The Nanoscale Approaches to Biology Subgroup (formerly Nanoscale Biophysics) has been covering single-molecule biophysics, super-resolution imaging, nanoparticles and nanodevices since 2010, with a focus on the development of new biophysical methods and instrumentation, and their application to current biophysical questions. The Subgroup aims to advance the field of nanoscale biophysics through the exchange of information, ideas, and innovative techniques operating at the scale of nanometers to tens of nanometers, and by uniting participants at the interface of scientific disciplines from biophysics to physics, chemistry, and beyond. We promise that you will return home with at least one new idea! Each year, the Subgroup sponsors a symposium highlighting exciting advances in biophysics on the nanometer scale. The symposium is followed by a networking event: cocktails and a light dinner.
In order to join the Nanoscale Approaches to Biology Subgroup, you must be a member of the Society.
Nanoscale Approaches to Biology Bylaws
Article I
Purpose: The purpose of the Nanoscale Approaches to Biology (NAB) Subgroup is to advance the field of nanoscale biophysics through the exchange of information, ideas, and innovative techniques operating at the scale of nanometers to tens of nanometers. The Group also seeks to serve as a mentoring platform for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty, both through the knowledge shared and their involvement in Group activities.
Article II
Membership: Members of the Biophysical Society may join the Nanoscale Approaches to Biology Subgroup; nonmembers of the Biophysical Society are welcome to attend NAB Subgroup 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 the current Subgroup Chair, the Chair-elect, the most recent Past-chair, the Secretary-Treasurer, a Postdoc Representative, and a Graduate Student Representative. The Chair-elect shall serve one year as such followed by one year as Chair. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected for a term of two years. A Postdoctoral Fellow and Graduate Student Representative will be elected to serve one year. These positions have the following responsibilities:
Chair, Chair-Elect, & Past Chair: As chair, 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 chair-elect will provide advice and support by executing tasks delegated by the Chair. The past chair will help provide continuity, offer advice, and assist in the work of the executive committee.
Secretary-Treasurer: Will work with the Society to manage Subgroup membership, budgets, keep up to date with financial information and sponsorships, and will work with the Chair to carry out necessary correspondence and other organizational tasks.
Postdoc Representative: Will contribute the perspective of their peers on topics related to Subgroup membership.
Student Representative: Will contribute the perspective of their peers on topics related to Subgroup membership.
Article V
Eligibility for Office: Only members of the Nanoscale Approaches to Biology 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 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 candidates 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 take office at the end of the Annual Business Meeting held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Biophysical Society. Interim vacancies in officers or councilors will be filled in accordance with Bylaw Article XVIII of the Biophysical Society.
Article VII
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee will be responsible for fulfilling the scientific and business obligations of the group. The Executive Committee will consist of the Chair, Chair-Elect, the most recent Past Chair, and the Secretary-Treasurer. The Graduate Student Representative and the Postdoctoral Representative will be non-voting participants at the meeting of the 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 is responsible for soliciting nominations from Subgroup membership and for preparing the final slate of candidates. The members of the Executive Committee shall constitute the Nominating Committee. Nominations can come from anyone, with self-nominations also permitted. 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
Dissolution: The Nanoscale Approaches to 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 Nanoscale Approaches to Biology Subgroup, approved by a two-thirds majority of the Subgroup Executive Committee, and be ratified in a ballot by a majority of the members of the group voting.