Biosciences Federation

The Biosciences Federation (BSF) was a United Kingdom body formed in 2002.

Biosciences Federation
AbbreviationBSF
Formation2002
DissolvedOctober 2009
Legal statusNon-profit organisation
PurposeLife science in the UK
Location
  • Cambridge, CB1 0AL
Region served
UK
Membership
Affiliated life science organisations
Chief Executive
Richard Dyer (2006-9)
AffiliationsMedical Research Council (UK)
WebsiteBSF
RemarksMerged in October 2009 with the Institute of Biology to form the Society of Biology

Function

The Federation aimed to unite the bioscience community over issues of common interest that related to both research and teaching. These organisations are a key component of the UK's knowledge economy. It also aimed to influence the formulation of UK policy relating to biosciences, and to promote public debate on ethical issues. Its interests were in using knowledge gained in research to benefit society, and the impact of legislation on the life sciences industry.

Events

Each November, it would hold the Life Sciences Careers Conference.

Structure

During October 2009, the Biosciences Federation was merged with the Institute of Biology (IoB) to form the Society of Biology (which boasts some 80,000 members).[1]

The last president of the Federation was Dame Nancy Rothwell (2006–9); Richard Dyer, former director of the Babraham Institute, was the chief executive officer (2006–9). Sir Tom Blundell was a former president (2004–6).

Affiliated organisations in the federation

From 2007, the Biosciences Federation encompassed 51 member or associated organisations that covered the entire range of life sciences; these included

Activities

The Federation responded to government consultations on biology-related issues; these responses were published on the Federation's website. It also distributed science policy news to a range of organisations that included universities, research councils, pharmaceutical companies and government bodies. The Federation hosted several life sciences careers conferences and symposia on issues such as open access publishing. It also supported the annual award for scientific communication.

References
  1. "- The IoB & BSF merge to form the Society of Biology (5 October 2009)". Archived from the original on 18 October 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
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