The 2019 Biomedical Alliance in Europe General Assembly took place on 20 November in our offices in Brussels. We were happy to see so many of you there to exchange views on activities, policy developments and potential directions for the future.
We started the day by taking a closer look at our past activities and our role in shaping EU policies. This included an overview by Prof. Karin Sipido of the achievements of the Scientific Panel for Health (which was established based on a BioMed Alliance proposal). We also discussed the results of a survey which collected input from members about BioMed Alliance activities and explored potential ways forward with all participants.
As a follow up to the panel discussion on Plan S during the spring meeting, Valentina Tursini, Scientific Publications Director (ESC) presented the latest developments regarding Plan S. Since the Spring Meeting there have been several new developments, e.g. the application date of Plan S was postponed to 2021 and a new guidance for medical societies was published.
The afternoon session was dedicated to discussing the activities of taskforces, committees and to discussing finances and governance.
Prof. Wilfried Ellmeier will start his presidential mandate in January 2020. He will be supported by prof. Gunhild Waldemar in her capacity as President-Elect and by prof. Axel Pries who will act as Past-President. The term in office of Past President Colm O’Morain comes to an end this year. Over the past years, he has worked hard to promote the BioMed Alliance and advance the interests of its members.
Tom Hemming Karlsen from EASL – European Association for the Study of the Liver, was elected to the BioMed Alliance Board of Directors during the General Assembly on 20 November.
Prof. Karlsen received the most votes out of the total of 6 candidates that applied for the vacant position. His experience as secretary general for EASL has provided him with expertise in EU Affairs and helped him get familiar with BioMed Alliance activities. We look forward to working with him in the coming years to continue expanding the BioMed Alliance.
