Biophysical Society Bulletin | June 2018

Communities

The Biophysical Society is grateful for its 2018 Industry Partners.

Gold Member

Silver Member

For Industry Partner Membership information, contact alevine@biophysics.org.

Public Affairs Committee The BPS Bulletin will be running a series highlighting the Soci- ety’s committees to help members learn more about them and the kinds of things committee volunteers do on behalf of the members. The Public Affairs Committee was established in 1971 by Society President Fred M. Snell , as the Committee on Scientific Public Policy. By 1975 it was named the Public Science Policy Committee. It was re-organized by the Executive Board in May 1995 and the name was changed to Public Affairs Com- mittee. The official charge of the Public Affairs Committee is: (1) To ensure appropriate support for biophysics and basic research at the government and funding agencies; (2) to support bio- physics through government and funding bodies and public outreach and education; (3) to develop special initiatives and responses, as appropriate, to matters of public policy that impact on biophysics and biophysicists at all education and career levels; and (4) to advise the Society president and council on matters of public affairs. How does the committee go about doing this? The commit- tee meets monthly via conference call and twice a year in person. Its members serve as the first line in responding to requests for information from federal agencies on science policy-related matters and administrative and congressional

budget proposals. They use their judgement and the exper- tise they develop during their tenure on the committee to determine what issues matter to the BPS membership, and what kind of feedback can help shape a policy in ways that are representative of the Society’s membership. The committee strives to provide educational opportunities for members and the public by organizing opportunities for scientists to meet with legislators; providing an online advo- cacy toolkit; sponsoring programs at the annual meeting on (1) current science policy topics, (2) science communication, and (3) navigating federal agency grant programs; and leading outreach programs like Biophysics Week, the BPS science fair awards, and the exhibit at the USA Science and Engineering Festival. The committee also selects the annual BPS congres- sional fellow, which provides both a personal growth opportu- nity and a much needed scientific voice among congressional staff. The current committee chair is Ed Egelman, University of Virginia. He has served in this role for six years, and will be turning the reins over to Eric Sundberg , University of Mary- land Medical School, on July 1. The Chair and members of the committee are appointed by the President, approved by Council, and serve for three-year staggered terms, each renewable once. The President and Secretary of the Society also serve on the committee as ex-officio members.

Become Involved— Join a Committee The Biophysical Society committees are essential to the implementation of the Society’s stated purpose to lead devel- opment and dissemination of knowledge in biophysics. Society members who wish to be considered for a committee appointment are encouraged to submit a volunteer form, which can be found at https:/www.surveymonkey.com/r/ 2019CommitteeVolunteers. Individuals who submit volunteer forms prior to October 1, 2018, and have paid their 2019 membership by January 2019 will be notified of their appointments by mid-March 2019.

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