A remarkable year for pharmaceutical science and AAPS members.
By Joseph W. Polli, Ph.D., FAAPS, President
For so many reasons, this year was unforgettable. We have each faced continual uncertainty, challenges, and adjustments for much of the past eight months. Further, the world’s spotlight is on our profession to deliver urgently needed therapies and vaccines. The response has been a tireless effort by many to not only manage and maintain important research already in progress, but to pivot resources towards the development of a vaccine against COVID-19. Through all of this, AAPS has supported members as they face many challenges. As a leader and member, I am incredibly proud of the association’s successes and accomplishments in 2020. It has been a pleasure to work with a diverse array of AAPS members and staff throughout this whirlwind year.
Most notably, members were presented with a full virtual PharmSci 360 program! Over the course of two weeks, hundreds of sessions were held online by and for scientists all over the world. Participation was engaging and countless connections were made. This was an incredible feat to manage. Please keep in mind that much of the PharmSci 360 content is now available online to PharmSci 360 registrants. I hope you will take the opportunity to look back at the cutting-edge scientific presentations and career development sessions.
Over the summer, the AAPS staff conducted a diversity, equity and inclusion survey, which provided valuable feedback as part of our ongoing strategic planning work. It was especially poignant to hear from members about their passion to ensure equality for future generations of pharmaceutical scientists. Our profession succeeds because of the determination and talent of so many, coming from different backgrounds, to work together in order to discover and develop new therapies for patients. We value each other, our voices, and our future.
It was exciting to be a part of the 2021-2025 Strategic Planning Committee and assist in shaping the goals that are future-focused and at their core, steadily true to the mission of AAPS. By the end of fall, we presented the goals and I’d like to share them again here to set the scene for an exciting 2021. Here are the five strategic goals:
Strategic Goal 1: Connecting and Engaging Scientists to Advance Pharmaceutical Sciences
This goal speaks to who we are as pharmaceutical scientists and as members of AAPS. Together, we advance pharmaceutical research and development by connecting with other scientists, and by working together through events like PharmSci 360.
Strategic Goal 2: Collaborate Across the Scientific Landscape to Expand Our Access to Knowledge and the Visibility of Our Expertise
This goal addresses our desire to expand AAPS’ horizons, and in so doing, expand the reach and influence of our members. The body of science grows when we bring scientists together to discuss challenges and share insights. We want to contribute our expertise between organizations, to learn from others, and to have our members recognized globally for their work to improve global health.
Strategic Goal 3: Strengthen Strategic Networks and Partnerships to Expand AAPS’ Global Reach
AAPS has a long-held ambition for “going global.” This goal is about finding fellow pharmaceutical scientists across the globe who are not yet engaged with us and bringing them into our organization so that we can develop the cures and therapies that will improve lives for people around the world.
Strategic Goal 4: Engage and Develop Pharmaceutical Scientists Across All Career Stages
Our scientists need different types of support throughout their professional lives, which may include help beyond their research programs. Challenges of career, family, school, and navigating the job market have become extraordinarily visible this year, along with an important dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion. AAPS is here to support our members both as professionals and individuals.
Strategic Goal 5: Deliver Member-Valued Career-Building Experiences
As highlighted in our first goal, AAPS is committed to bringing scientists together to drive science forward. In this goal, our focus is on ensuring that the needs of our members are met through our programs by providing access to the best research, networks, and training to allow them to become better scientists.
Without a doubt, reflections on this year can serve us well moving forward into 2021. Take whatever time you can to recharge because we have some great AAPS programing planned next year. I am reserving time in my 2021 travel schedule for an in-person (hopefully!) PharmSci360 event next October in Philadelphia. In the meantime, I plan to be active in the AAPS Communities and look forward to the return of the NBC meeting this spring. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the AAPS membership for the past year. Thank you again.
With gratitude,
Joe Polli