especially true in the poster sessions, where, as usual, there seemed to be too little time and space available.

The scientific highlight for me was probably right at the start with the Presidential Symposium on emerging technologies for physiology and neuroscience, but all the symposia I attended were unfailingly interesting and of a high standard.

I also had a role to perform as a judge for the Rob Clarke awards. Meeting a group of young physiologists at the very beginning of their careers is always a pleasure. Socially, too, the meeting was a great success. With the exception of the poster hall, the venue was roomy and comfortable; and where else could you have a view like this from the gents’ toilet? And if you missed the dinner you missed a real treat; not only fine food, but a magnificent display of synchronised serving!

Bijal Patel
King’s College London, UK
Affiliate Member

As an early career physiologist it was a real pleasure to be involved in organising the Early Career Physiologists Symposium at King’s College London.

I think it is important to be involved in such events as it gives you the opportunity to interact with scientists from all over the world in an informal environment. Moreover, you may bump into the same people at the main meeting, and it’s nice to see a friendly face amongst the sea of scientists at the conference venue.

The highlight of Physiology 2014 for me would have to be the public lecture given by Sir Robert Winston. He managed to captivate the entire audience with his lecture which was very insightful, and one of the best talks I personally have ever attended.