EFCS Discussion Forum


G.Valet, Jan.15, 1997

Dear Jim,

the mailing list has been extended today by the addresses of John Parker and Carlton Stewart (CCS), Ken Bauer and Peter Rabinovitch (Clinical Committee/ISAC). All messages processed through the mail server will be automatically distributed and active participation in the discussion is equally possible.

I am personally in line with points 1 - 4 of your message of Jan.14.

5) The issue of the non represented scientists is quite important. As you mention there are different possibilities to take care of this problem. At the present time one can only say that it is the clear intention to assure access of non represented European scientists to EFCS. The details have to be elaborated according to one or several of the outlined possibilities

EFCS Constitution Proposal:
The FEBS and IFCC constitutions will be shortly provided following telephone calls to Mme Thirion of IFCC and Vito Turk of FEBS yesterday. A first proposal for the EFCS constitution will then be provided as www-pages for further discussion as fast as possible .

International Cytometry Network:
The increasing establishment of a multi-society international cytometry network represents the most visible sign for the gradual transition from "tool" cytometry to "system" cytometry as a self-standing scientific discipline. The organisation of "theme" oriented cytometry sessions at meetings as well as the formation of Working Groups in clinical cytometry, with members from various clinical and experimental disciplines are other indicators of this development.

System cytometry will provide improved access to the recognition of individual patient disease prognosis in the clinical environment which is important for optimal and individualized patient treatment as well as for the minimization of unwanted therapeutic side effects. The elaboration of standardized multiparameter data classification (SMDC) for this purpose constitutes an important international task. Its success will depend on good interlaboratory standardization and quality control. The research aspects for the understanding of complex cellular interaction mechanisms in hemato/immunopoiesis, dysplasia/cancer cell formation, cell proliferation/differentiation/death are of similar importance with cytometry offering a substantial number of conceptual advantages over the exclusively biochemical methodology.

It seems obvious that bundling of efforts and international coordination are the best guarantees for fast scientific progress. I believe the majority of us think along these lines. The foundation of EFCS will substantially advance cytometry work in Europe and provide a significant additive potential f

Electronic Discussions:
The advantage of the present E-mail/Internet discussion are:
- high relevance
- fast and precise responses
- astonishing progress
- ease by self generating protocol
- cost and time effective for discussants as well as for dissemination of results

Like you, I am convinced of the substantial potential of electronic discussions for the advancement of international cytometry.

With best regards

Guenter