What is the BALR?
The BALR has provided a focus for exchange of ideas between all manner of respiratory researchers, basic scientist and clinician alike, to ferment collaboration and to further fundamental pulmonary research for over twenty years, thus fulfilling the initial aims of the society to promote respiratory research throughout the UK. We are also a registered charity (SC010151).
The Association has published a number of consensus statements in peer-reviewed journals, and also two series of review articles in Thorax and Biologist.
Our Aims
To promote interest and encourage studies in the field of experimental research, related to the elucidation of normal lung function and the mechanisms of lung disease.
To promote an interchange of ideas between workers in this field, including the organisation of regular scientific meetings.
To encourage the exchange of materials and techniques between laboratories, for their mutual assistance and as a means of standardisation in appropriate areas of research.
Commitee Members
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Elizabeth Sapey
President
Karl Staples
Chair
Kylie Belchamber
Secretary
Amanda Tatler
Treasurer
Alison John
Meetings Secretary
Manuela Platé
Communications
Secretary
Merete Long
Publications
Secretary
Chloe Hughes
PhD Representative
Brintha Selvarajah
Post doc
Representative
Andrew Durham
RSB Representative
Sterghios Moschos
Industrial Liason
Jodie Ackland
Ordinary Member
Bettina Schock
Ordinary Member
Julie Worrell
Ordinary Member
Renata Jurkowska
Ordinary Member
PAST CHAIRS:
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Chris Scotton 2017-2021
Privacy and data protection statement
The personal information we collect during British Association for Lung Research (BALR) membership application, registration for short courses and conferences and abstract submission is held and used according to the Data Protection Act 2018.
The information you supply will be held on file and will be shared with the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) which provides administrative support to the BALR. It will be accessible to BALR committee members and delegated employees of the RSB on their computers. Information is used for BALR mailings (including emails), for administrative purposes and for promotion of BALR activities.
Members choosing joint membership of BALR and European Respiratory Society (ERS) agree to their details being shared with ERS for administrative purposes and promotion of BALR and ERS activities.
The BALR use details supplied by all customers who book places on BALR courses and conferences to process applications to attend, to take payment(s), to send related information and to prepare badges, to produce attendance statistics and other management information. The RSB will use data for communications regarding your membership renewal, and will be stored safely according to GDPR regulations. The BALR and RSB will NEVER sell or give access to personal data to third parties for marketing purposes. The information held is also used to analyse membership categories and BALR income and expenditure streams.
The BALR use data supplied by the authors of abstracts for our Meetings, if selected, to produce the Programme booklets.
Communication to BALR Members
The BALR expects to conduct most of its communication with members by email. The BALR will send regular emails containing news and information on BALR education and other activities.
We will assume that BALR members and registered users of the BALR systems and services consent to use of their personal data for the above purposes unless you specifically indicate otherwise by opting-out when you join the BALR. Registered users of BALR systems and services may review and amend their personal data by contacting the BALR at any time.
Demographics
Our server records your visit for demographic reasons and to help us understand how you use the site. We use the information we collect to improve the site and provide better services. The information we collect is treated in accordance with the Data Protection principles outlined in the Data Protection Act 2018.
Open committee positions
At the upcoming 2023 Annual General Meeting a number of committee member positions will be available, offering you an exciting opportunity to contribute to the way in which the BALR supports its members and to promote and champion respiratory science in the UK, as well as providing fantastic networking with colleagues around the country.
Meetings secretary
As the meetings secretary, it will be your responsibility to identify, with the help of the wider committee, organisers, topics and speakers for the yearly BALR summer meeting, as well as for BALR virtual and in person seminars and workshops. You will also liaise with organisers and sponsors to ensure the timely organisation and smooth running of the events.
You will also coordinate the choice of topic and speaker for the annual BTS/BALR joint symposium at the BTS winter meeting.
Postdoctoral Representative
As a post-doc yourself, you will use your personal experience and links with your peers to help advise the wider BALR committee on the issues that are most relevant to Early Career Researchers – and how the BALR might support career development. There will also be opportunities to help with conference organisation, abstract and grant reviews, and other enabling activities – providing some great experience within the respiratory community.
3x Ordinary Members
As an ordinary member, you will attend committee meetings and contribute to the general running of the BALR.
The BALR would like to invite members to apply, or nominate a colleague, for these committee vacancies.
If you are interested in applying, we kindly ask you to provide a brief statement (100-200 words only) outlining your activities and motivation for joining the committee. Alternatively, we encourage members to nominate a colleague (with their agreement) for the above committee vacancies. Please provide a brief outline of why the nominee is suitable for the position. Applicants/nominees must be BALR members to be considered.
Please send your statement of interest or nomination to admin@balr.co.uk by 12:00 (noon) on Friday 10th November.
If you have any queries, please contact BALR Chair, Dr Karl Staples (K.Staples@soton.ac.uk) for an informal chat. Committee positions will be discussed and appointed at the AGM.