President's message: Annual Review

Every summer, when we publish our Annual Review, it is always fascinating to look back at the achievements of the previous 12 months. But often, so much has already taken place in the first half of the year - both inside and outside the Society - that it feels like a very long time ago. With the enormous changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has made to our lives and to our work, that rings truer than ever as we look back at 2019, when the world really was an entirely different place.

While there have been unprecedented challenges in 2020, it is thanks to our members, staff team and everyone involved in the Society that we have been able to continue building on the strong foundations laid in 2019, and that we have been able to meet these challenges together.

Our 2019 Annual Review highlights the significant range of activities that played a part in delivering our objectives over the year. In the Review, you will find detailed information about our work in:

• Research dissemination
• Education and skills
• Sustaining a skilled workforce
• Advocacy and strategic leadership in research
• Advice to policymakers
• Scientific priorities
• Sustainable and ethical income streams
• Valuable networks at the heart of the community
• Equality and diversity in participation and success
• Resource and infrastructure

With the second year of our five-year strategy under our belts, we move into the second half of 2020 with enthusiasm, and ready for the challenges ahead. I am particularly looking forward to joining our members online in December for our annual meeting, Pharmacology 2020, which will be offered as an exciting multi-day virtual event. While we will miss meeting face to face this year, holding the annual meeting online will open up new ways to interact and connect, and bring everyone in the global pharmacology community together, from students to world-renowned experts. I am also delighted to announce that Sir Patrick Vallance will be joining us as our keynote speaker, delivering the inaugural BJCP lecture. Stay tuned to our social channels and email updates for all the latest Pharmacology 2020 news.

We are fully aware that the months and years ahead will be affected in many ways by COVID-19, but we look forward as a new leadership team to working towards our vision of a world where pharmacology and therapeutics drive and support progress in science, medicine and healthcare.

Whether you are a member, volunteer, Chair, Editor, Trustee or officer, I would like to thank you for the role that you played in the Society’s highly successful 2019.

I hope you enjoy reading about the progress that came from your continued hard work and dedication to our community.

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