Biophysical Society Bulletin | April 2026

Council Update

Council in San Francisco: Looking Ahead Together

Each year, the Biophysical Soci ety’s Council meets during the Annual Meeting to review prog ress, make important decisions, and chart the path forward for the Society. This year, Council gathered for a three-part series of meetings in San Francisco that

these conversations was balance: maintaining fiscal respon sibility without diminishing the member experience or the Society’s mission. Discussions included analysis of membership dues and registration rates. Council agreed to hold dues rates steady while exploring structural adjustments that better reflect today’s workforce—including adding a new dues category for members working in industry. Registration fees were also reviewed, with particular attention paid to supporting early career scientists through reduced rates. Expense management was another area of active discussion. Council reviewed adjustments already made for the 2026 Annual Meeting and looked ahead to potential refinements for 2027. Rather than making decisions in isolation, Coun cil members were asked to observe programs and events throughout the meeting and to provide feedback based on member participation and value. This evidence-based approach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that changes are thoughtful and community informed. A recurring theme in all finance discussions was the impor tance of strengthening engagement with scientists working outside traditional academic pathways. Council spent consid erable time discussing how BPS can better support mem bers who are transitioning into industry and how to sustain long-term membership value for them once they make that transition. Council elected the 2026 Nominating Committee and dis cussed potential bylaw changes to expand committee membership in future years, enhancing representation and capacity. Annual Meeting Insights and Future Planning Ensuring a comprehensive yet inclusive Annual Meeting program remains one of Council’s most visible and impactful responsibilities. The 2026 Annual Meeting Co-Chairs, Ariane Briegel and Ilya Levental , shared reflections on program devel opment, noting that approximately 75% of the scientific pro gram grew directly from members’ responses to the annual call for topics. Nominations for the Future of Biophysics Bur roughs Wellcome Fund Symposium and the New and Notable Symposium were exceptionally high, highlighting both the enthusiasm of the community and the challenge of speaker selection when nominations far exceed available slots.

Karen G. Fleming

reflected both the opportunities and the challenges facing our community. While many of the discussions acknowledged real pressures such as financial uncertainty, shifting workforce dynamics, and a changing global research environment, the overall tone was constructive, forward looking, and grounded in a shared commitment to ensuring that BPS remains a vibrant and welcoming home for biophysicists worldwide. Following are highlights from those meetings, offered to help keep you informed about the direction of the Society and the work underway on your behalf. Opening Reflections and 2025 Accomplishments Outgoing BPS President Lynmarie K. Thompson opened with a review of the Society’s accomplishments over the past year. The breadth of activity across programs, publications, meet ings, education, and member engagement was a strong reminder that BPS is far more than a single annual event. From scientific programming to community-building initia tives, from journal growth to launching a new Subgroup, the Society continues to evolve in response to member needs. At the same time, Council recognized that the external envi ronment has become more complex. Federal policy develop ments include issues related to research funding, visa policies, and international mobility. These remain important areas to monitor because of the direct impact on our members’ ability to collaborate, travel, and build scientific careers. Financial Stewardship, Strategic Planning, and Governance One of the most significant discussion areas centered on finance and long-term sustainability. BPS Treasurer Samantha Harris reported that the Society’s reserves remain strong, providing stability and flexibility. However, like many scientific organizations, BPS is experiencing financial pressure tied to reduced funding and the resulting impact on meeting atten dance and member travel. Council reviewed several strategies aimed at reducing projected operating deficits while continu ing to invest in member value. A strong theme throughout

April 2026

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