Biophysical Society Bulletin | April 2026

Council Update

Officers President

Karen G. Fleming President-Elect Enrique M. De La Cruz Past-President Lynmarie K. Thompson Secretary Teresa Giraldez Treasurer Samantha Harris Council Robert Best Silvia Cavagnero Timothy D. Craggs Tanja Mittag Renae Ryan Tamar Schlick Biophysical Journal Vasanthi Jayaraman Editor-in-Chief The Biophysicist Padmini Rangamani Editor-in-Chief Biophysical Reports Theanne Griffith Taviare Hawkins Ryota Iino Anne Kenworthy Kandice Levental

Council also reviewed abstract submission and registration trends. As many members observed firsthand, the 2026 meeting was smaller than in some recent years, affected by funding constraints, travel restrictions, and broader uncertainty in the research environ ment. Rather than viewing this simply as a challenge, Council discussed ways to maintain connection with members unable to attend. These include sharing selected recorded ses sions and expanding meaningful programming throughout the year. Of course, Biophysics Week in March represents another mecha nism for members to participate in activities remotely. Looking ahead, the 2027 Annual Meeting Program Co-Chairs, Linda Columbus and Henry Colecraft , received enthusiastic feedback on their draft program. For the first time, four Subgroups will be incorporated directly into the main scientific program, an exciting ex periment designed to increase visibility and integration while preserving Subgroup iden tity and community spirit. Council approved the program following substantial discussion about balancing scientific topics, speaker di versity, and international representation. Subgroups: Growth and Community Subgroups remain one of the Society’s greatest strengths, and Council discussions reflected their vitality. BPS Secretary Teresa Giraldez shared feedback from the meeting of the Subgroup Chairs at the Annual Meeting, which indicated strong participation, high en thusiasm, and an overall successful Subgroup Saturday in San Francisco. An early milestone this year was the official launch of the new Muscle Biology Subgroup, expanding the Society’s scientific reach and creating new opportunities for collaboration. Council also discussed the evolution of Sub group programming. While integration into the main meeting program beginning in 2027 offers new visibility and a chance to highlight topics, Subgroup leaders emphasized the im portance of maintaining the distinct “Subgroup vibe”—the flexibility, intimacy, and community building that make these gatherings special. Council agreed that clear communications will be essential to ensure members understand

that Subgroup identity remains central even as formats evolve. Inclusion, Engagement, and BPS Values Council approved a recommendation to rename the Committee on Inclusion and Diver sity as the Committee on Excellence and En gagement in Biophysics. This change reflects an intention to emphasize broad participation and scientific excellence while continuing to foster welcoming environments for all mem bers. Incoming BPS President Karen G. Fleming shared her vision for the Society, framing the coming year as a time not merely to “hold on tight,” but to actively shape the future of the field. Several key priorities emerged: • Clarifying the role and value of a scien tific society in an increasingly digital and interconnected world and articulating the value of membership beyond the Annual Meeting; • Strengthening BPS as a natural home for emerging areas, including applied artificial intelligence in biophysics; • Expanding support for members pursuing diverse careers, especially those in industry; and • Maintaining strong international engagement amid challenging geopolitical conditions. These themes resonated across many discus sions and will guide Council’s work in the year ahead. Publications: Momentum and Opportunities Publications remain a vital pillar of the Society, both scientifically and financially. Council heard encouraging news from Biophysical Journal Ed itor-in-Chief Vasanthi Jayaraman , who reported a significant increase in submissions at a time when many journals are experiencing declines. This success reflects the grassroots efforts by editors and contributors, the strength of new sections such as Computational Bio physics, and innovative special issues that attract global attention. Council also discussed

Melanie Cocco Editor-in-Chief

Society Office Jennifer Pesanelli Executive Officer Newsletter

Executive Editor Jennifer Pesanelli Managing Editor John Long Production Ray Wolfe Meredith Zimmerman Proofreader/Copy Editor The Biophysical Society Newsletter (ISSN 0006-3495) is published eleven times per year, January-December, by the Biophysical Society, 6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 540, Bethesda, Maryland 20817. Distributed to USA members and other countries at no cost. Canadian GST No. 898477062. Postmaster: Send address changes to Biophysical Society, 6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 540, Bethesda, MD 20817. Copyright © 2026 by the Biophysical Society. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Darren Early Laura Phelan

April 2026

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