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EBRA back in business
After a couple of years of relative inactivity, the European Biomedical Research Association is gearing itself up for a busy future. The proposed revision of the Directive on laboratory animals will be the focus of EBRA's efforts for the next few years.
To this end, a new Chief Executive has been appointed and a membership campaign is being launched. "We would like to be fully representative of academia, patients, and the pharmaceutical industry on this important issue" says Mary Rice, EBRA Chief Executive. "I think it is important that European policy makers are aware of the views of the very large number of people who have an interest in making sure that properly controlled animal research continues."
Mary Rice was Head of Communications for the UK's Medical Research Council from 1989 to 1996 and she worked on the animal research issue as Director of the Research for Health Charities Group from 1997-1999. Her most recent post was as Healthcare Director of Weber Shandwick Adamson, the largest government affairs consultancy in Brussels. She is now working freelance and will be devoting a significant amount of her effort to her new role at EBRA. Mark Matfield, EBRA Director said: "Mary brings a wealth of relevant background and experience to this important post. She will bring effective leadership to EBRA as the key body representing scientists and other stakeholders in the negotiations on the revision of the Directive."