The first ten years of FEBS: Retrospect and prospect

Abstract

A decade is, of course, too short a period for a thorough assessment of the significance and achievements of an organization like FEBS and in any case such a study should be undertaken by someone not too closely involved in its day to day affairs and therefore able to take a detached view. The 10th anniversary of FEBS is, however, an appropriate occasion to review its present activities and to discuss future developments. Looking back at the time immediately preceding the foundation of FEBS I still remember vividly the enthusiasm which was generated everywhere by the idea of setting up an organization to promote cooperation among European biochemists. The time was clearly opportune for the initiative taken by W.J. Whelan in arranging first the preparatory meeting of delegates in Oxford in July 1963 and then the first Council meeting in London on 22 March 1964. As Meetings Secretary of The Biochemical Society I was not at that time actively involved in FEBS affairs though I attended various meetings as an observer. It was an unique opportunity to watch an international scientific organization take shape at an incredible pace under the dynamic influence of Bill Whelan who seemed to have in great measure the indispensable gift of obtaining agreement on a number of important ideas and proposals concerning FEBS activities, as well as ensuring that decisions once made would be implemented efficiently. The fact that within four years of the foundation of FEBS it was possible to publish two major biochemical journals gives a good indication of the pace at which new developments were being carried out, What is perhaps equally remarkable is that at that time FEBS had practically no financial resources of its own and indeed in the original statutes there is no mention of any membership subscription or other funds to be used for running the Federation. Since it was originally planned that the Federation would be