Biophysical Society Bulletin | January 2021

President’s Message

President’s Message The COVID-19 pandemic has had the effect of laying bare the under- lying classism and structural racism in our societies, particularly, al-

four prominent scientists, some of whom are biophysicists and BPS members, and all of whom work in different contexts to promote minority participation in science. David Asai – Senior Director for Science Education, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Bil Clemons – Professor of Biochemistry, California Institute of Technology; Member of the President’s Diversity Council at Caltech Yadilette Rivera-Colon – Assistant Professor of Biology and Undergraduate Research Program Coordinator, Bay Path University; Chair, BPS Education Committee Billy Williams – Senior Vice President for Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion at the American Geophysical Union As noted, the causes of the lack of diversity in BPS and in science in general are varied and complex. The forum, which will take the form of a discussion around a series of questions prompted by the BPS Committee on Inclusion and Diversity, will focus on what we can do as a scientific Society to in- crease diversity and minority participation. We will begin by defining to the best of our ability the current situation in BPS regarding inclusion and diversity. Then the discussion will focus on what actions we can take to make BPS a welcoming place for minority scientists, a place where they feel comfort- able and valued as they trade ideas and build their networks and their careers. We will touch on what types of programs we can sponsor to encourage minority students to consider or remain in STEM (and biophysics) pathways. If time permits, we will address questions from the attendees. The forum on “Building an Inclusive BPS” will take place on Friday morning, February 26, 2021, from 10 am to 11 am EST, just prior to the awards ceremony and the Biophysical Society Lecture. The entire morning session will be free of charge and open to anyone who wishes to attend, the goal being to broadly inspire interest in biophysics. The link will be available on the BPS website prior to the opening of the meeting. We certainly hope you will attend, and that you will share the link with anyone you feel might be interested. Clearly, this session is not designed to be a solution to the lack of diversity in BPS. Rather, we hope it will serve as the beginning of a conversa- tion and movement within the Society. Please join us. — Catherine A. Royer

though not exclusively, in the United States. Given the enduring legacy of slavery, attitudes toward race in the United States are more central

Catherine A. Royer

to the social order. Moreover, the stresses to that order from the current crisis are clearly not felt equally by all citizens. The ongoing worldwide pandemic also provides us with an oppor- tunity to reflect on how science is perceived and practiced in this context. Like other scientific societies, the Biophysical Society, with the goal of promoting and supporting biophys- ics, can contribute to changing both the perception of science and its practice. Working towards this goal requires that we take a hard look at minority inclusion and diversity within the Society and in the outreach programs supported by BPS. While the BPS cannot require that members divulge their race or ethnicity, it is clear to anyone attending an in-person BPS Annual Meeting (remember those?) that our Society is sorely lacking in diversity. We count very few minority bio- physicists among our members. Given that the BPS exists in the context of international science and society, this is not a surprising observation. However, just because the situation is not surprising does not make it acceptable. While the roots of the problem run deep, and include both structural racism and poverty, sometimes in combination, I believe there are measures that we can take as a scientific society to promote change. I am no expert on the topic of inclusion and diversity, but I truly feel that the issue needs to be placed front and center in BPS. We know that the very best science comes from diverse groups in which individuals from all backgrounds contribute unique insight. Clearly, biophysics would be stronger if our So- ciety were diverse. Moreover, seeking justice requires that we strive towards a world in which all individuals be granted the same opportunities to thrive. We, as biophysicists, know what exciting and fulfilling (if not always incredibly lucrative) ca- reers we enjoy. It is inherently unfair that such opportunities be denied to whole groups of our populations. Therefore, the President’s forum at this years’ virtual BPS Annual Meeting will address “Building an Inclusive BPS.” The forum will include

January 2021

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