The IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) is a leading international organization dedicated to promoting the integration of engineering and medicine to improve human health. The EMBS Student Activities Committee (SAC) is responsible for promoting and supporting student involvement in the society, and the recent initiative to install regional student activities committees (RSACs) and student regional representatives (SRRs) is a major step forward in the efforts to better serve the members of the society. This review article aims to provide an overview of this new initiative and its potential benefits for the EMBS community.
The EMBS SAC has been working for many years to provide a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in the society. However, the current structure of the SAC does not allow for a tailored approach to serving the unique needs of students in different regions. With this in mind, the SAC decided to launch a new initiative to establish RSACs and SRRs in different regions around the world.
With a pilot already running in Latin America in 2021, and good results reported in the past year, the initiative is intended to extend to the other four geographic areas of EMBS, namely North America, Europe, Middle East-Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
Structure of the initiative
The RSACs, led by the EMBS AdCom student representative, will be made up of student members of the EMBS in a particular region who are interested in promoting the goals and objectives of the society. The SRRs will serve as the main point of contact between the SAC and the RSACs and will be responsible for coordinating local activities and events. Each RSAC shall be formed by student section representatives (SSRs) and officers that shall oversee the activities of their respective regions.
The RSACs will have the authority to design and implement activities and events that are tailored to the specific interests and needs of the students in their region. These activities and events can include workshops, webinars, networking opportunities, and other educational and professional development programs. The SRRs will play a critical role in ensuring that these activities and events are aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the EMBS.
Benefits of the initiative
One of the main benefits of the initiative is that it will allow for a more customized approach to serving the needs of the students in each region. The RSACs and SRRs will have the ability to design activities and events that are tailored to the specific interests and needs of the students in their region. This will result in more opportunities for students to engage with the society and with one another.
Another benefit is that the initiative will help to increase the visibility of the EMBS in different regions. The RSACs and SRRs will be able to promote the society and its activities to students and other members of the engineering and medical communities in their region. This will help to increase the membership and the impact of the EMBS.
The initiative will also provide valuable leadership opportunities for students. The SRRs and members of the RSACs will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and gain experience in organizing and managing events. This will be a valuable asset for the students as they move forward in their careers and will also help to build a strong foundation for the future of the society.
Finally, the initiative will help to build a sense of community among the students in different regions. The RSACs and SRRs will provide a platform for students to connect with one another and to collaborate on projects and initiatives. This will help to build a strong network of students who are committed to advancing the field of engineering in medicine and biology.
Challenges
While this new initiative presents many exciting opportunities for the EMBS community, it is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the RSACs and SRRs have the resources and support they need to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This will require close collaboration between the SAC and the RSACs, as well as clear communication channels and processes to ensure that the initiatives run smoothly.
Another challenge is ensuring that the RSACs and SRRs are representative of the diversity of the EMBS community. It is important that the RSACs and SRRs are reflective of the diversity of the society in terms of geography, culture, and background, in order to ensure that all members of the society feel represented and included.
In conclusion, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society’s Student Activities Committee’s new initiative to establish RSACs and SRRs is a promising step toward better serving the unique needs of students in different regions and increasing the visibility of the society. The RSACs and SRRs will be able to design activities and events tailored to the specific interests of students in their region, increase engagement, provide leadership opportunities, and enhance the impact of the EMBS. If you are a student interested in joining the RSACs, do not hesitate to email sac@EMBS.org for more information. The future looks bright for the EMBS community and we are eager to see the impact of this initiative in the coming years.