Highlights from this Month

Biophysical Society Creates Roadmap into the Future

Biophysics as a discipline has experienced incredible growth in the last 15 years, which is reflected in the growth of the Biophysical Society membership and Annual Meeting. With that growth, an increasing number of disciplines now use biophysical approaches to conduct their research, and elements of biophysics can be found in nearly every aspect of contemporary life sciences.

Individuals who have chosen science as a career understand the scientific process, the need for research, the potential that comes from gaining an understanding of how things work, and the very long time span needed to realize that potential. But what about people who aren’t scientists? And politicians who want to see the returns on their investments in science? How does the scientific community help others understand?

Growing up in Hyderabad, India, Padmini Rangamani enjoyed writing poetry and embroidering and thought she might study literature or needlecraft. In high school her interests led her toward science and math. “Now, as it was then, I can easily get interested in a variety of things,” she shares. “Throughout my career, I’ve gone wherever I’ve gotten the most curious.”

Some things can’t be said enough. The following article by Patricia L. Clark, was published in the January 2012 BPS Newsletter and in January 2014 as a blog post. We are reproducing it here as it is as relevant today as when it was written.

It is an honor to be asked to co-chair a platform session.Co-chairing a session as a postdoc is a great opportunity to get your name and face out there at a time when you should be planning ahead to secure your next position.