Analysis of Australian Physiology Organizations: AusBiotech - Essay Example

Australian Physiology Organizations Australia’s Biotechnology Industry Organization – www.ausbiotech.org Represents over 3,000 members who are associated with the field of human health; its range of coverage is concerned with those who are engaged in agriculture, bioinformatics, industrial sectors, medical devices, biotechnology , industrial sectors and environmental. AusBiotech has a national network which serves as support teams for its various members. The structure is a non-profit limited guaranteed company managed by a Board elected by members in accordance with its constitution.1 Mission and Goals AusBiotech will achieve its mission by advancing the interest of members through developing and contributing to policy development and implementation, advocacy, networking, advice, education, support services and international out-reach.2 Terms and cost of membership AusBiotech serves its members by being front line industry advocates, while serving on committees which formulate policy concerning the operation and development of the industry. This representation by AusBiotech on behalf of its members is pursued on the corporate level and the government sector. Membership to AusBiotech is offered at Corporate, Individual and Student rates.(See Appendix”A”). Membership in the organization consist of start-ups to multinationals, specialist service professionals, students, research institutions as well as universities and individuals. Membership Benefits AusBiotech’s has adopted the approach that it represents the entire Biotechnology industry. This strategy promotes the articulation of one voice which is structured around the same policy thrust for all of its members.Membership affords member the privilege of having an industry advocate who will promote the concerns and safeguard their interest with industry and government steering committees. AusBiotech is also vigilant in promoting member concerns to policy review panels in the private and public forums.The strength of its organizational thrust is embodied in its representation of more than 1000 corporate and private organizations.factoring in service providers, start-ups, major players, institutions – there are more than 700 individual members.3 As a Corporate member the nominated employees receive the benefits of individual membership PLUS the company receives additional opportunities to increase their corporate visibility, and discount rates on advertising.4 Professional support With AusBiotech facilitation, the scope of its members are enhanced considerably, as it relates to networks which are vital to establishing and building viable business relationships for members, the influence also serves its members well when dealing with government agencies, and other companies within the industry. There is a continual effort being made by the organization to involve their members in educational and information events on the state and national levels. The organization provides special rates for member attendees to conferences, seminars and workshops. The scope of the organization has amassed a number of international contacts, and the members are encouraged to regularly participate in these international biotech missions, where they would participate in international conferences and trade fairs, while enjoying special rates.AusBiotech also publishes a journal and newsletter which provides the membership with current industry related information, along with information on market profiling on a local and international level. There is also an effort by AusBiotech to provide support for special interest groups within the industry5 Medical Indemnity Insurance As to indemnity insurance compensation, the holders of the policies, have been offered policies by their insurance brokers which stipulate a range (e.g.., $100,000 – $200,000.) The latter amount would be the upper limit on the policy, and no claim will be honored which exceeds the upper limit. To recover, the claimant must present documented proof of the alleged loss, before any compensation is rendered. As such, recovery is limited to the provable loss. Professional standards An organizations stipulated policy, usually presented in a Code of Ethics, which stipulates the level and types of conduct which will be expected and tolerated from each member. The AusBiotech pages on line, do not specifically mention their specific standards which they impose upon their membership. Personal Contribution as a member The scope of this organization bodes well with the establishment of a industry wide profile, which allows one to accrue benefits whether your level of membership as an individual, corporate entity, student, research institute or university. Since the breadth of the organization is international as well as local, network contacts, exposure to innovations and recent developments across the globe are potentially very good. Being involved in an organization where the spectrum of membership is as broad as AusBiotech affords members with the opportunity to access a broad range of information and perspectives, additionally, it presents many forums for members to make viable contributions to their peers. Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science – aaess.com.au AAESS was officially founded in 1991 to meet the professional needs of exercise and sports scientists in Australia. It is directed by an Executive Board comprised of leading academics and practitioners in these fields and is supported by a growing number of regional chapters throughout Australia.AAESS members are qualified to comprehensively assess an individuals exercise capacity and can ensure that participation is safe and achieves the optimum outcomes for all sectors of the population.6 Mission and Goals The Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) is a professional organisation which is committed to establishing, promoting and defending the career paths of tertiary trained exercise and sports science practitioners, who are in turn committed to best practice and client well-being.7 Responsible advocacy of broad based public participation in physical activity necessarily requires that professional service providers are available.AAESS members are qualified to comprehensively assess an individuals exercise capacity and can ensure that participation is safe and achieves the optimum outcomes for all sectors of the population.8 Terms and cost of membership Exercise physiology Is a specialist accreditation for those working in a clinical setting. If you wish to be a Medicare, Dept of Veteran Affairs, Health fund or WorkCover NSW provider, you must have an exercise physiology accreditation. To be accredited you must hold a current Exercise science membership with AAESS and you must meet the exercise physiology competencies listed in the application form.9 AAESS has seven membership types; each type has specific prerequisites (See Appendix”B”), and accompanying cost for membership. Membership Benefits There are numerous benefits for a member of the AAESS; one of the major features is that the organization is the only sports accreditation organization in Australia for graduates of Sports Science. The members can avail of professional indemnity insurance, which has been formulated exclusively for practicioners.There is a special benefit which is afforded full members; they can use the AAESS nomenclature and branding logos.The organization actively participates in the marketing of members services. They offer members discounts for their participation in all AAESS sponsored participating education programs. For members who are seeking employment, they can access the AAESS website for information and employment leads.Members can avail of the AAESS newsletter which contain invaluable information about the profession, health insurance, and interesting articles and information on obesity. And throuogh the organization, its members have a voice, which represents them in government and industry wide.AAESS sponsors a biennial conference and members receive a registration discount.Also there is a discount offered to members who elect to attend the Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport. Ther are member discounts on; Human Kinetics, Hertz Rent-a-Car, travel insurance, QANTAS Club lounge memberships, Fitshop, FitBall Therapy, Hart Sport, Departure Lounge, 2XU, Adidas, Ausmedic, Health MG, Supatuff boxing and fitness supplies and Thump Boxing.10 Professional support AAESS members ensure that the supervision and training of students and/or junior colleagues meet general scientific standards of competency (knowledge and practice) and are sensitive to the interests, welfare and dignity of the trainee.11 Professional standards AAESS members abide by rulings and decisions which are made by the Board concerning ethical behaviour and standards of professional conduct. It is the responsibility of AAESS members to maintain their current knowledge of any rulings and decisions which are made by the Board concerning ethical behaviour and standards of professional conduct.12 Personal Contribution as a Member This organization has been in existence for less than two decades, albeit it is the exclusive sports exercise accreditation program, it is still forging its identity. Membership on a personal level would mean the embracing of its mission and code of ethics. Further promoting and facilitating strict adherence to the concepts and principles, established positive examples, which can be emulated by practitioners and students. Establishment and maintenance of close ties with all or most of the academics who teach courses, to assure that students seeking to obtain degrees are being properly prepared for the practice world. From the client base, a considerable amount of data will be collected. It is always beneficial to share information. The organization has a newsletter which would be the ideal conveyer for peer transference. Participation in conferences and workshops present the opportunities to clear up shortcomings, and to contribute towards clearer understandings of clouded areas. Additionally, this is an ideal networking forum, whether local, national or international. The Australian and New Zealand Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry (ANZSCPB) - http://www.zoo.latrobe.edu.au/anzscpb/ A group of scientists sharing common research interests in the physiology and biochemistry of organisms.13 Mission and Goals The society meets annually at locations around Australia and New Zealand. These meetings are short (3 days) and provide an opportunity for academics, researchers and students to present their recent work to an interested and friendly scientific audience. The aim of each meeting is to promote scientific excellence in comparative research and at the same time produce a socially enjoyable experience.14 Terms and cost of membership Membership in the Australian and New Zealand Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry is open to Australian, New Zealand and other scientists with interests in the comparative physiology and biochemistry of animals.15 The society has no constitution nor membership fee but it is formally affiliated to IUBS and to the journal, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology.16 Membership Benefits Along with having membership in an organization which provides its members with the opportunity to share its research methodologies and findings with their peers, members also have the opportunity to engage in anticipated networking, since the society only has one mass meeting per annum. Additionally, members are presented with the opportunity for educational enhancement, as the organization is requesting interested members to avail of the scholarship opportunity