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Muscle Biology Bylaws

Article I
Purpose: The purpose of the Muscle Biology Subgroup is to advance our understanding of all aspects of muscle biophysics. We aim to support a broad range of scientific areas including, but not restricted to, muscle excitation, contraction and relaxation, growth, and pathophysiological remodeling. We will foster a collaborative environment for researchers at all stages of their careers, provide a forum for mentorship and the exchange of innovative ideas, with the ultimate goal of advancing muscle biophysics to increase knowledge and improve health.

Article II
Membership: Members of the Biophysical Society may join the Muscle Biology Subgroup; non-members of the Biophysical Society are welcome to attend Muscle Biology symposia but are unable to join the Subgroup, serve as Officers of the Subgroup, or vote.

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 will be two Co-Chairs, two Co-Chairs elect, and the Secretary-Treasurer.  The Co-Chairs elect will serve one year as such followed by one year as Co-Chair.  The Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected for a term of two years.  These positions will have the following responsibilities:

Co-Chairs & Co-Chairs-Elect: The co-chairs will organize and conduct the annual Subgroup meeting; apprising the Biophysical Society of the activities and needs of the Subgroup; advising the Society on matters related to the Subgroup; promoting and overseeing the Student Research Achievement Award (SRAA) competition; communicating with the Society concerning meeting plans and public communications (flyers, announcements, newsletter reports, etc.); and participating in activities that benefit the Subgroup and Society. Responsible for the Subgroup meeting all deadlines established by the Subgroup Manager and monitoring all efforts that contribute to the Subgroup Report Card. The co-chairs elect will provide advice and support by executing tasks delegated by the Chair.

Secretary-Treasurer: Will work with the Society to manage Subgroup membership, budgets, keep up to date with financial information and sponsorships, organize social events during the Annual Meeting, conduct the business meeting, and will work with the Chair to carry out necessary correspondence and perform other organizational tasks.

Article V

Eligibility for Office: Only members of the Muscle Biology Subgroup may serve as elected officers. If an elected officer does not become a member prior to the Annual Meeting where they would be taking office, the runner-up candidate shall assume the position instead. The runner up must also be a BPS member and a member of the Subgroup in order to assume office. In order 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 if the Subgroup has a designated trainee position, in which case the position title will reflect the career stage of eligible members. Members may not be elected to the same position in the Subgroup more than once every five years.

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, we will send out a new ballot with just the tied candidates to break the tie. 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 councilors will be filled in accordance with By-Law Article XVIII of the Biophysical Society.

Article VII
Executive Committee: There shall be an Executive Committee which will be responsible for the fulfillment of the scientific and business obligations of the group. The Secretary-Treasurer and the Co-Chairs shall constitute this Executive Committee. The affairs of the Subgroup shall be handled by the Officers in accordance with the policies determined by the Executive Committee and the Biophysical Society Council.

Article VIII
Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Co-Chairs elect. Nominations can come from anyone, with self-nominations also permitted. The Nominating Committee is responsible for soliciting nominations from Subgroup membership and for preparing the final slate of candidates. Nominations will be received electronically up to one month prior to the Subgroup’s Business Meeting. Nominees must accept their nomination prior to being placed on a ballot.

Article IX
Dissolution: The Muscle Biology Subgroup must be in accordance with the Biophysical Society’s constitution and bylaws, mission, values, goals, and operational guidelines. If not, the group will be placed on probation and may be dissolved at the discretion of the Council of the Biophysical Society.

Article X
Amendments to the Bylaws: Amendments can be proposed by any member of the Muscle Biology Subgroup, must be 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.