ssiem column
TRANSCRIPT
J Inherit Metab Dis (2006) 29: 2
S S I E M C O L U M N
2005 saw great turmoil within the world—tsunamis, earth-
quakes, hurricanes, war, terrorist bombings. Natural and
man-made disasters occurred with monotonous regularity.
Within the inherited metabolic disease community there has
also been considerable change with the loss of much valued
and important individuals, either through premature death
(see obituaries) or retirement. Their presence at meetings
and their scientific contributions will be greatly missed, but
certainly not forgotten. It is hoped that their involvement in
inherited metabolic diseases will be remembered for many
years to come.
A further change that occurred in 2005 was Dr Mick
Henderson’s stepping-down as Honorary Secretary of the
SSIEM, a post that he has held for the past 6 years. Mick’s
literary (I would hesitate to say secretarial!) skills have been
well known for many years within the United Kingdom and
the Society has greatly benefited from his input and effi-
ciency. His act is a hard one to follow, but I am greatly hon-
oured to have the opportunity. On behalf of the SSIEM, I
would like to take this opportunity of thanking Mick for all
his hard-work and endeavours on its behalf—I am only just
starting to realise how much time the post takes up!
Along with changes within Council, we also welcome Prof.
Jutta Gaertner and Dr Johannes Zschocke as new members.
The Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease has undergone
a radical make-over, as you can see for yourselves. We wish
all the Chief Editors the very best in leading the Journalinto the 21st century, and of course thank Guy Besley for his
immense involvement in the Journal for more years than he
cares to remember!
So, we have new Council members, new Chief Editors, a new
Journal and we also have a new SSIEM website which is now
being run by Michael McConnell and his Blackcats company.
Initial feedback has been very positive, but this sort of ac-
tivity only works with the involvement of members, so any
ideas should come to either myself, Nenad Blau or Ubaldo
Caruso (email addresses are on website <www.ssiem.org>).
Council would like to thank Kim Bartlett for establishing the
initial website which has been so important for launching the
new one.
All this change has largely been driven by the growth of
the SSIEM. Each year the annual meeting increases in size,
which is extremely encouraging—the Paris meeting was the
largest yet. It is hoped that more scientists and clinicians
will be attracted to this field and will be able to contribute
to advances like their predecessors. With this aim, last year,
the SSIEM introduced exchange grants worth up to GBP
2500 each to encourage young researchers to further their
experience within another centre anywhere in the world. I
am pleased to say that all 4 grants were awarded in 2005—
applications (covering letter, CV, support letter and financial
requirements) for 2006 should be sent to me.
I hope everyone has a productive, enjoyable and peaceful
year!
Dr Philip Lee
SSIEM Honorary Secretary
Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism
The SSSIEM was founded in 1963 by a small group in the
North of England and has developed into the largest inter-
national organisation concerned with all aspects of inherited
metabolic diseases. The aim of the Society is to promote the
exchange of ideas between professional workers in differ-
ent disciplines who are interested in this group of metabolic
disorders. This aim is pursued in scientific meetings and pub-
lications. The Society holds an annual symposium concen-
trating on different topics each year with facilities for poster
presentations. There is always a clinical aspect as well as
a laboratory component. The meeting is organized so that
there is ample time for informal discussion; this feature has
allowed the formation of a network of contacts through-
out the world. The international and multidisciplinary ap-
proach is also reflected in the Journal of Inherited MetabolicDisease.
If you are interested in joining the SSIEM then contact
the Treasurer: Dr. Graham Shortland, Department of Child
Health, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff,
South Glamorgan, UK. The subscription includes the 6 issues
of the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. The SSIEM
web site is on <http://www.ssiem.org>.
Springer