which leads to a PhD, at the University of Tasmania. Also, the organizations web page has made special accommodations to provide a list of job vacancies which interested members can access.Additionally, members who are seeking employment can post their resumes and state the type of positions which they are desirous of. Professional support The organization provides a forum for its members to present their research and receive peer feedback. This setting establishes the understanding that all research data being presented in papers, are substantiated with documented facts. As a consequence, the organization does not stress a code of ethics. Integrity and professional credibility are viewed as inherent traits of all members.On the same note, the organization serves as the sounding board for those members who have questions in specific areas. The organizational format is very conducive for individuals who seek to do professional networking. Individuals seeking employment as well as organizations seeking employees are provided a network to make connections. Professional standards Peer to peer scrutiny is appropriately practiced in maintaining organizational credibility. Personal Contribution as a Member Irrespective of which aspect of Physiology a clinician is engaged, the membership doors are open free of charge. This membership would enable one to network with individuals on the local and national levels on aspects of interest within their chosen concentration. It is important for those individuals who will be engaged in considerable field work, to be able to link with those who have immediate access to laboratory resources. Corroboration with colleagues in the lab, academe, and the office can be achieved through the networking made possible by the organization. Additionally, one could conceivably pursue the PhD in Zoology, which awards the candidate with more than $20,000 in scholarship money, plus an additional $21,000 per year in expense money. Bibliography Australia’s Biotechnology Organization, Retrieved on line on October 8, 2008, from www.ausbiotech.org/ Ibid Australian’s Biotechnology Organization,Retrieved on line on October 8, 2009, from www.ausbiotechorg/contentasp?pagid=2 Australia’s Biotechnology Organization, Retrieved on line on October 8, 2008 , from www.ausbiotech.org/content.asp?pageid=2 Ibid Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science, Retrieved on line on October 8, 2008, from www.aaess.com.au Ibid Ibid Ibid Ibid Ibid Ibid The Australian and New Zealand Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry Ibid Ibid Ibid Appendix”A” Appendix”B” Exercise scientist (full)   To be eligible for membership with AAESS, you must have:   1) graduated from one of the following National University Course Accredited Programs (NUCAP) in 2006 or beyond   Edith Cowan University – BSc (Ex Sports Science)  James Cook University – Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Queensland University of Technology – HM40 Bachelor of Applied Science and HM42 Bachelor of Applied Science (HMS) University of Sydney – Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) University of Queensland – BScApp(HMS) – Exercise Science University of Wollongong – Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation and Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science)   Or 2) completed a 3 or 4 year exercise or sports science degree that has met the core requirements (see the application form) Cost - $230 or $160 if you have graduated in the last 12 months   Student Open to students in the process of completing a three or four year degree or equivalent in the field of exercise and sports science Cost - $66 Associate Associate membership is open to persons in other professional fields whose qualifications would not meet the criteria for full membership of AAESS, but whose degree may contribute to the field of exercise and sports science in Australia Cost - $110 Academic Academic membership is open to academics teaching in an exercise or sports science degree who are able to meet the criteria documented. 1. A higher degree by research in Exercise and Sports Science (minimum of Masters). 2. Current, ongoing employment within Exercise and Sports Science in the higher education system (tertiary) or an equivalent research institution. 3. At least 3 published papers on Exercise and Sports Science in refereed scientific journals to which the applicant can demonstrate having made a significant contribution. ‘In press’ papers will be considered where documentary evidence can be provided on forthcoming publication. 4. Attendance at 2 or more AAESS or other appropriate national or international conferences and workshops. 5. The delivery of at least 1 oral podium presentation in Exercise and Sports Science at AAESS or other appropriate national or international conference or workshop. Cost - $110 Accredited Exercise physiology Is a specialist accreditation for those working in a clinical setting. If you wish to be a Medicare, Dept of Veteran Affairs, Health fund or WorkCover NSW provider, you must have an exercise physiology accreditation. To be accredited you must hold a current Exercise science membership with AAESS and you must meet the exercise physiology competencies listed in the application form Cost - $225 Sport science Is a specialist accreditation open to those working in the sports science industry. You must hold a current Exercise science membership with AAESS and you must meet the Sport Science competencies listed in the application form Cost. - $150 Fellow Members of AAESS are able to apply to be a fellow. It recognises those who have achieved a high level of professional accomplishment, responsibility and service to the association Life members Members of AAESS are able to apply for life membership. Life membership recognises a distinguished level of service and commitment to the association.   Read More