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Austrian Biologist Association

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The Austrian Biologist Association (ABA)'s is a professional organisation representing biologist and biology teachers in Austria. It has its main office in Obermallebarn, Lower Austria. However, the organisation operates throughout the whole country. Science communication as well as promoting networks among biologists are among the aims of this organisation with the online magazine "bioskop" being the main communication channel of the ABA. Furthermore, the ABA is the representative of Austria within the European Countries Biologists Association (ECBA).[1] The acting president is behavioural biologist Theodora Höger; regional groups exist in Graz and Innsbruck.

History[edit]

Austrian Biology Teachers' Association[edit]

Inspired by similar organisations of Chemistry and Geography teachers, the Austrian Biology Teachers' Association (German: Verband österreichischer Biologielehrer, VÖBL) was founded in 1994.

The first aims were to improve the reputation of Biology as a school subject in Austrian grammar schools, since Biology was at that time not taught continuously throughout the whole eight years of grammar school. Also, biology had a disadvantage in comparison to other science classes in terms of practical courses.

To create a communication channel, the magazine "VÖBL" was launched in 1995.

Since the association grew very quickly, working groups for other types of school. The magazine was relaunched, renamed as "bioskop" and it received an ISSN. Until 2011, it was published as a print magazine.

In 1999, the association joined the European Countries Biologists Association (ECBA). Visitors from Germany and France participated in the meeting. Since all European countries can only be represented by one national association, becoming a part of the ECBA strengthened the position of the VÖBL.[2]


ABA[edit]

In 2001, a new managing board, which did not only consist of biology teachers but also of biologists working in other fields, was elected. In 2002, the VÖBL was renamed as Austrian Biologist Association (ABA).

These changes also entailed the formulation of new mission statements:

  • We see ourselves as a communication platform for all biologists regardless of their occupation.
  • We deliver opinions on current topics, develop concepts and advise policy makers.
  • We promote public relations and education in the field of biology.
  • We avow ourselves to a sustainable and peaceful lifestyle among equal individuals. The conservation of the biological world heritage is of utmost importance to us.
  • We support activities in the field of conservation as well as promotion of health and well-being on a social and ecological level.

Alongside with the publication of the magazine, conferences and field trips were organised. By joining the Umweltdachverband (umbrella organisation of organisations working in conservation-related fields), the Austrian Biologist Association joined a network of several organisations with similar interests. As a result, several co-operations with other renowned organisations such as the Christian Doppler Institute of Salzburg, dialog gentechnik, or the VBIO (German biologist association; then VdBiol) were established.

In 2010, a young team from different universities took over the management board. The use of the internet as a means of communication as well as the collaboration with alumni organisations were intensified. Also, a regularly published newsletter and monthly networking evenings for biologists were established. Furthermore, the magazine bioskop was henceforth published online only.

Regional groups in the west of Austria as well as in Styria were founded.[3]

bioskop[edit]

Previously distributed as a printed publication, the bioskop has developed into an online-only magazine and is currently only published in German language. Its editor-in-chief is anthropologist Barbara Oberfichtner.[4]

Members[edit]

Members[edit]

The Austrian Biologist Association's members are biologists, persons who work in life sciences, biology teachers, as well as biology students.

Advisory Board[edit]

External links[edit]

References[edit]


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