https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.91.9

The Society has announced the initiation of a major investigation into the state of physiology in the UK. The Health of Physiology review will seek to find ways of measuring how well physiology is faring as a discipline in the 21st century. This will inform future priorities and strategic thinking for The Society and, it is hoped, influence policy makers in government.

Led by the Deputy President, Richard Vaughan-Jones, a steering group comprising Society Members and external stakeholders will publish their report in 2014.

Society President, Jonathan Ashmore, said: “The environment for physiology as a discipline has changed dramatically over the last 15 to 20 years as both the scientific and the funding environments have evolved. Emerging new areas of physiology and related sciences, coupled with the move from dedicated ‘departments of physiology’ to integrated biological, medical and life science faculties, have affected the visibility of the discipline. This directly affects its funding both for its research and how it is taught.

“The report – the first of its kind– will explore the strength of physiology in the UK, its role in supporting UK life and biomedical sciences and, most importantly, the impact the changing landscape for education and research has had on the discipline in both academia and industry. The report will identify strengths and weaknesses of the discipline and provide recommendations to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of physiological research worldwide.”