Sharing stories​

A new content strategy has been implemented, which saw us change how we deliver content, shifting from three online issues a year to regular publishing throughout the year. This strategy set out a commitment to delivering content related to the BPS’ key thematic priorities, and to provide more opportunities for members at all levels to contribute their ideas, and for staff to update members on projects.  

Since we launched the strategy, we have shared the stories of ECRs receiving funding to attend meetings, and senior members who have a unique insight on the history of the BPS. Editor-in-Chief Aisah Aubdool has steered the curation of this content, and has contributed two series herself: the continuing Pharmacologist in Phrame series, which spotlights pharmacologists from all disciplines, and the new Meet the Lab series, where we get to learn from exciting and innovative teams. 

We have recruited new editors across industry, academia and clinical, including many Early Career Researchers. As well as bringing new ideas to the table, our new editors have also expanded what we can do as a team, opening the door to more video and social media content.  

In 2024 we launched two new competitions, PharmaComedy and an Award for Public Engagement. PharmaComedy celebrates the memory of a very funny member, Sandy McKnight, and was a pitch by his friends and colleagues Allistair Corbett and Graeme Henderson. Members were asked to submit their best joke, funny story or silly pharmacology meme in his honour, the winners will be announced in 2025.  

The new Public Engagement Award recognises high-quality public engagement, both of pharmacology research and inspiring the public about pharmacology generally. We hope it will also raise awareness within the pharmacology community of the importance of demonstrating pharmacology across a diverse range of public audiences. The inaurgural winners received £1,000, which was presented during Pharmacology 2024 to Dr Stefanie Lip, University of Glasgow and Professor Catriona Waitt, University of Liverpool. 

 As always, we encourage members to get involved in this area of our work – if you have a story to share, a blog idea or you want to write a longer piece about your research, please pitch your idea to us. 

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