BSCB Newsletter, Winter 2004 Editorial This is a real bumper issue.  We have some excellent features, starting with a brief description of the Scientific Instrument Society, whose publications grace the cover. Viji Draviam gives an account of being a post-doc in the US - a path several people may be contemplating.  We then have two articles addressing the use of animals in research: Philip Connolly reports on the Coalition for Medical Progress, of which the BSCB is a member.  Chris Langley describes the work of the Dr Hadwen Trust and its recent Science Review. There are some very interesting book reviews and my thanks as usual to all the authors.  We also have a good selection of meeting reports, some by people who are becoming regular contributors, such as Paul Andrews and Sarah Cant.  Many of the trips described were funded, at least in part, by Honor Fell Travel Awards: don't forget that you can apply for these to attend conferences. The Spring Meeting will be held in Warwick, jointly with the BSDB again after our separation last year.  There is a huge programme with the general theme of The Asymmetric Cell and you are strongly urged to attend.  Details here.  The Editor: Joan Marsh (jmarsh@wiley.co.uk)