This first issue of 1992 reflects a number of newsletter format changes as well as organizational changes and new directions as ABRF matures into an established scientific organization. We have now reached a point where a baseline of activities and a more stable financial base have been established thanks to continuing strong sponsor and member support. At the same time we are endeavoring to ensure that our activities remain interesting, including the newsletter.
Several nomenclature changes have been instituted to reflect the expanded scope of ABRF operations and to be more consistent with the structure of other scientific organizations. The governing body of the organization which had two names, Executive Committee (organizational guidelines) and Executive Board (bylaws) will subsequently be called the Executive Board (EB). The chair of the EB (guidelines) is also the President of the organization (bylaws) and this latter use will be adopted. The previous subcommittees will drop the "sub".
An Education Committee will also be organized in 1992 to facilitate expansion and coordination of ABRF's instructional efforts directed toward both facility staff and users (see page 2). One activity of this committee will be to organize workshops at national meetings. This program will be initiated with a series of workshops at the Satellite Meeting associated with the 1992 Protein Society Meeting. Other changes are also planned for the Protein Society Satellite Meeting, so please plan to attend on July 25.
Changes in newsletter format include the addition of a calendar of scientific events, "Dates-To-Remember" (page 4), and a Table of Contents (page 6). Also, expanded committee membership has necessitated moving this list from the front page to the Committee Reports page. The editorial board will also be changed effective with the June 1992 newsletter. The editorial board was previously comprised of the Executive Board and Committee Chairs, an arrangement that has become unwieldy as the committees expand and add more Co-chairs. The new Editorial Board will be comprised of the Editor, an associate editor, the business manager, and a member of the Education Committee. Also, while the newsletter has been both fun and challenging, I am looking forward to retiring from the position of editor at the end of 1992.
David W. Speicher
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