As we wave goodbye to 2019, the Society for Endocrinology reflects on another great year of achievements and changes that brought together the global endocrine community, to share ideas and advance our discipline. We awarded several grants and supported career development at all stages, launched a new online communication tool, revamped the Society’s annual conference, and continued to promote accurate reporting of science in the media, to name a few! Check out our top 9 highlights of the year below.
1. Our new online communication platform, SfE Connect was launched to enable members to share knowledge and best practice within their specialist fields. Based around the Endocrine Networks, the platform is a simple and convenient way to talk to your Network colleagues, in a professional space, to help find solutions to challenges within your specialty.
2. Our new Endocrine Network; Endocrine Consequences of Living with and Beyond Cancer, was launched to help advance research and clinical practice in this area. Members can join this Network, by logging to the Members’ Area.
3. This year’s programme for our annual Society for Endocrinology BES conference underwent a face lift, with a stronger focus on each of the endocrine subspecialties and their Endocrine Network communities. Read our conference highlights in The Endocrinologist.
4. As part of our aims to engage the public with endocrinology and its impact, we tackled two misleading articles in mainstream media this year. The Times published an inaccurate article that was ultimately retracted – a success! Whilst an irresponsible article in the Guardian was amended, in response to Society concerns.
5. The Society Press Office generated over 790 press articles on research presented in our journals and at SfE BES during 2019, and our Media Ambassadors answered over 130 journalist queries to help ensure accurate reporting of endocrine-related topics in the media. Find out how you can help improve science reporting by becoming one of our Media Ambassadors.
6. We helped support career development at all stages through awarding Early Career Grants, funding Summer Studentships, supporting Nurse Members to undertake a Masters-level module in Endocrine Nursing; launching our Leadership and Development Awards Programme and holding a National Endocrinology and Diabetes Taster Day jointly with Young Diabetologists & Endocrinologists, to encourage the next generation to choose endocrinology as their specialty.
7. In response to recent clinical advancements and changes in treatments, we published position statements on the safe treatment of hyperprolactinaemia and on the cancer risks associated with radioactive iodine treatment in patients with hyperthyroidism, to help ensure best practice.
8. We helped organise volunteering opportunities for members at outreach events across the UK, including the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham, Swansea Science Festival, and Café Scientifique in Brighton, with guest speaker Giles Yeo. A dedicated event for schools at SfE BES 2019 aimed to inspire over 70 children to choose an endocrinology-related career. Learn about opportunities for you to get more involved with outreach.
9. Content Editors joined the Editorial Board for our public website, You and Your Hormones, to help create new content on hormones and hormone-related conditions and ensure accurate and up-to-date information is available for all.
After looking back on such a successful year with so many achievements, we would like to thank all those who made it possible and worked so hard towards advancing knowledge and research, improving patient care, and engaging the public with endocrinology.
Let’s work together to make 2020 an even greater success! Visit www.endocrinology.org for more information on Society activities and opportunities.
The Endocrine Post 