Introduction
The Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) provides a forum for
communication among researchers, who share common interests, in alcoholism.
The Society's purpose is to promote research that can lead the way
toward prevention and treatment of alcoholism.
The Membership of the Society consists of regular scientific members,
postdoctoral fellows,
associate members and student members. New memberships are approved 4 times a year
through the RSA Membership Committee.
The current membership of over 1,800 is drawn from countries throughout the world, with the majority from the United States.
Annual Scientific Conference
The annual Scientific Conference of the Research Society on Alcoholism
provides a meeting place for scientists and clinicians from across the
country, and around the world, to interact. It allows a unique opportunity
to meet people, doing work in alcohol research, on a personal level. The
meeting also gives members and non-members the chance to present their
latest findings in alcohol research through abstract and symposia submissions.
The format of the meeting consists of plenary presentations, symposia,
roundtables and workshops. Lengthy abstract/poster sessions are provided for
adequate viewing time. Additionally, RSA's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Study Group (FASDSG)
usually holds their meeting/luncheon on the day prior to RSA's official
opening. An annual tradition of the meeting is to start with an Opening
Reception/Social the night prior to the official opening and have the
Banquet/Awards Presentations on the last night of the meeting.
- see: RSA Awards for details
Distinguished Researcher Award, since 1980
Young Investigator Award, since 1988
Seixas (Service) Award, since 1988
Lifetime Achievement Award, since 1996, not annually
Journalism Award, since 2000
Henri Begleiter Excellence in Research Award, since 2007
All six of RSA's awards are presented to the recipients during the annual meeting.
RSA publishes (12 times a year) a
scientific journal, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research,
and a book series, Recent Advances in Alcoholism.
The journals provide the most recent findings in the field of alcohol
research. Manuscripts may be submitted by any scientist pursuing research
dealing with the effects of alcohol or consequences of alcohol ingestion,
including studies on treatment, prevention or epidemiology. All manuscripts
are thoroughly reviewed to assure that the publications represent the
highest standard of science and scholarship.
Public and Legislative Interactions
The RSA works closely with NIH institutes to stimulate research initiatives
and provide information to RSA members regarding funding trends. The Society
maintains an active program of public and legislative interactions,
including an active participation in the Congressional budget allocation
process for our major federal support agencies such as NIAAA and the
Department of Veterans Affairs. RSA standing and Ad Hoc committees work
to define new research themes emerging from our annual research meetings
that may impact on the long term needs and opportunities for our research,
including the development of new avenues for medications, special
populations vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, and new leads to the
genetic, psychosocial or epidemiological pursuit of alcohol related
issues. In addition, Society members serve on NIH National Advisory
Committees and Institutional Review Groups.
Testimony
RSA and its membership take an active role in providing testimony to
Congress on alcohol research and related issues. The Society is working to
increase the level of federal funding for alcohol research so that research
dollars reflect the magnitude of the problem. Only through research can
scientists lead the way toward prevention and treatment of alcoholism.