Biophysical Society Bulletin | October 2025

President’s Message

A Strategic Path Forward: BPS Strategic Plan 2025–2028

As we look ahead to the Biophys ical Society’s 70th anniversary in 2026, we are reminded that our strength lies not only in scientific discovery and community, but also in our ability to adapt to a chang ing world. Every few years, BPS Council reviews and refreshes our Strategic Plan, a process which helps ensure that the work of the Society remains aligned with our

living document. We welcome your input and encourage you to share your perspectives with us at any time. MISSION: To lead an innovative global community working at the interface of the physical and life sciences, across all levels and types of complexity VISION: To harness the full potential of biophysics to seek knowledge, improve the human condition, and preserve the planet for future generations CORE VALUES: Scientific Excellence • Integrity and Transparency • Universal Access and Opportunity • Broad Representation and Belonging • Community Building I. CHAMPION BIOPHYSICS IN A CHANGING WORLD The Biophysical Society will be a leading voice for the value, impact, and future of biophysics, especially in the face of challenges to scientific progress. A. Strengthen and Elevate the Biophysics Identity Clarify and promote the distinct contributions of biophysics across disciplines to increase visibility among funders, policy makers, and the public. B. Advocate for Robust and Sustainable Investment in Science Actively support policies, coalitions, and funding initiatives that defend and expand support for scientific research and innovation. C. Mobilize the Scientific and Broader Communities to Champion Biophysics Engage members, partner organizations, and advocates to amplify the societal value of biophysics and to build public trust in science. D. Showcase the Impact of Biophysics on Global Challenges and Everyday Life Highlight how biophysics contributes to solving critical issues—such as health and disease, energy, and climate— and underscore its relevance to current and future needs. The Biophysical Society will expand opportunities to exchange ideas, share discoveries, and build collaborative networks that drive innovation and scientific progress. A. Promote Discovery and Innovation Across the Scientific Ecosystem Elevate breakthrough research and foster an environment where curiosity, creativity, and scientific rigor thrive. II. ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE THROUGH CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION

Lynmarie K. Thompson

mission and responsive to the needs of our members. At our May 2025 Council meeting, we reviewed our 2022–2025 Strategic Plan and refined our priorities for the next few years. This exercise was especially important given the rapidly shifting environment in which we all operate. From global political uncer tainties and federal actions that directly affect members, to policy and technological transformations reshaping how we conduct, share, and publish research, the landscape for science and for professional societies is evolving quickly. The Council discussion began with revisiting the foundation of who we are, which we define through the core values of BPS: scientific excellence, integrity and transparency, universal access and opportunity, broad representation and belonging, and com munity building. We affirmed our commitment to these guiding principles, which continue to shape the Society’s decisions and programs. At the same time, we recognized the challenges posed by actions of the current US administration, including restricting initiatives that use certain terms. BPS is a global organization, but many of our programs and members are based in the United States and thus could be directly impacted by these developments. Council therefore took care to ensure that the updated Strategic Plan avoids terms that recently have been politicized or “weaponized” that could create unnecessary risk for the Society or our mem bers, while still strongly affirming our commitment to fairness, opportunity, and representation for all. The result is the BPS Strategic Plan for 2025–2028. We are pleased to share this updated plan with you in full in this column. It outlines the current priorities of the Society, while providing greater detail than the prior version to ensure clarity in both intent and action. Behind each of the goals and objectives are concrete tactics and initiatives, many of which are already underway through the work of BPS committees, boards, and staff. Impor tantly, the plan reflects input from across the Society. The draft was reviewed by the Committee on Inclusion and Diversity and the Committee for Professional Opportunities for Women, and the plan has been shared more broadly with other committees and now with you, all of our members. Circumstances will contin ue to change, and BPS must remain nimble, so we view this as a

October 2025

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