About the BSCB
“The goal of the BSCB is simple – to promote all aspects of cell biology in the UK. We try to achieve this goal in several ways. First, we organise and support cell biology meetings in the UK. Our Spring Meeting, which we hold jointly with the BSDB, is the largest annual cell and developmental biology meeting in the UK. It provides a great platform for cell biologists to present their work, to hear about the most exciting recent advances, and to network with colleagues. Second, we provide funds (up to £1000) for early-career scientists to attend cell-biology-related meetings around the world. Third, we help nurture the next generation of cell biologists by providing studentships for undergraduates to work in UK cell biology labs during the summer vacation. We have Postdoc and PhD student representatives on our committee so we can readily understand and respond to specific concerns. We are a not-for-profit organisation. We have no paid employees: all our officers and committee members work for free. If you’re reading this, the chances are that the BSCB exists for you. Please join us and get involved in supporting your community.”
BSCB Organization
The British Society for Cell Biology (founded 1965; registered charity no. 265816) exists to promote the advance of research in all branches of cell biology and to encourage the interchange of information. The Society organizes and supports meetings and conferences relevant to cell biology and plays an increasing role in raising awareness of science policy issues in the UK. The Constitution of the Society is available for inspection. The BSCB is supported by membership subscriptions, and by a generous grant from The Company of Biologists, who publish Development, Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology and Disease Models and Mechanisms.
Committee and Officers
The Society is run by a Committee of unpaid volunteers elected by the Members. The Officers of the Society, who are all members of the Committee, are directly elected by the Members. Members of the Society are encouraged to nominate candidates for the Committee or Officers positions at any time. Formal nominations should be seconded by another member of the Society. The Committee is also happy to receive un-seconded informal nominations. Nominations should be sent to the Secretary.
The Committee generally meets twice a year, at the Spring Meeting and in the Autumn in London. Additional meetings are arranged from time to time. Items for consideration by the Committee should be submitted to the Secretary.
Employees
The Society has no full time employees, but from time to time makes arrangements with individuals or companies to provide services for remuneration. Examples are secretarial help, meeting organization, website design, Newsletter layout and typesetting and auditing.
Finance
The Society accounts are audited annually and presented to the Charities Commission. A summary is published in the Magazine.
The Societies income is derived from Membership Fees and from Advertising in the Newsletter and Website. Society meetings are intended to run at only a marginal profit. The Society receives major grants from the Company of Biologists, a not-for-profit publishing house, to support its meetings and the Honor Fell / Company of Biologists Travel Grant Scheme.
Expenditures include (in rough order of size) Meetings, the Honor Fell / Company of Biologists Travel Awards, publications, administration and contributions for affiliation to organizations such as the UK Life Sciences Committee and the Institute of Biologists.
Annual General Meeting
The AGM is generally held at the annual Spring Meeting of the Society. Officers and Committee Members are elected at the AGM. Items for the AGM should be submitted in advance to the Secretary.