The Australian Atherosclerosis Society (AAS), formed in 1974 and incorporated in 1986, promotes, at a national level, the advancement of science, research and teaching in the field of atherosclerosis. The AAS endeavours to achieve these objectives by promoting the exchange of existing knowledge; encouraging new research ventures and interdisciplinary approaches; and fostering the dissemination of knowledge by organising national and international scientific meetings. Membership is open to researchers in the field of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Membership to the AAS automatically entitles membership of the International Atherosclerosis Society.

President's Report
The Olympics are not the only issue that has occupied the international stage recently. Many will remember that Prof Peter Jones, Past President of the National Lipid Association (NLA) was a guest speaker at our meeting in Perth last year. The National Lipid Association in the United States is a near equivalent of the AAS in Australia. It has arrived on the scene relatively recently, but it has certainly made a big impact. The NLA is particularly active in the field of education, and has rapidly established curricula for several levels of scientists and health care professionals. This is supported by a credentialing system that promises to formalise qualifications for specialization in lipid metabolism in the US. The programmes are supported by courses and materials, many of which are publicised on the NLA website at www.lipids.org.  Perhaps it was our initial expression of interest last year which has prompted the NLA to take a more global view. Plans are now underway to take these services to the world at large. I recently participated in a teleconference to this effect. The next step will be a face-to-face meeting in Venice at which the AAS hopes to be represented by Prof Gerald Watts. The NLA is certainly aware of Australia's interest in the international activities, and the first practical outcome as far as this is concerned is likely to be a satellite meeting in conjunction with the International Symposium in the United States in June 2006.  Early impressions suggest that the NLA will place particular emphasis on lipid metabolism. Other aspects of atherosclerosis may not receive quite so much attention. This should not pose any problems for the AAS, but we may need to develop appropriate mechanisms for dealing with the relationship with an international version of the NLA. In my opinion, one way to deal with this development would be to consider the establishment of an Education Committee. I look forward to receiving feedback from members as events unfold. Come to the Annual Scientific Meeting in Bondi and tell me what you think.

David Sullivan