Professional Societies and Associations

ABPI

Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry

Purpose. Its mission is to represent the pharmaceutical industry operating in the UK in a way that assures patient access to the best available medicines; creates a favorable political, economic, and regulatory environment; encourages innovative research and development; and affords fair commercial returns.

Details. Persons eligible: Full membership is open to companies in the UK who supply prescription medicines. Research affiliate membership is open to companies engaged in R&D and/or development of medicines for human use but which have no turnover in such products. General affiliates represent a range of organizations with an interest in the pharmaceutical industry operating in the UK. Annual meeting: April 27, 2010, Location TBD. Publications: Newsletter.

Contact. Information Services Executive, 12 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY, UK, +44 207 930 3477 ext. 1487, fax +44 20 7747 1414, email: abpi@abpi.org.uk, www.abpi.org.uk.

ACCP

American College of Clinical Pharmacology

Purpose. Provide leadership and interdisciplinary education that will enable the generation, integration, and translation of scientific knowledge to optimize research, development, and utilization of medication for the benefit of all.

Details. Persons eligible: Those with an interest in clinical pharmacology who complete an application and submit a CV for review by a credentials committee. Annual meeting: September 12-14, 2010, Baltimore, MD. Publications: Directory (published annually), Newsletter (published three times per year); Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (monthly).

Contact. Susan S. Ulrich, RPh, Executive Director, 3 Ellinwood Court, New Hartford, NY 13413-1105, (315) 768-6117, fax (315) 768-6119, email: Sue@accp1.org, www.accp1.org.

ACRP

Association of Clinical Research Professionals

Purpose. The mission is to "Provide global leadership to promote integrity and excellence for the clinical research profession." ACRP is an organization for clinical research professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries, as well as those in hospital, academic medical centers, and physician office settings worldwide. Founded in 1976, ACRP is comprised of a diverse network of industry professionals including clinical research coordinators, investigators and associates, R&D project managers, regulatory affairs and compliance professionals, and quality control and assurance auditors. ACRP's membership spans 66 countries and includes 20,000 members and 75 global chapters.

Details. Persons eligible: Membership is open to all professionals engaged in clinical research. Annual meeting: Global Conference & Exhibition, April 23-27, 2010, Tampa, FL. Publications: The Monitor (bimonthly peer-reviewed periodical), the ACRP Wire (biweekly eNewsletter). ACRP has two affiliate organizations: The Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians and Investigators (APPI) and The Academy of Clinical Research Professionals. APPI is a physician-only membership and handles the Certified Physician Investigator (CPI) program. The Academy houses government relations and the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA), Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), and Certified Clinical Trial Investigator (CCTI) programs for nonphysicians.

Contact. US: ACRP Global Headquarters, 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 800, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 254-8100, fax (703) 254-8101, email: office@acrpnet.org, www.acrpnet.org. Europe: ACRP European Office, Elizabeth House, Sheet Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1BG United Kingdom, +44 (0) 1753 831900, fax +44 (0) 1753 855157, email: EURoffice@acrpnet.org.

ASCPT

American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Purpose. To advance the discipline and practice of clinical pharmacology for the benefit of patients and society. ASCPT fosters the recognition of clinical pharmacology as a discipline at the forefront of the discovery, development, regulation, and use of safe and effective medicines. The primary forums we provide to facilitate scientific exchange include ASCPT's prestigious journal, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, ASCPT's Annual Scientific Meeting, Scientific Sections for clinical pharmacology specialties, and our Web site www.ascpt.org.

Details. Persons eligible: Full Members are persons who have earned a doctorate degree in any of the biomedical sciences, or have evidence of an equivalent of a doctorate degree in training and experience. They must demonstrate a sincere interest in and contributions to human pharmacology and therapeutics by documenting specific examples such as publications, grants, patents, and/or FDA reports. Associates Not in Training are persons who do not meet the requirements for full membership but exhibit an interest in human pharmacology and therapeutics. Associates in Training are currently enrolled in a post-doctoral training program and have an interest in human pharmacology and therapeutics. Student applicants are those pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree who have an interest in human pharmacology and therapeutics. Annual meeting: March 17-20, 2010, in Atlanta, GA. Publications: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (journal, 13 issues).

Contact. Sharon J. Swan, CAE, Executive Director, 528 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 836-6981, fax (703) 836-5223, email: info@ascpt.org, www.ascpt.org.

