Biophysical Society Bulletin | January 2026

Career Development

Making the Most of the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting The Biophysical Society Annual Meeting is one of the most anticipated events on the scientific calendar, bringing together researchers from around the world to share new discoveries, learn emerging In today’s ever-evolving research landscape, it’s increasingly important to demonstrate strong communication skills and leverage your network to discover opportunities for career ad vancement and employment. Mastering how you present your work, navigating diverse career pathways, and staying engaged with publishing, academic, and industry trends are critical for researchers at all career stages to thrive amid shifting funding landscapes and competitive job markets.

techniques, and forge collaborations that cross traditional boundaries be tween disciplines and sectors. Whether you’re presenting a poster, attending your first meeting, exploring career op

Take full advantage of the Society’s robust professional devel opment programming to broaden your network, explore gradu ate and postdoctoral pathways, and gain valuable insights into the publishing process and scientific career paths—both within and beyond academia. Participate in networking events, panel discussions, and opportunity fairs that provide safe, supportive spaces to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with peers. Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply building your re search community, these events offer meaningful engagement with scientists at all career stages across academia, industry, and government. If you are exploring graduate or postdoc pro grams, or are currently on the job market, be sure to bring your CV or resume—this is a rare opportunity to have candid, infor mal conversations with prospective employers and mentors. Make a Plan, Then Stay Flexible With so much happening at the meeting, it is easy to feel over whelmed. A few simple strategies can help you to stay focused and make the most of your time: • Block off time for key sessions you don’t want to miss, • Leave space in your schedule for spontaneous networking or just to recharge, • Prepare a quick “elevator pitch” to describe your work and interests, and • Say yes to meetups, dinner invites, and hallway conversa tions—these often lead to the most meaningful connec tions. The Annual Meeting is more than a conference. It is a vibrant gathering of scientists, students, mentors, and innovators from around the world. Although its size can feel overwhelming at first, with the right mix of planning and curiosity, you’ll leave with new knowledge, potential career opportunities, and con nections that could last a lifetime. — Molly Cule

portunities, or simply soaking in cutting-edge science, here are some tips to help you make the most of your time and take full advantage of everything the meeting has to offer to thrive as a scientist in today’s dynamic, interconnected research ecosys tem. Dive into the Science: Symposia and Workshops The scientific program is the heart of the meeting, offering a dynamic lineup of topics spanning the full spectrum of biophys ics research. Symposia delve into exciting developments across the field and provide an ideal setting to immerse yourself in groundbreaking data and ideas. Beyond the symposia, the pro gram features platform presentations selected from submitted abstracts, highlighting innovative work by researchers at all career stages. Hands-on workshops led by experts in emerg ing methods and technologies offer participants the chance to build practical skills and stay at the forefront of the field. Posters with Purpose: Engage, Explore, and Connect The posters in the exhibit hall are a dynamic hub of discov ery and conversation. With thousands of posters presented throughout the meeting, you’ll have direct access to pioneering research and the scientists behind it. If you’re presenting a poster, you have a prime opportunity to showcase your work and gain valuable feedback, fresh insights, and new ideas from experts across the field. Prepare a concise three- to five-min ute overview of your research and be ready to engage in deeper discussions. As an attendee, browse the program in advance to plan your route and prioritize the posters you want to explore each day. Engaging with presenters is a great way to spark meaningful conversations, build new connections, and potentially open doors to future collaborations or job opportunities. Connect, Learn, and Grow: Networking and Professional Development The Annual Meeting is more than just a scientific conference: it’s a launchpad for career growth and meaningful connections.

January 2026

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