The Bologna agreement

In June 1999 European ministers of education convened in Bologna, Italy, and agreed to construct a European higher education area (EHEA) based on fundamental principles of university independence and autonomy to ensure that higher education and research in Europe adapt to the changing needs of society and advances in scientific knowledge.

The EHEA would work to increase the international competitiveness of the European system of higher education and would aim to adopt a system of comparable degrees comprising two main cycles, undergraduate and graduate, with the latter leading to a master’s degree or doctorate.

A transferable system of academic credits would also be introduced. The Bologna agreement would thus move Europe toward comparable degrees and cooperation in quality assurance. The target date for full implementation is 2010.

The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences is an independent professional body which aims to provide scientific training through conference and seminar programmes, support focus groups for networking in specialised subject areas, collaborate with other organisations in Europe and the US and represent views nationally and internationally.

The academy works in partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in a formal agreement to co-develop programmes for scientific events, including the British Pharmaceutical Conference science programmes. Further information on joining the academy and the benefits of membership can be found on its website at www.apsgb.org

The Academic Pharmacy Group is open to pharmacists and other academic staff who make a significant contribution to pharmacy teaching and research in a UK school of pharmacy or a recognised pharmacy academic practice unit.

Contact: Damian Day at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (tel 020 7572 2215; e-mail damian.day.@rpsgb.org).