ROCKVILLE, MD – The Biophysical Society (BPS) applauds the work of Sens. Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) on the introduction of a non-binding  resolution (S. Res. 580/H. Res. 908) to condemn discrimination against Asian-Americans and Asian immigrants caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Scientific research is not limited to any one country, nationality or race; it is an endeavor that thrives on collaboration by researchers working together, across the globe to advance basic and biomedical research initiatives. BPS and its members are alarmed by reports of violence and discrimination against the Asian community as a result of COVID-19.

“Science is a universal language that knows no borders and is enriched by diverse thoughts and analysis. We are proud that diversity and inclusion are part of the core values of Biophysical Society,” said Marina Ramirez-Alvarado, chair of Biophysical Society Committee on Inclusion and Diversity. “Our diverse humanity on this planet is one of the greatest assets we have to solve complex and devastating problems, like the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

BPS President, Catherine Royer reiterated, “The Biophysical Society is devoted to combatting hate and the ignorance on which it feeds through ground-breaking research to produce a fact-based understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying biological function, including viral infections.”

BPS stands ready to work within the scientific community and in conjunction with Congress to stand against discrimination of any kind.