2011 Anniversary Yearbook - EUFEPS today and history

2. PRESIDENT’S INTRODUCTION
Democratically, moderated organisations that seek to serve member societies for the
benefit of science must be an engine of change for good in Europe. We live in a constantly
changing world and as age demographics change, the burden of health care becomes more
pressing. The faster development of effective and safe medicines for all has been the watchword
of EUFEPS since the beginning, and the efforts of previous generations of scientists
associated with our twenty-year old organisation have achieved much in the path towards
this goal.
Europe is periodically beset by upheavals, in part mirroring changes elsewhere in the world,
especially America. Changes in legislation for cheaper medicines have a knock-on effect on
our industry and the nature of the pharmaceutical market changes. Processes requiring expensive
raw material and low-cost labour move steadily east, leaving Europe to contemplate
the nature of its pharmaceutical sciences.
There is no doubt that we will be faced with the challenges of innovation in medicines, which
extends through advanced products, through systems of monitoring health, personalised
medicines, concern for our environment and the adoption of science-led regulation. This
generates a need for better education and training and communication and a more intellectually
nimble workforce, able to adapt to new demands in the industry. Our academic institutions
must reflect these changes and be more cognisant of the changing requirements and
skill sets needed and avoid complacency. At any time in history, a seed change is either with
us or just around the corner and EUFEPS exists to help its member organisations to realise
new goals though interactions such as PharmSciFair and specialist distillation of information
in networks.
The future of EUFEPS depends on the enthusiasm of its membership. As a not-for-profit
organisation, contributing to EUFEPS does not bring personal financial riches, but it does
provide satisfaction that we are helping the next generations through mentorship and discussion.
Being part of this august and worthy organisation is exhausting but fun and it is so
easy to get deeply involved. I urge you to do so and promise that the deep satisfaction you
will gain in making new connections and discovering science directions will amply offset the
commitment of time.
With best wishes,
Clive G Wilson F.A.P.S., F.C.R.S.
President
European Federation of Pharmaceutical Sciences – EUFEPS
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