BARQA

British Association of Research Quality Assurance

Purpose. To develop and promote quality standards in scientific research and development and to facilitate knowledge sharing and transfer through: discussion, training, seminars, conferences, publications, and partnerships. To liaise with regulatory agencies in the development and interpretation of regulations and guidance.

Details. Persons eligible: All those with an interest in the management or monitoring of quality systems for the conduct of studies or trials, the manufacture of products under investigation or for pharmacovigilance, and those working with, or interested in, Good Laboratory, Clinical or Manufacturing Practice Regulations, be they from industry, government, academia, CROs or consultancy and wherever in the world they are based. Annual meeting: No official date set as of late 2009. Publications: Quasar Magazine.

Contact. David Weller, Association Manager, 3 Wherry Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1LG, UK, +44 1473 221 411, fax +44 1473 221 412, email: info@barqa.com, www.barqa.com.

CCRA

Clinical Contract Research Association

Purpose. This trade association represents the professional views and interests of all organizations that provide contract clinical development services to the pharma and biotech industries.

Details. Persons eligible: Membership is open to any independent company that offers a service of organizing and reporting clinical research in Phases I-IV.

Contact. Susan N. Dilks, Director of Operations, PO Box 1055, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4XZ, UK, +44 116 271 9727, fax +44 116 271 3155, www.ccra.org.uk.

CISCRP

The Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation

Purpose. An independent nonprofit organization founded in 2003, CISCRP's mission is to educate, inform and empower patients, the public, medical and research professionals, the media and policymakers about what it means to be an active participant in the clinical research process. CISCRP promotes greater awareness and understanding of clinical research participation and the role that it plays in public health. In addition, CISCRP facilitates more effective collaboration among all members of the clinical research enterprise, and provides resources for the research community to better understand the study volunteer.

Details. Persons eligible: All members of the clinical research enterprise who are committed to increased education and awareness regarding clinical research participation. At this time, over 200 organizations across a broad constituency are members of the CISCRP Circle of Supporters and the number is growing rapidly. Publications: bimonthly electronic/print newsletter for professionals (The Participant) issued as a free service to registrants on the CISCRP Web site as well as a bimonthly electronic/print newsletter for the public and patients (Medical Heroes), which includes stories on patients and on clinical trial results.

Contact. Diane Simmons, President and CEO, CISCRP, 56 Commercial Wharf East, Boston, MA 02110, (617) 725-2750, email: dianesimmons@ciscrp.org, www.ciscrp.org.

DIA

Drug Information Association

Purpose. DIA is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary, global association that serves more than 30,000 professionals from biopharmaceutical or related healthcare industries, academia, CROs/CSOs, and regulatory or related government agencies. Through its domestic and international meetings, training courses, workshops, and webinars, DIA provides a neutral forum for the exchange of information critical to the development and lifecycle management of biopharmaceutical and related products. Headquartered in Horsham, PA, and with offices in Basel, Switzerland, Tokyo, Japan, Mumbai, India, and Beijing, China, the Association is led by its volunteer-based board of directors and executive management team.

Details. Persons eligible: Open to any professional in the pharmaceutical or related healthcare industries, academia, CROs/CSOs, and regulatory or related government agencies. Annual meetings: 22nd Annual EuroMeeting, March 8-10, 2010, Monaco; 46th Annual US Meeting, June 13-17, 2010, Washington, DC; 2nd China Annual Meeting, May 2010, Beijing; 7th Annual Japan DIA Meeting, October 28-29, 2010, Tokyo. Publications: Drug Information Journal (published six times per year) DIA Global Forum (published six times per year), CSO Directory (published annually).

Contact. US: 800 Enterprise Road, Suite 200, Horsham, PA 19044-3595, (215) 442-6100, fax (215) 442-6199, email: dia@diahome.org, www.diahome.org. Europe: DIA Europe, Postfach 4002 Basel Switzerland, +41 61 225 51 51, fax +41 61 225 51 52, email: diaeurope@diaeurope.org. Japan: DIA Japan LLC, Maruei Building 4F, 2-19-9 Iwamoto-cho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, 101-0032 Japan, +81.3.5833.8444, fax +81.3.5820.8448, email: diajapan@diajapan.org

EFGCP

European Forum for Good Clinical Practice

Purpose. EFGCP is a nonprofit organization established by and for individuals with a professional involvement in the conduct of biomedical research. Its purpose is to promote good clinical practice and encourage the practice of common, high-quality standards in all stages of biomedical research throughout Europe. The EFGCP does this by promoting contact and partnerships between the major disciplines and organizations affected by good clinical practice: pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, suppliers of services, systems and equipment, academia, investigators, ethics committees, regulatory authorities, and patient organizations.

