Each year, the Biophysical Society’s Council meets during the Annual Meeting to review progress, make important decisions, and chart the path forward for the Society. This year, Council gathered for a three-part series of meetings in San Francisco that reflected both the opportunities and the challenges facing our community. While many of the discussions acknowledged real pressures such as financial uncertainty, shifting workforce dynamics, and a changing global research environment, the overall tone was constructive, forward looking, and grounded in a shared commitment to ensuring that BPS remains a vibrant and welcoming home for biophysicists worldwide.
Following are highlights from those meetings, offered to help keep you informed about the direction of the Society and the work underway on your behalf.
Opening Reflections and 2025 Accomplishments
Outgoing BPS President Lynmarie K. Thompson opened with a review of the Society’s accomplishments over the past year. The breadth of activity across programs, publications, meetings, education, and member engagement was a strong reminder that BPS is far more than a single annual event. From scientific programming to community-building initiatives, from journal growth to launching a new Subgroup, the Society continues to evolve in response to member needs.
At the same time, Council recognized that the external environment has become more complex. Federal policy developments include issues related to research funding, visa policies, and international mobility. These remain important areas to monitor because of the direct impact on our members’ ability to collaborate, travel, and build scientific careers.
Financial Stewardship, Strategic Planning, and Governance
One of the most significant discussion areas centered on finance and long-term sustainability. BPS Treasurer Samantha Harris reported that the Society’s reserves remain strong, providing stability and flexibility. However, like many scientific organizations, BPS is experiencing financial pressure tied to reduced funding and the resulting impact on meeting attendance and member travel. Council reviewed several strategies aimed at reducing projected operating deficits while continuing to invest in member value. A strong theme throughout these conversations was balance: maintaining fiscal responsibility without diminishing the member experience or the Society’s mission.
Discussions included analysis of membership dues and registration rates. Council agreed to hold dues rates steady while exploring structural adjustments that better reflect today’s workforce—including adding a new dues category for members working in industry. Registration fees were also reviewed, with particular attention paid to supporting early career scientists through reduced rates.
Expense management was another area of active discussion. Council reviewed adjustments already made for the 2026 Annual Meeting and looked ahead to potential refinements for 2027. Rather than making decisions in isolation, Council members were asked to observe programs and events throughout the meeting and to provide feedback based on member participation and value. This evidence-based approach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that changes are thoughtful and community informed.
A recurring theme in all finance discussions was the importance of strengthening engagement with scientists working outside traditional academic pathways. Council spent considerable time discussing how BPS can better support members who are transitioning into industry and how to sustain long-term membership value for them once they make that transition.
Council elected the 2026 Nominating Committee and discussed potential bylaw changes to expand committee membership in future years, enhancing representation and capacity.
Annual Meeting Insights and Future Planning
Ensuring a comprehensive yet inclusive Annual Meeting program remains one of Council’s most visible and impactful responsibilities. The 2026 Annual Meeting Co-Chairs, Ariane Briegel and Ilya Levental, shared reflections on program development, noting that approximately 75% of the scientific program grew directly from members’ responses to the annual call for topics. Nominations for the Future of Biophysics Burroughs Wellcome Fund Symposium and the New and Notable Symposium were exceptionally high, highlighting both the enthusiasm of the community and the challenge of speaker selection when nominations far exceed available slots.
Council also reviewed abstract submission and registration trends. As many members observed firsthand, the 2026 meeting was smaller than in some recent years, affected by funding constraints, travel restrictions, and broader uncertainty in the research environment. Rather than viewing this simply as a challenge, Council discussed ways to maintain connection with members unable to attend. These include sharing selected recorded sessions and expanding meaningful programming throughout the year. Of course, Biophysics Week in March represents another mechanism for members to participate in activities remotely.
Looking ahead, the 2027 Annual Meeting Program Co-Chairs, Linda Columbus and Henry Colecraft, received enthusiastic feedback on their draft program. For the first time, four Subgroups will be incorporated directly into the main scientific program, an exciting experiment designed to increase visibility and integration while preserving Subgroup identity and community spirit. Council approved the program following substantial discussion about balancing scientific topics, speaker diversity, and international representation.
