JIB 2010 Meeting Focuses Medical Biology Reform

At the Journées Internationales de Biologie (JIB) 2010 discussions were focused on the reform of medical biology, and many speakers expressed their opinions with regard to the major challenges that are revolutionizing the profession. Restructuring and adaptation of the biology sector to meet the economic needs stemming from the French reform, were the main topics discussed in relation to this theme.

The "accreditation special” session explained both the theoretical and practical aspects of this very complex and obligatory process, and it provided the audience with the essential keys to simplifying ways in which accreditation could be achieved.

Jean Benoit, president of the JIB commented, "Taking the future of the profession in hand, playing our full medical role in the interpretation of results, involvement [in prescribing] but also in ongoing care, providing opportunities for young people by offering them suitable conditions in our laboratories; these are some of the many challenges and imperatives that the profession must respond to within the very short term.”

The organizational challenges of the proposed reform include the willingness of the biomedical profession to respond positively to the quality requirements for healthcare professionals as well as the necessity for an interprofession and interdisciplinary approach inherent in better medical care for patients.

Speakers from a large number of countries in the Young Scientists Task work group of the International Federation of Laboratory Medicine emphasized the need for encouraging collaboration and exchanges via networks of biologists. Their ultimate aim is to avoid the emergence of "two speed biology”--a high performance, high quality biology established in industrialized countries, which would be difficult for biologists from emerging countries to access.

The second main theme the meeting dealt with was Health and Environment. The discussions confirmed the dominant role of biology in diagnostics and the identification of environmental factors involved in numerous pathologies. Sessions were designed to encourage biologists to become involved in prevention programs and health initiatives launched by public authorities.

The Café Scientifique, a venue for opinions, was a great success, with 14 slots over the 3 days. In addition BioMI (Molecular biology initiatives), the showcase for innovation in biology, captured the interest of scientists in the advanced technologies.

The meeting took place La Défense CNIT Congress Center from November 3-5, 2010. There was an increase in the number of participants over previous years, with more foreign visitors, especially from European countries. The total number of visitors was 9,271 and there were 178 exhibitors including 21 foreign companies.

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Journées Internationales de Biologie