IUPS-a Family of Physiologists

Abstract

The International Union of Physiological Sciences, or IUPS, is an organization that unites physiologists from all parts in the world. But is it a family of physiologists? We usually picture a“familiy”as members of a social group consisting of parents and their offsprings, or, in the wider sense, descendents from a common ancestor. A familiy typically demonstrates a strong feeling of unity, harmony and solidarity between its members, who share common goals and values and have long-term commitments to one another. In general members of a family are also expected to stand up for each other. Generally, the unifying objectives of a family are to increase wealth, recognition and influence. In some old families with long tradition members bear a familiy coat of arms as a symbol of their bond(see the signet of IUPS on top). In a family, children commonly receive special attention as they require a notion of being protected and should receive care, help, good education, and the mediation of ethical principles in order to be well prepared to live in a community and to maintain their standing as dignified and respected citizens in their personal future, which also constitutes the future of the family. Many of these definitions also apply to IUPS, although we are scattered across all corners of the globe and do not even(necessarily)speak the same language. Scientifically, we usually communicate in English but communication is more than verbal, it also entails the interaction of physiologists from different background in respect of their scientific knowledge, new insights and further approaches to the understanding of life. Scientific interaction between physiologists from all countries is facilitated by meetings and International Congresses and by publication in scientific journals(see also“Physiology”, the journal of IUPS published in cooperation with the American Physiological Society at http: physiologyonline. physiology.org ).

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