GETTING THE MOST FROM A SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

The care and feeding of Scientific Advisory Boards is an activity that is governed by a company's rationale for establishing such an organiz ation. Up-front planning must be done to establish the SAB's charter, role, makeup, and use. Also, it is recognized that one must be flexibl e and will have to make changes to enhance the group's ability to help the company meet its strategic objectives. The effectiveness of the S AB is directly related to the clarity of purpose, interaction with com pany scientists, sharing strategies and objectives with the members, a nd challenging them to make contributions. The authors describe Celane se Corporation's positive experience with the establishment and operat ion of an SAB, along with pitfalls and recommendations.