November 2011 2011-2012 is going to be an amazing year for scientists and laboratorians within ASRM! We are delighted that Dolores J. Lamb, Ph.D., is the new President of ASRM, the first basic scientist to head the Society. In addition, Grace Centola, Ph.D., is the President-Elect of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology (SMRU) and G. David Ball, Ph.D, is the President-Elect of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). And finally, the SRBT voted for the first time at the ASRM Board of Directors meeting in Orlando. This means that ASRM and three of the five affiliated societies within ASRM are being led by scientists. At no time previously have so many scientists been so visible at the highest levels of the ASRM organization, heralding a very exciting time for all scientists in the field. 

We look forward to a productive and dynamic year. We cannot begin without profusely thanking our outgoing co-presidents, Amy Sparks and Michael Lee. Amy and Mike have been a great team and strong leaders for our nascent society within ASRM. We are so fortunate to have had them lead our first year, and we welcome any guidance they have to offer as we move forward. 

At the 2011 Annual Meeting in Orlando, the SRBT had a visible and strong presence. The good news is that our membership numbers are very strong, and the members who are involved are very active. However, given the extremely low membership dues that SRBT requires, our greatest challenge in the coming years will be to improve our financial standing. Therefore, our short-term focus for SRBT is on education and on fund raising. We have finally achieved unity and a voting voice within ASRM; now we have to show our strength by our active participation. The call is going out to all of us in the lab. Get involved! Show your support! 

Sangita K. Jindal, Ph.D. and Carli W. Chapman, M.S.