Aims of ESGB
The objective of ESGB is to promote and disseminate studies and knowledge on biofilm with relevance for infections in human beings. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary including scientists from basic microbiology environmental microbiology and molecular microbiology. It is, therefore, the objective of the ESCMID Biofilm Study Group to facilitate cooperation between these disciplines in studies focusing on biofilm infections.
Organisation of ESGB
The ESCMID Biofilm Study Group consists of an Executive Committee (EC) and the ordinary members. The EC consists of the chairman, the chairman-elect, the secretary, the treasurer and two ordinary officers. The terms of the 6 officers of the EC is 3 years and re-election can take place for one additional term. The officers of the EC must be members of ESCMID. After 3 years the officers’ terms are finished, but after the first term after start of the study group only half of the officers will change position and will be replaced in order to maintain continuity. Desicions are taken by simple majority in the EC. The chairman may take desicions which afterwards shall be approved by the EC.
Membership
The ordinary members of ESGB are encouraged to become members of ESCMID, but since ESGB relies on multidisciplinary cooperation and research, non-ESCMID members may also be members of ESGB.
Members of ESGB should be active scientists working on one or more aspects of biofilm such as physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, antibiotic resistance, infections in animals or in man etc. Individuals may apply for membership by writing to the EC and in the letter/mail give information about their scientific interests and publications in biofilm . The EC approves new members.
Reporting
An annual general meeting (AGM) is held during the annual ECCMID. During the annual general meeting the EC presents its work during the last year including meetings, finances, annual membership fee and announce new members of the study group. At the annual general meeting the EC will call upon nominations for new executive officers. The chairman of the EC chairs the annual general meeting.
Activities
ESGB will organise the following activities:
- Propose an annual ESGB workshop to be held in conjunction with the annual ECCMID.
- Suggest an annual biofilm symposium during the ordinary scientific programme of the annual ECCMID.
- Organize an annual biofilm workshop between the annual ECCMIDs consisting of invited lectures and a poster session.
- Establish a ESGB website and a ESGB Newsletter with information about the activities of the study group. This information will also be communicated to all members of ESCMID in ESCMID News.
- During the annual workshops, educational activities including hands-on technical education will be planned and organized if technical possible.
- Suggest guidelines for prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapy of biofilm infections.
- An active cooperation with the ASM biofilm meetings will be proposed.
