Present: Signatories (see list)
Introduction and Proposal
Sara Baratchi provided a recap of the proposal made in 2018 to establish an Australian Society for Mechanobiology. Sufficient levels of interest among potential members had previously been established. This meeting was called to present the proposal to potential members.
Agenda Item 1: Temporary Office Holders
The following were nominated for temporary positions during the establishment phase:
- President: Boris Martinac
- Vice President: Maté Biro
- Secretary: Kate Poole
- Treasurer: Sara Baratchi
- Technical Officer: Daryan Kempe
These positions were accepted by the attendees by affirmation.
It was proposed that attendees at the mechanobiology meeting could automatically become members, with future discussion regarding cost. Passed by affirmation.
Agenda Item 2: Constitution
Maté Biro: The constitution will be submitted and the society incorporated in NSW, but as an Australia-wide society.
For future discussion: NZ members, state representatives.
Martin Fronius (NZ attendee) agreed that it would be great to have an Aus-NZ society. Sue McGlashin is also supportive (from previous discussions). Boris Martinac asked for promotion in NZ from members.
Agenda Item 3: Annual Society Meetings
Proposal to rotate between different states:
- 2020: Sydney (International Mechanobiology Meeting)
- 2021: Queensland — potentially organised by Anne Lagendijk and Sam Stehbens, hosted at IMB
Kate Poole suggested yearly meetings but every second year teaming with other societies such as Australian Society for Biophysics, ANZSCDB, or ANZ Society for Matrix Biology.
Fees from meeting registration to be used for society awards and maintenance. Awards and fee structures TBD. General agreement by affirmation.
Other Business
- Corporate sponsorship: Mentioned by Kathryn Stok. Generally accepted by affirmation; costs to be discussed. Need to ask members whether they consent to email sharing with corporate sponsors.
- Constitution vote: Maté Biro noted that an online vote will happen once the constitution is finalised to see whether it is accepted by the society.