The launch of a new Subgroup is always an exciting moment for the Biophysical Society, but the introduction of the new Muscle Biology Subgroup is especially meaningful because it reflects something fundamental about BPS itself: our strength comes from the scientific communities our members build together.
Subgroups are the backbone of the Biophysical Society. They create spaces where members with shared scientific interests can connect more deeply, exchange ideas, foster collaborations, mentor the next generation, and shape the future of their fields. Across disciplines and career stages, Subgroups help transform our larger international Society into smaller, vibrant scientific homes.
That spirit of community and scientific engagement is exactly what led to the formation of the new Muscle Biology Subgroup.
Created in response to strong member interest and garnering more than 300 signatures of support from the community, the Muscle Biology Subgroup will serve as a welcoming home for researchers across all areas of muscle biophysics. From excitation–contraction coupling and myofilament structure–function relationships to regulation of contraction and emerging interdisciplinary approaches, the Subgroup aims to unite scientists working across the broad landscape of muscle research.
The launch also reflects the enthusiasm and dedication of the muscle biophysics community itself. Over the past two years, members and colleagues voiced strong support for establishing a dedicated Subgroup, recognizing the importance of creating a focused forum for discussion, collaboration, and visibility within BPS. That enthusiasm helped bring the effort to fruition, demonstrating how member-driven engagement continues to shape and strengthen the Society.
The Muscle Biology Subgroup is led by Sam Harris and Shanna Hamilton from the University of Arizona as Co-Chairs, with Ken Campbell from the University of Kentucky serving as Secretary/Treasurer. Together, they are helping build a community that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-looking.
As biophysics continues to evolve and intersect with new disciplines and technologies, Subgroups help ensure that BPS remains responsive to emerging scientific communities while preserving the strong disciplinary foundations that have long defined the Society.
We are excited to welcome the Muscle Biology Subgroup into this tradition and look forward to seeing the collaborations, discussions, and discoveries that emerge from this growing community.
Whether you are already working in muscle biophysics or interested in exploring the field, we invite you to join the Muscle Biology Subgroup and become part of this exciting new chapter within the Biophysical Society.
Learn more about BPS Subgroups and how to join: https://www.biophysics.org/subgroups