Bringing island’s biologists together under one umbrella

A group of 46 academics have set up a body titled the Society of Biological Sciences in Cyprus (SBSCy) whose objective is to bring together scientists within the community under one umbrella.

A statement from SBSCy said there was a “growing and vibrant” body of scientists involved in education, research, clinical practice, SMEs, environmental assessments and management, as well as students at different stages of their studies both in Cyprus and abroad.

“Biology is thriving and is contributing landmark new discoveries internationally, positively impacting on different aspects of human welfare. Enormous changes have also taken place in Cyprus; several public and private universities and institutes have been established for the first time in the last two to three decades,” the society said.

Therefore, it added, there is a growing need for a modern, active and inclusive scientific society to reflect the changes in the way the biological sciences are taught and practised in Cyprus and to align with international scientific trends and European practices in the field.

SBSCy was established, and officially registered in late 2020, by 46 founding members from different sectors sharing the objective of promoting the biological sciences in Cyprus.

Its vision is to serve as a unifying forum for all biologists in Cyprus and to contribute to the general public’s understanding and appreciation of the usefulness of biology in improving the quality of life and in protecting the environment.

The society is a non-profit organisation representing not only biologists in Cyprus but also interested colleagues from abroad.

Its specific objectives include the organisation of scientific conferences and activities, (e)publishing of educational and scientific material, and the promotion of education and professional development of biologists in Cyprus.

Membership in SBSCy is open to all biologists in Cyprus (regular members) and abroad (corresponding members), by application through their website, www.sbscy.org in line with international practice, and EU legislation for professional mobility.

Its regular members should have a degree in a field connected to biology in a wider sense, and include scientists in education and academia, researchers, technicians, professionals in the public and private sectors and industry, students and non-professionals who are interested in biology.