SBS and ALA will constitute individual sections of SLAS. Each section will continue to pursue its current mission. The current SBS mission is to advance the science and technology of drug discovery and the use and development of biomolecular screening technology.

The current ALA mission is to further science and education related to laboratory automation, and in particular to encourage and advance the study and to improve the practice of laboratory automation.

SBS's and ALA's former identities and specialized educational programs will be preserved. Both will benefit from the expanded scope, international influence, and enhanced program and service offerings that the unified organization, SLAS, will provide.

The Journal for Biomolecular Screening (JBS) and Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation (JALA) will continue their publishing schedules and immediate educational programs will take place as scheduled.

The CEO of SLAS, Greg Dummer, outlined the new society's aims. "Our objective right now is to be ready for business as a united new entity sometime later this year. With the traditional SBS and ALA conferences and exhibitions set for the first quarter of 2011, we have to maintain a high level of focus and determination; and we must look to appropriately blend some aspects of SLAS into each of these events."

During the transition period, which will take place throughout 2011, the new SLAS board of directors, with the leadership of the SBS and ALA sections will develop the long-range strategy.

The SALS is a not-for-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. Its aim is to be the preeminent global organization providing forums for education and information exchange pertaining to laboratory automation and screening.

Related Links:
Society for Biomolecular Sciences
Association for Laboratory Automation