Announcing AAPS’ new strategic goals during PharmSci 360
By Joseph W. Polli, Ph.D., FAAPS, President
Welcome to the 2020 PharmSci 360 conference! The meeting may feel different this year, but I am confident that your scientific and networking experiences will be as fulfilling as an in-person event. The meeting will continue for the next two weeks, through November 5, so there is still time to register and engage in extensive discussions about current topics in the pharmaceutical sciences.
Today, in my Opening Plenary address, I shared the 5 new strategic goals that further advance and underpin AAPS’ mission: To advance the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and therapies that improve global health.
These goals were set by the Strategic Planning Task Force led by Dr. Annette Bak with the support of the Board of Directors. We are now finalizing the associated objectives and metrics that support each goal and will begin to implement the plan in February 2021. I look forward to sharing the final objectives with the association over the next few months and to invite a broad representation of AAPS membership to serve on the committees and task forces to support and execute these tasks.
The goals are:
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.
I am eager to share the objectives for each strategic goal with you soon. There are many exciting plans on AAPS’ horizon, including developing strategic partnerships around the world, ensuring the delivery of member-valued products and services to scientists at all career stages, and developing a career-building platform.
The Strategic Planning Task Force and I would like to hear your thoughts on these goals! During PharmSci 360, you can reach Annette or me through the Connect 360 networking platform. Or email me at president@aaps.org.
I look forward to sharing science, careers, and community with everyone over the next two weeks at PharmSci 360. Our cutting-edge scientific sessions start today, October 26, and will run through Thursday, November 5. And remember, recordings of all sessions will be available to registrants until December 31, 2020, allowing you to view all of the PharmSci 360 topics this year on your own schedule.
Look for more updates in AAPS Newsmagazine—2021 President Andy Vick, Ph.D., and I will keep you informed about the Strategic Plan and how you can get involved in executing it.
With gratitude,
Joe Polli