Details. Persons eligible: Anybody interested in GCP. Annual meeting: EFGCP Annual Conference 2010 on Aspects of Personalised Medicine for Society—A Challenge Yet to be Met, January 26-27, 2010, Brussels, Belgium. Publications: EFGCP News (newsletter); Meeting reports; Guidelines/Recommendations/Position Papers; Report on The Procedure for the Ethical Review of Protocols for Clinical Research Projects in Europe (Nov. 2006–updated annually).

Contact. Fanny Senez, Chief Operating Officer, EFGCP Secretariat, Square de Meeûs rue de l'Industrie 4 - 1000 Brussels, Belgium, +32 2 732 87 83, fax +32 2 503 31 08, email: secretariat@efgcp.be, www.efgcp.be.

ICR

The Institute of Clinical Research

Purpose. To share and promote the highest standards of clinical research. Membership of ICR offers a wide range of benefits and services; education and training; special interest groups, forums and professional conferences; together with access to an extensive range of information and publications. ICR is a not for profit organization with headquarters in Bourne End, UK.

Details. Persons eligible: Anyone engaged in clinical research as well as those who support the industry. Annual meeting: April 19-20, 2010, Hilton London Metropole Hotel, Paddington. Publications: Clinical Research focus (CRfocus: journal) and a range of clinical research booklets and practical guides.

Contact: Michelle Noble, Head of Membership Services, The Institute of Clinical Research, Institute House, Boston Drive, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire SL8 5YS, UK, +44 (0) 1628 536 960, fax +44 (0) 1628 530 641, email: conferences@icr-global.org, www.icr-global.org.

IFAPP

International Federation of Associations of Pharmaceutical Physicians

Purpose. IFAPP is a nonprofit Federation of National Associations of pharmaceutical professionals working in the discovery, development, and marketing of medical products. IFAPP now represents 28 national associations established in the five continents, and is the voice of about 6000 pharmaceutical professionals. IFAPP's purpose is to enhance the relationship of pharmaceutical physicians within the medical community, assist its members in maintaining and enhancing their skills and knowledge, and provide a forum for the exchange of information of interest and relevance to pharmaceutical medicine professionals. IFAPP has also established two important activities: The Council for Education in Pharmaceutical Medicine and the Code of Ethics for Pharmaceutical Professionals.

Details. Persons eligible: National Associations of Pharmaceutical Medicine members only. Annual meeting: International Conference on Pharmaceutical Medicine: November 7-10, 2010, Shanghai, China.

Contact. IFAPP secretariat, Kuipersweg 2T, 3449 JA WOERDEN, The Netherlands, +31 (0) 348 489 305, fax: +31 (0) 348 489 301, email:secretariat@ifapp.org, www.ifapp.org.

ISCB

International Society for Clinical Biostatistics

Purpose. To stimulate research on biostatistical principles and methodology used in clinical research; to increase the relevance of statistical theory to clinical medicine; to promote high and harmonized standards of statistical practice; to work with other societies and organizations in the advancement of biostatistics; to promote better understanding of the use and interpretation of biostatistics by the general public, and by national and international organizations and agencies within the public and commercial sectors with an interest in and/or responsibilities for public health; and to provide a common forum for clinicians and statisticians through meetings, seminars, and publications.

Details. Persons eligible: All interested individuals who share the aims of the Society. Annual meeting: August 29-September 2, 2010, Montpellier, France, www.iscb2010.info. Publication: ISCB News.

Contact. ISCB Permanent Office, PO Box 130, DK-3460 Birkerod, Denmark, +45 4214 6279, fax +45 7022 1571, email: Office@ISCB.info, www.ISCB.info.

