Report from the APSN Council Meeting

Held at the Seoul Education and Cultural Centre on 24 June 1998 in conjunction with the fourth APSN Meeting.

Present: Prof. Yoo-Hun Suh, Korea (President); Prof. Keiichi Uyemura, Japan (Treasurer); Prof. Graham Johnston, Australia (Past President); Prof. Jean de Vellis, USA (Representing ISN); Dr. Peter Dodd, Australia (Secretary); Prof. Qi-Ming Xue, China-Beijing; Dr. Alfreda Stadlin, China-Hong Kong; Dr. O.P. Tandon, India; Prof. E. Miyamoto, Japan; Dr. Peter Tsun-Hon Wong, Singapore; Dr. Wipawan Thangnipon, Thailand

Chair; Prof. Yoo-Hun Suh.

President’s Report (Prof. Suh): The 4th APSN meeting in Seoul was the biggest and best so far, with 5 plenary speakers, 69 symposium speakers in 16 different symposia, and 183 poster presentations. There was also an extensive and very enjoyable social program. Although the finalcial situation in Asia is very difficult, travel support comprising W500,000 + hotel costs + registration waiver was provided for 26 participants from 9 different countries in the region. Prof. Suh acknowledged support form ISN for workshop for young scientists on “Molecular Techniques in Neurochemistry” which had preceded the main meeting (23rd June), and from the Japanese Neurochemsitry Society and a number of local sponsors for the main meeting. The total budget for the meeting was about $US80,000, a great achievement in the current financial climate. The meeting expressed its appreciation for the enormous efforts of Prof. Suh and his team.

Treasurer’s Report (Prof. Uyemura): The assets of the society stand at jpn409,413. In the two years since the Beijing conference there has been some progress in the collection of membership dues, but this still remains a major headache. Further efforts will have to be expended in this area. Council agreed that the minimum membership dues would be set at $US50, should this be less than the $US1 per member per 2 years formula.

Secretary’s Report (Dr. Dodd): Over the past 2 years strenuous efforts have been made to ensure the Society has representatives from as many countries in the region as possible. In this regard we have been largely successful, and most member societies have also agreed to pay the affiliation dues. We still do not have a representative from the Philippines and have lost contact with our Malaysia delegate.

Next APSN meeting (2000): The Beijing meeting decided on Australia as the venue for the 5th APSN meeting. An earlier plan to hold APSN in conjunction with ANSAAS is not now possible and there are complications associated with the Olympic Games in Sydney, so Australia is likely to be an expensive destination. Alternative cities will be considered, although the majority of delegated would still prefer Sydney. Financial aspects have not been finalized; however, it is unlikely that the level of support attained in Seoul (e.g. in the number of travel grants etc.) will be achieved. Further information will be notified as soon as possible.

Dr. Wong indicated that the Singapore Society were willing to host the 6th APSN meeting in 2002. This was warmly accepted by Council. However, it was also pointed out that there would be an excellent opportunity to host ISN in 2003, as ISN Council is interested in the idea that the ISN congress might rotate amongst its three “sister” societies. ASN, ESN and APSN. To make a joint APSN-ISN meeting possible, it would be necessary (a) for the Singapore Society to defer their plans for a year, it being generally agreed that APSN is not yet ready to run two meetings so close together, and it also being agreed that Singapore is the best potential Asian venue for ISN; (b) for the Singapore Society to agree to host ISN; and (c) for a presentation to be prepared for Berlin in 1999. Dr. Wong agreed to take these proposals back to his home Society. If A bid cannot be prepared, the 6th APSN meeting will revert to 2002. Prof. De Vellis emphasized that ISN were keen to entertain the idea of a joint meeting.

Election of Council Officers: The following were elected unopposed. They will serve for two years.

President: Dr. P.R. Dodd, Australia, peterd@biosci.uq.edu.au

Treasurer: Prof.Eishichi Miyamoto, Japan, emiyamot@gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Secretary: Dr.Stephen Bunn, New Zealand, Stephen.bum@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

New Councillors:

Dr. O.P.Tandon, India

Prof. B.H.Shah, Pakistan

Dr.Kyungjin Kim and Dr. Sa San Cho, Korea.

Other Business: Prof. Suh will continue to maintain the Society’s Website, which is and excellent forum for APSN. Member societies are also reminded that they may choose to post information on the site. Contact Prof. Suh yhsuh@plaza.snu.ac.kr for further details. Prof. De Vellis informed the meeting that ISN will be running a booth at this years Societies, are urged to take advantage of this offer to advertise meetings and other events, attract potential visiting fellows, etc. Details from Prof. De Vellis secretary vhoughton@mednet.ucla.edu. Dr. Thangnipon raised the idea of a regional workshop, possibly in the same year as the 5th APSN meeting, since many delegates will have financial difficulties in getting to Australia. Unfortunately, such a scheme may stretch APSN’s resources too thinly at this stage of its development.

Votes of thanks: Council commended Prof. Suh and his committee for the excellent and exciting program. Dr. Suh reported that the Korean Society had set aside funds to provide the best six student posters with prizes. These were subsequently awarded at the conference dinner. The meeting also expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Council.

Next Meeting: The next meeting of APSN Council will be held during the ISN Congress in Berlin in 1999.

Peter Dodd. Hon. Sec., Brisbane, 23 July 1998