Barbie’s appointment

The ABSW's Administrator, Barbie Drillsma, was unanimously elected vice president of the European Union of Science Journalists' Associations (EUSJA) by delegates at the General Assembly held in Berlin at the weekend.

Other boards members are:- President: Hajo Neubert, Germany; Treasurer: Vesa Niinikangas, Finland; Secretary: Viola Egikova, Russia

Barbie says she will use her position to increase number of study trips for science journalists. Since she joined the Board this has been one of her main priorities. She also plans to raise the profile of the profession and hopefully get bags of money and much awareness of the world conference.

A full list of future study trips will appear on the website after Easter, so please check. However, applications are invited NOW for a place for a visit to Helsinki. This is to celebrate the Millennium Technology Prize, 2008 Award and the Millennium Technology Week. The Finnish state and Industry award prizes to the value of one million Euros for life-enhancing technological innovations.

The trip is planned for Sunday June 8th and will run through the 12th; but part-time attendance is permitted. And the good news is that all costs will be met – air fare, accommodation, transport and meals. An official invitation will appear by listserv and on the web after Easter, but please check your diaries as places will be quickly snapped up.

Contact Barbie on absw [at] absw.org.uk.