Association of Applied Biologists

The AAB was founded in 1904 as the Association of Economic Biologists for workers in applied biology "to discuss new discoveries, to exchange experiences and carefully consider the best methods of work" and "promote and advance the science of Economic Biology in its agricultural, horticultural, medical and commercial aspects."[3] "Within 10 years of its foundation, the association became the recognised society for all British workers interested in applied biology. Since then, the association has steadily expanded its knowledge."[3][4][5] In 1934, the current title of Association of Applied Biologists was adopted. With some 900 members from a wide range of specialisms in the UK and overseas, "it has developed a portfolio of scientific publications and annual conference programme to achieve its objectives and promote the subject of applied biology."[4]

The AAB organises conferences with universities specialising in agriculture and other aspects of applied biology, these have included Aberystwyth, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading and Illinois. It has working relationships with research institutes in agriculture, such as James Hutton Institute, the John Innes Centre and the Rothamsted Experimental Station. Papers published by the AAB are cited by governmental departments including Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Research Agency, Scottish Agricultural Science Agency and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.[6][7][8][9]

The association has three peer-reviewed scientific journals:[16] Annals of Applied Biology,[17] owned by the Association and published by Wiley-Blackwell, Plant Biotechnology Journal, which is co-owned with the Society for Experimental Biology and Wiley-Blackwell and Food and Energy Security which is also jointly owned with Wiley-Blackwell, launched in 2012 and has successfully published its first full Volume. The Journals of the Association have Editorial Offices in Wellesbourne and Bristol.[10] In launching the new online-only, open-access journal Food and Energy Security, The Association "hopes to provide an innovative global platform to enhance the dissemination of research and developments in applied biology to a wider audience."[4]

Alongside its conferences, the AAB has produced various publications including Aspects of Applied Biology,[18] the database CD ROM Descriptions of Plant Viruses,[19] and a regular newsletter with articles of topical interest, reports and announcements.[12] In addition, the AAB produced a centenary book in 2004 to celebrate this milestone. As well as chronicling the history of the association, the book also contains a message from the Queen's Office and a foreword by the 2004 President of the Royal Society, Lord May.[20]

The AAB organises conferences to disseminate the latest developments in applied biology, providing a source of information for both the industry and its members. These are mainly held in Europe, particularly in the UK. Recent international conferences have been held in the US, the Netherlands and Ireland. Every autumn the Association holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM), in line with its requirements by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. In 2011, this was held at the Olde Barne Hotel, Lincolnshire alongside a conference on disease detection in crops. Amongst other locations, the AGM has previously been held at Kew Gardens, Wisley Gardens RHS and Campden BRI.[21]

The AAB also holds a succession of conferences in its specialist subjects throughout the year,[22] as outlined in the conference calendar on the official AAB website. These meetings may take the form of residential conferences, one day meetings or training workshops. Most attract BASIS points, showing their relevance to the agricultural industry. It has close links with other learned Societies and professional bodies and frequently organises conferences with or for their appropriate groups, often publishing Aspects of Applied Biology on their behalf. Conferences are widely advertised and schemes exist to support attendance by research students and researchers from overseas. Typically at one conference each year a poster competition is held for PhD students.[21]

• AAB website