Dear All
It appears that I have fallen foul of ACB protocol and have apparently
offered that which I am not permitted to do. I like to think that the ACB
Informatics group is a open and democratic structure, I therefore wish to
share the burden of replying to this email from Christine Squire with the
wider membership.
Obviously you can air your views publically on ACB-IT mailing list, or if
you would prefer please Email me privately at [log in to unmask]
With best wishes
John O'Connor Chairman ACB Informatics group.
Dear John,
I am sorry to pour cold water on a scheme which I am sure
you have organised with the best of intentions, but I was
very concerned to read of a new Poster prize intoduced at
Focus. There have been problems in the past with companies
trying to sponsor or give prizes for particular sessions,
often through individuals as they have obviously done with
you. There are very strict guidelines agreed with the
Corporate Members about the correct procedure.
Opportunities for sponsorship are offered to all companies
and arranged through Pat Nielsen. Items such as Poster
prizes have to be agreed with National Scientific Committee
and National Meetings Secretary and probably Council. All
the existing ones have strict criteria for judging etc.
There are 300 other (peer reviewed) posters and a prize with
a probability of success of 1/4 would not be considered
acceptable. The situation this year when your session is
part of Focus is very different from running an independent
satellite meeting. If Bayer want to sponsor the workshops
or scientific programme as a whole then that is fine. In
fact they have already been approached by Pat for AV
sponsorship and refused. Perhaps because they had committed
their money elsewhere, so you can see the potential conflict
of interest.
So, I regret that your offer to potential participants will
have to be withdrawn. Perhaps you could also ask your
contact at Bayer to talk to Pat or Jeff Seneviratne about
alternative ways in which they could support Focus.
regards
Christine
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Christine Squire
Dept Clinical Chemistry
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Prescot St, Liverpool L7 8XP
e-mail [log in to unmask]
tel +44(0)151 706 4467
fax +44(0)151 706 5813
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