The Michigan Society for Medical Research (MISMR) had a busy schedule of activity during 1998, and we anticipate that schedule to continue. We remain committed to sponsoring and providing educational programs, materials, and resources to enhance understanding of the medical research process. It is through partnership with our many institutional and organizational members, private citizens, board members, and countless volunteers, we are able to get our critical message out to the public and educate those who seek to curtail animal research.

This year’s activities included a well received annual meeting in Kalamazoo hosted by Pharmacia Š Upjohn. The meeting highlighted research successes in Michigan and was preceded by a cancer education workshop for high school teachers. MISMR again sponsored another highly successful Essay Contest and continued dialogues with local libraries related to the Resource Guide which we distributed the year before last. Also this year, our organization provided information to the Michigan Congress on legislation related to the use of animals in research. MISMR spent a fruitful day in Lansing at the State Capitol going door-to-door discussing our goals with members of congress. Lastly, it is important to mention that frequent updates to MISMR’s website continue and if you have any suggestions for improvements please e-mail them to: mismr@umich.edu. Predicting the future of the necessity for MISMR to continue as an organization all point to a resounding YES! The reasons are straightforward:

• First, in this country, the animal rights movement with its very deep pockets is effectively influencing the general public (including our children) to oppose the use of animal research.
• Second, the animal rights movement in Europe continues to gain strength and even to take on a militant flavor. Lets hope this attitude does not spread across the Atlantic.
• And, third, unfortunately there still exists large segments of our population who remain uninformed regarding the issues related to science and medical research.

I believe for our upcoming eighteenth year, MISMR is positioned to accomplish our goals and to ready us for the future. The only remaining message I have is a reminder to encourage your colleagues to join with us so we may more effectively achieve a positive influence. It is also important to remember that it is only through grants from foundations and individuals, as well as membership dues, that we are allowed to proceed forward with our mission.

Robert P. Pittman, Ph.D.
President,
MISMR Board of Directors

MISMR Board of Directors
Left to Right: Richard Malvin, Joe Michaels, Gary Hofing, Seymour Gordon, Phyllis Thayer, Linda Compton, Cindy Hoorn, Ed Nagel, Karen Hudson, L.Wayne Dochterman, Dan Ringler, Robert Pittman, Dave Lawson (for Dan Walz), Dave Pieper
Not Shown: Paul Ashba, Will Beierwaltes, John Goudie, Donal O'Leary, Dan Walz, Christine Williams

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