PRIM&R

Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research

Purpose. To advance the highest ethical standards in the conduct of biomedical, social science, behavioral, and educational research. We accomplish this mission through education, membership services, professional certification, and public policy initiatives. Since 1974, PRIM&R's conferences, educational programs, and training resources have educated thousands of people around the world, serving the full array of individuals and organizations involved in research. Members of the PRIM&R community include professionals representing human and animal research protection programs, as well as researchers, institutional officials, government personnel, subject advocates, academics, policy makers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology leaders, attorneys, and hospital administrators.

Details. Annual meeting: December 5-8, 2010, San Diego, CA.

Contact. 126 Brookline Avenue, Suite 202, Boston, MA 02215, (617) 423-4112, fax (617) 423-1185, email: info@primr.org, www.primr.org.

PSI

Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Purpose. To provide a forum for regular discussion of statistics and matters relating to the practice of statistics in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as promoting Good Statistical Practice within industry. Members are statisticians and statistical programmers working in all areas of the drug development process, including research, preclinical, clinical, production, quality control, marketing, and market research, as well as academic statisticians, consultants, and others interested in the application of statistics within the industry.

Details. Persons eligible: Ordinary membership: Must hold a degree in statistics or a related discipline, or Royal Statistical Society (RSS) or the Institute of Statisticians, final examinations, or CStat. Anyone employed in the pharmaceutical industry, or providing a statistical programming service to the industry and has worked or is working as a statistician or statistical programmer within the pharmaceutical industry. Associate membership: An ordinary membership but without a degree in statistics or related discipline. Other available memberships: Academic, Retired, Teacher, Affiliate, Student. Annual meeting: May 16-19, 2010, Manchester, England. Publications: SPIN (PSI newsletter, quarterly); Pharmaceutical Statistics (journal); Careers for Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry; Career Opportunities for School Leavers.

Contact. PSI Executive Office, Kingston Smith Ass. Management, South Park Road, Macclesfield, SK11 6SH, UK, +44 1625 267 882, +44 1625 439754, email: admin@psiweb.org, www.psiweb.org.

RAPS

Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society

Purpose. RAPS is an international membership organization of regulatory professionals in the rapidly growing medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors. As regulatory professionals, RAPS members perform vital work in all areas of the health care product lifecycle, ensuring these products are safe and effective, while driving organizational strategy and sound decision-making. RAPS supports these individuals and the regulatory profession as a whole by providing education and training, certification, professional standards, research, knowledge-sharing, publications, networking and career development opportunities, and other valuable resources. RAPS is committed to helping its members continually develop the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

Details. Persons eligible: Regulatory professionals in the health care product sector are eligible for membership. Annual meetings: 2010 RAPS Horizons Conference & Exhibition, 25-26 March, Baltimore, MD; and 2010 RAPS Annual Conference & Exhibition, 24-27 October, San Jose, CA. Publications: Regulatory Focus (monthly), Fundamentals of Regulatory Affairs, and various educational materials.

Contact. 5635 Fishers Lane, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 770-2920, fax (301) 770-2924, raps@raps.org, www.raps.org.

SCDM

Society for Clinical Data Management

Purpose. SCDM is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in clinical data management through professional development, education, and certification. Established in 1994, SCDM has more than 2,600 members with an interest in advancing data management practices.

Details. Eligibility: SCDM membership is offered to professionals in the biotech, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries; supporting industries/organizations; and regulatory agencies. Membership is primarily North American, with a growing international contingent. Annual conference: October 17-20, 2010, Minneapolis, MN; Leadership Forum: March 14-16, 2010, San Antonio, TX; Publications: Data Basics (quarterly peer-reviewed digital journal); Data Connections (monthly eNewsletter); Good Clinical Data Management Practices (best practices resource). Certification: The Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) program assesses mastery of CDM competencies. Applicants must meet minimum requirements of education and experience to qualify for the exam. Education: SCDM offers webinars, online courses, and other educational programs throughout the year to prepare clinical data managers for the CCDM exam and support their ongoing professional development needs.

Contact. 555 E. Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202, phone: (414) 226-0362, fax: (414) 276-3349, e-mail: info@scdm.org, www.scdm.org.

SCT

Society for Clinical Trials, Inc.

Purpose. The Society for Clinical Trials, created in 1978, is an international professional organization dedicated to the development and dissemination of knowledge about the design, conduct, and analysis of government- and industry-sponsored clinical trials and related health care research methodologies.