Subgroups: Growth and Community
Subgroups remain one of the Society’s greatest strengths, and Council discussions reflected their vitality. BPS Secretary Teresa Giraldez shared feedback from the meeting of the Subgroup Chairs at the Annual Meeting, which indicated strong participation, high enthusiasm, and an overall successful Subgroup Saturday in San Francisco.
An early milestone this year was the official launch of the new Muscle Biology Subgroup, expanding the Society’s scientific reach and creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Council also discussed the evolution of Subgroup programming. While integration into the main meeting program beginning in 2027 offers new visibility and a chance to highlight topics, Subgroup leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining the distinct “Subgroup vibe”—the flexibility, intimacy, and community building that make these gatherings special. Council agreed that clear communications will be essential to ensure members understand that Subgroup identity remains central even as formats evolve.
Inclusion, Engagement, and BPS Values
Council approved a recommendation to rename the Committee on Inclusion and Diversity as the Committee on Excellence and Engagement in Biophysics. This change reflects an intention to emphasize broad participation and scientific excellence while continuing to foster welcoming environments for all members.
Incoming BPS President Karen G. Fleming shared her vision for the Society, framing the coming year as a time not merely to “hold on tight,” but to actively shape the future of the field. Several key priorities emerged:
Clarifying the role and value of a scientific society in an increasingly digital and interconnected world and articulating the value of membership beyond the Annual Meeting;
Strengthening BPS as a natural home for emerging areas, including applied artificial intelligence in biophysics;
Expanding support for members pursuing diverse careers, especially those in
industry; and
Maintaining strong international engagement amid challenging geopolitical conditions.
These themes resonated across many discussions and will guide Council’s work in the year ahead.
Publications: Momentum and Opportunities
Publications remain a vital pillar of the Society, both scientifically and financially. Council heard encouraging news from Biophysical Journal Editor-in-Chief Vasanthi Jayaraman, who reported a significant increase in submissions at a time when many journals are experiencing declines. This success reflects the grassroots efforts by editors and contributors, the strength of new sections such as Computational Biophysics, and innovative special issues that attract global attention. Council also discussed the importance of member participation in Society journals, emphasizing that the long-term health of BPS publishing depends on community support.
The Biophysicist Editor-in-Chief Padmini Rangamani described both challenges and exciting possibilities. Submissions have slowed somewhat as researchers navigate uncertainties in their labs, but mentorship-focused editorial practices continue to strengthen the journal. Planned thematic issues on graduate education worldwide and AI in education aim to expand its reach and relevance. Discussions also included the possibility of a future title change to better communicate the journal’s identity and scope.
Biophysical Reports continues its evolution under the new editorial leadership of Melanie Cocco. Council explored ways to distinguish the journal more clearly from Biophysical Journal, and supported Cocco’s recommendation for a new article type called Method Review, which would allow authors to provide a complete explanation of a method that typically isn’t possible in the confines of a research article. A virtual collection could be created that would allow readers to find the reviews in one place. Cocco also would like to investigate changing the name of the journal, such as to Biophysical Methods and Reports, to better describe the focus and content of the journal.
Looking Forward
As we concluded our final Council session, one message came through clearly: the Biophysical Society is navigating change from a position of strength. Challenges exist, but so do opportunities. We are well poised to broaden engagement, to support evolving career paths, to innovate scientifically, and to ensure that BPS continues to serve as a global home for biophysics.
The Annual Meeting remains our “mecca” for in-person networking and scientific exchange, but Council discussions underscored an equally important goal: making the Society’s value felt throughout the year and across disciplines, career stages, and geographic boundaries.
On behalf of Council and the dedicated staff who support its work, thank you for your engagement and commitment to the Society. Your ideas, participation, and scientific contributions shape the future we are building together, and we look forward to continuing this work with you in the months ahead.
—Karen G. Fleming, President
—Jennifer Pesanelli, Executive Officer