An Introduction to the STS

The Gesellschaft für Signaltransduktion (GST) or Signal Transduction Society (STS) is devoted to scientific exchange between investigators concerned with cellular signal transduction. In recent years, colleagues from various disciplines of the molecular biosciences have become interested in this area of research. We have witnessed rapid progress in the characterisation of mechanisms that underlie the generation and processing of inter- and intracellular signals. These findings are of common relevance to a multitude of researchers who are traditionally considered i.e. biochemists, molecular biologists, cell biologists, immunologists, pharmacologists or clinical researchers. Unfortunately, individuals assigned to these diverse fields do not meet frequently and have insufficient opportunity to discuss their achievements in Signal Transduction.

In 1996, the speakers of the Signal Transduction Study Groups established within the German Societies for Immunology (DGfI), and Cell Biology (DGZ), Ottmar Janssen and Ralf Hass decided to improve this situation. In spring 1997, Karlheinz Friedrich from the Society for Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (GBM) joined to co-organise an interdisciplinary conference on Signal Transduction. The 1st Joint Meeting on Intracellular Signal Transduction - Receptors, Mediators and Genes took place in November 1997 at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute in Langen. This meeting was supported by the three societies mentioned above and, to a major extent, by sponsoring Biotech companies. It turned out that shape and scope of the meeting were highly appreciated by most participants and that there had obviously been a need for such an interdisciplinary forum. The 1st Joint Meeting apparently had met this need, therefore it was decided to further improve the concept and to organise a follow-up meeting in 1998.

In course of preparation of the 2nd Signal Transduction Meeting, it became evident, however, that administrative and organisational matters could no longer be efficiently dealt with on an informal basis. In particular, financial transactions related to the meeting and the acquisition of sponsor funding was hampered by the fact that the organising committee was lacking an institutional status. For this reason, in summer 1998 the Gesellschaft für Signaltransduktion (GST) or Signal Transduction Society (STS) was founded by the meeting organisers. In accordance with German law, it has the status of a non-profit organisation. Main purpose of the STS is the continuous and determined development of an interdisciplinary forum for research on Signal Transduction. In the first instance, this aim will be pursued by regular realisation of high quality conferences. Moreover, the STS is in the process of establishing and maintaining a network between researchers that promotes exchange of information and research material. This website is intended to develop into the communicative platform for all these purposes.

The STS strongly encourages investigators from the whole area of Signal Transduction research to become members. By doing so, you will strengthen this fascinating aspect of research which cannot be covered as a whole by any of the traditional branches of biomedicine. You support the efforts of an interdisciplinary group of scientists to enhance the efficiency of their research. You will benefit from a better exchange between colleagues who are interested in related questions. Finally, you will become part of a forum that highly appreciates any initiative you might wish to launch in order to further improve its concept.