Details . Persons eligible: Individuals involved with clinical trials research. Annual meeting: May 16-19, 2010, Baltimore, MD. Publications: Clinical Trials Journal of the Society for Clinical Trials; semi-annual newsletter.

Contact. Elizabeth Franks, 100 North 20th Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, (215) 564-3484, fax (215) 963-9785, email: sct@fernley.com, www.sctweb.org.

SOCRA

Society of Clinical Research Associates

Purpose. As an international nonprofit membership organization, SoCRA encourages all clinical researchers including professionals working at investigational sites and in academia, industry, and government to improve and develop their capabilities in subject areas beneficial to the medical and research community and the community at large. SoCRA also offers opportunities for peer to peer recognition, understanding, and information exchange; establishes training programs and continuing education programs for persons involved in or interested in clinical medical research, including educational programming such as a regularly scheduled annual conferences and other courses, workshops, and seminars related to clinical science and clinical trials, and applicable regulations and international guidelines; offers CNE (Continuing Nurse Education) and CME (Physician Category 1 Continuing Medical Education); nurtures regional educational activities through an established network of chapters; and supports an internationally recognized certification program (Certified Clinical Research Professional) for all professionals involved in clinical research. SoCRA is an approved provider of continuing nurse education by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation, and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Details. Persons eligible: All persons interested in clinical research. Annual meeting: 23-26 September 2010, Dallas, Texas. Publications: The SoCRA SOURCE (quarterly journal).

Contact. SoCRA Office, 530 West Butler Avenue, Suite 109, Chalfont, PA 18914, (800) 762-7292 or (215) 822-8644, fax (215) 822-8633, email: SoCRAmail@aol.com, www.socra.org.

SPM

Society of Pharmaceutical Medicine

Purpose. To promote the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge concerning the action and development of medicinal agents as well as their application in therapeutics; to arrange meetings between those engaged in aspects of pharmaceutical medicine; to promote a closer relationship between physicians and scientists in the fields of pharmacology, therapeutics, and drug development; and to ensure that the societies' activities are in the overall interests of persons suffering from, or at risk from, illness and disease.

Details. Persons eligible: Membership is open to those with medical or scientific training who are actively engaged in the evaluation of established or potential medicinal agents. Applications are welcome also from persons who, though lacking formal medical or scientific training, are nevertheless interested in furthering the aims and objectives of the Society. Annual general meeting: There is no official date set as of late 2009, details on Web site. Publications:International Journal of Pharmaceutical Medicine.

Contact. Annaliese Shiret, Executive Secretary, 9 Red Lion Court, London, EC4A 3EF, UK, +44 20 7936 5980, fax +44 20 7936 5901, email: spm@iob.org, www.socpharmed.org.

SSFA

Society for Applied Pharmacological Sciences (Società di Scienze Farmacologiche Applicate)

Purpose. Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1964, SSFA is associated with IFAPP. Its purpose is to promote the growth of scientific and pharmacological culture; support the scientific activity of its Members; express the official position of its Members on scientific, technical, and ethical issues; keep contact with other scientific associations, both in Italy and abroad, and with the Health Authorities; and promote high-quality education and training.

Details. Persons eligible: Eligible persons are those working in the field of pharmaceutical research and interested in the objectives of the association. In order to be elected, each person has to be introduced by two official members. Publications: Newsletter and the journals?SSFA Oggi and Cronache Farmaceutiche.

Contact. SSFA Headquarters, Viale Abruzzi 32, 20131 Milano, Italy, +39 02 29536444, fax +39 02 890 58506, email: ssfaseg@tin.it, www.ssfa.it.

TOPRA

The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs

Purpose. To provide its international membership with the highest quality education, information, and career development services to ensure that the value and strategic contribution of regulatory affairs is universally recognized.

Details. Persons eligible: Those with an interest and who participate in regulatory affairs may join TOPRA. Through a self-certification process some Members may become Registered Members (MTOPRA). Those with 10 years experience and significant contributions to Regulatory Affairs are eligible to become Fellows (FTOPRA). Annual meeting: October 4-6, 2010, London, UK. Publications: Regulatory Rapporteur (monthly international journal), In Touch (monthly newsletter).

Contact. Erik Smit, Business Development Manager, 7 Heron Quays, Marsh Wall, London E14 4JB, UK, +44 207 538 9502, fax +44 207 515 7836, email: info@topra.org, www.topra.org.