The Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup focuses on biophysical processes by which major energy transducing organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts contribute to cellular bioenergetics and metabolism. Main topics include the energy transduction, organelle signaling, biogenesis, turnover (macro autophagy), membrane dynamics, membrane transport and equivalent processes in bacteria as phylogenetic ancestors. The focus is diverse, from membrane transport involving channels, carriers, redox complexes and ATP synthase; spatiotemporal correlations among key components of oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthetic machineries to further understanding molecular mechanisms of energy transduction; to inter-organelle membrane contacts and local nanodomain communication that integrates mitochondria/chloroplasts with cellular activities and energy homeostasis. The depth of mechanistic insights ranges from cell and organelle population(s) down to intra/intermolecular structural-functional mechanisms at the level of individual proteins and macromolecular complexes. The role of mitochondrial health in cell and organ metabolism and survival are relevant subjects since they combine the energy and redox sustaining ability of these organelles to signal cell function and adaptation under stress, health and disease.
Our subgroup evolves and develops thanks to the dialogue between biophysicists, biologists, chemists, physiologists and physicians, whom all contribute to the progress of this exciting research field. The subgroup’s annual Young Bioenergeticist Award (YBA) recognizes excellence in contributions to the field of bioenergetics by young investigators.
In order to join the Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup, you must be a member of the Society.
Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup Bylaws
Article I
Purpose: The Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding in these fields through rigorous inquiry, inclusive collaboration, and the dissemination of high-impact research. We commit to fostering excellence, upholding scientific integrity, providing a forum to showcase of trainees, and welcoming diverse perspectives that enrich our community and the broader Biophysical Society.
Article II
Membership: Members of the Biophysical Society may join the Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup. Nonmembers of the Society may attend the Subgroup symposia but may not join the Subgroup, vote, or serve in leadership roles. Membership and leadership are open to all Society members in good standing, and we actively encourage participation from early-career scientists and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
Article III
Meetings: Business meetings of the Subgroup membership shall be held in connection with or in close proximity to the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Biophysical Society. If any matters come up that require a vote at any time of year, Subgroup members can transact Subgroup business by a virtual vote. For virtual votes, decisions shall be made by two-thirds of the Subgroup members voting on the measure.
Article IV
Officers: The officers of the Subgroup shall include two Co-Chairs, two Co-Chairs-Elect, a Secretary-Treasurer, two Program Co-Chairs, two Outgoing Co-Chairs, and two additional Executive Liaisons. The Co-Chairs shall serve one year, followed by one year as Outgoing-Chair. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected for a term of two years. The program co-chairs shall serve for a term of one year, and the Executive Liaisons shall serve for a period of two years. These positions have the following responsibilities:
Co-Chair & Co-Chair-Elect: Organize and conduct the annual Subgroup meeting; apprise the Biophysical Society of the activities and needs of the Subgroup; advise the Society on matters related to the Subgroup; promoting and overseeing the Student Research Achievement Award (SRAA) competition; communicate with the Society concerning meeting plans and public communications (flyers, announcements, newsletter reports, etc.); participate in activities that benefit the Subgroup and Society; meet all deadlines established by the Subgroup Manager. They will serve for an additional year as past chair. The past chairs will help provide continuity, offer advice, and assist in the work of the executive committee.
Secretary-Treasurer: Maintains membership records; manages budget, sponsorship, and reporting in collaboration with BPS staff; organizes the subgroup dinner; ensures timely communication with Subgroup members and supports nomination and election processes. Keeps written records of all Executive Committee decisions, which will be made available to Subgroup members upon request.
Program Co-Chairs: Will be responsible for assembling the scientific program for the Annual Subgroup Meeting, which will involve inviting and confirming speakers, setting the symposium program, finalizing symposium food and beverage and AV needs, and if applicable selecting flash talks from submitted abstracts.
Executive Liaisons: Provide strategic input, support early-career initiatives, DEI outreach, and award processes. Reserved for graduate students and postdocs.
Article V
Eligibility for Office: Only members of the Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup may be elected to Subgroup leadership positions. If an elected officer does not become a member prior to the Annual Meeting where they would be taking office, the second runner-up candidate shall assume the position instead. The runner up must also be a BPS member and a member of the Subgroup to assume office. To serve as a regular Subgroup Officer, the member must be a Regular, Emeritus, or Early Career member of BPS. Graduate students/Postdocs can only serve previously designated positions, e.g., Executive Liaisons. Officers may not serve consecutive terms in the same role and must wait at least five years before being re-elected to the same position, with the exception of Executive Liaisons, who may serve only during their trainee period.
Article VI
Elections: Elections must be held and concluded electronically two weeks prior to the Subgroup’s Business Meeting. The candidate for each office receiving the highest number of votes will be elected. In the case of a tie, the deadline will be extended for an extra three days. If the tie remains after three days, BPS staff will send out a new ballot with just the tied candidates to break the tie. The results will be announced to the Subgroup’s membership during the Subgroup’s Business Meeting. Officers will assume their new roles at the end of the annual Business Meeting held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society. Interim vacancies for officers or elected members will be filled in accordance with Bylaw Article XVIII of the Biophysical Society.
Article VII
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee is the primary governing body of the Subgroup and is responsible for fulfilling its scientific, administrative, and strategic objectives. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Co-Chairs, Co-Chairs-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, and Executive Liaisons. Program Co-Chairs and Outgoing Co-Chairs may attend meetings and participate in discussions but are not voting members.
The affairs of the Subgroup shall be handled in accordance with the policies determined by the Executive Committee and Biophysical Society Council.
Article VIII
Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee is responsible for soliciting and vetting candidates for Subgroup leadership positions. It ensures a fair, transparent, and inclusive nomination process that ensures that candidates represent the global biophysics community. The Nominating Committee shall consist of one Co-Chair, the Secretary-Treasurer, one Program Co-Chair, and one Executive Liaison, appointed annually by the Executive Committee. Nominations will be received electronically no later than one month prior to the Subgroup’s Business Meeting. Nominees must accept their nomination prior to being placed on a ballot.
Article IX
Awards Committee: The Awards Committee will be responsible for inviting nominations from all Subgroup members and selecting awardees based on the established eligibility criteria, nomination packets, and judging rubric. The Awards Committee will consist of one current Co-Chair, one Co-Chair-Elect, the Secretary-Treasurer, one Program Co-Chair, and one Executive Liaison. If any of these have a conflict of interest with the Award nominees or sponsors, the Chair may appoint Subgroup members to serve in their place on the Awards Committee.
Each year, the Committee must review and confirm award eligibility requirements and the rubric with BPS staff. While the primary selection criteria will focus on scientific excellence, the committee is also responsible for ensuring that the candidate pool gives meaningful access to underrepresented individuals and groups of the Biophysical Society.
Committee members must avoid any conflicts of interest with nominees or award sponsors in any given year.
Article X
Dissolution: The Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup must be in accordance with the Biophysical Society’s constitution and bylaws, mission, values, goals, policies, and operational guidelines. Noncompliance may result in probation or dissolution by the Society.
Article XI
Amendments to the Bylaws: Amendments can be proposed by any member of the Bioenergetics, Mitochondria & Metabolism Subgroup, approved by a two-thirds majority of the Subgroup’s Executive Committee, and be ratified in an electronic ballot by a majority of the voting group.