https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.91.6

PN talks to out-going Honorary Treasurer, Rod Dimaline, of the University of Liverpool

Rod Dimaline has been The Society’s Honorary Treasurer since 2009 and is stepping down from the role at the Annual General Meeting in July. He is a professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, in the Institute of Translational Medicine at the University of Liverpool. His research explores the neuroendocrinology of the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly how changes in gene expression regulate structure and function of the gastric epithelium.

Becoming treasurer
“I hadn’t thought about the role and was unaware that The Society was seeking a new treasurer when I was approached by the then president, Clive Orchard. Talking with outgoing treasurer, Graham McGeown, the role sounded very interesting and I believed I could make a contribution to The Society.”

Highlights of the role
“It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to be involved in several exciting developments over the last four years. In acquiring the freehold of Hodgkin Huxley House, The Society has established a home for UK physiology and opened up the potential for diversification of its income streams. Securing a new publishing contract with Wiley Blackwell provides stability in developing a coherent business plan and reserves policy over the next five years. It has also been exciting to launch Physiological Reports. This establishes an important presence for The Society in open access publishing and also signals increasing cooperation with our sister society in the USA.”

Challenges faced
“As The Society currently relies on publishing for 80% of its income, we have to be wary of the difficult and rapidly changing publishing landscape. The developments outlined above indicate The Society’s determination to address this issue. The Society is also keenly aware of the need to maintain the profile of physiology on both national and international stages.”

Advice for successor
“Enjoy the challenge of the role! Don’t worry about being thrown in at the deep end; the staff and fellow Trustees are incredibly supportive.”

Anne King

has been appointed by Council to become the next Honorary Treasuer and The Society look forward to welcoming Anne into the role from July 2013.