As we look ahead to the Biophysical 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 changing 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 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 uncertainties 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 community 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 members, 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. Importantly, 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 continue to change, and BPS must remain nimble, so we view this as a 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, policymakers, 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.
II. ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE THROUGH CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION
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.
B. Navigate a Rapidly Evolving Publishing Landscape
Set the standards of quality and excellence in scientific publishing while addressing critical challenges related to research funding, open access, peer review integrity, and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
C. Catalyze Collaboration Across Disciplines, Institutions, and Borders
Encourage interdisciplinary partnerships and global cooperation to accelerate scientific discovery and broaden the reach and impact of biophysics.
III. FOSTER AN INCLUSIVE AND REPRESENTATIVE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
The Biophysical Society will be recognized as a welcoming global organization where all biophysicists feel a sense of belonging and opportunity.
A. Broaden Participation and Deepen Engagement
Encourage inclusive participation and increase opportunities for involvement across geographic regions, career stages, and professional interests.
B. Embrace Innovation Through a Range of Perspectives and Leadership
Promote a culture that cultivates leadership and values different viewpoints from across the global biophysics community.
C. Expand Representation and Access Across Communities
Actively remove barriers to participation and ensure that underrepresented groups and their individual members have meaningful access to Society programs, leadership, and resources.
IV. INVEST IN THE PEOPLE AND FUTURE OF BIOPHYSICS
The Biophysical Society will cultivate talent, support career development, and position biophysicists to lead in solving complex global challenges.
A. Inspire and Equip the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders
Strengthen training and career development for biophysicists from all backgrounds through high-quality resources, mentorship, and inclusive learning opportunities.
B. Support Career Growth Across the Scientific Journey
Provide targeted resources, recognition, and professional development for biophysicists at every career stage—from students to senior leaders.
C. Accelerate Innovation in Emerging Areas of Biophysics
Promote interdisciplinary exploration and invest in frontier research to keep the field at the cutting edge of science.
D. Position Biophysics to Address Global Scientific and Societal Challenges
Empower biophysicists to solve urgent issues in health and disease, sustainability, and technological advancement through collaborative and solution-driven science.
Taken together, these priorities reflect both continuity and renewal. Many of the themes—supporting science, advancing discovery, and fostering community—will be familiar, but the new plan provides more specificity about how we will accomplish them. Our commitment to inclusion is articulated in terms that emphasize participation, representation, and belonging. And our investment in the future highlights not only training and career development but also emerging frontiers of science and the role of biophysics in tackling global challenges.
We hope this plan serves not just as a roadmap for Council and committees, but also as an invitation to you, our members. The strength of BPS comes from the active participation of our global community, and your ideas, energy, and engagement are vital. Whether you serve on a committee, attend a meeting, mentor a student, publish in BPS journals, or advocate for science in your home country, you are advancing the goals of this plan.
As we embark on this next phase, we do so with optimism and confidence. Biophysics is a field uniquely positioned to illuminate the complexities of life and to contribute solutions to the most pressing issues of our time. The Biophysical Society, guided by this plan and powered by its members, will continue to champion this mission.
We invite you to read, reflect, and share your feedback. You can reach Lynmarie K. Thompson, BPS President, at [email protected], or Jennifer L. Pesanelli, the Executive Officer, at [email protected]. Together, we will ensure that BPS not only adapts to a changing world but also leads with vision, integrity, and purpose.
—Lynmarie K. Thompson, President
—Jennifer L. Pesanelli, Executive Officer