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 shall be charged with the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in Bioenergetics.
Article II
Membership: Members of the Biophysical Society may join the Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup; non-members of the Biophysical Society are welcome to attend Bioenergetics Subgroup symposia but are unable to join the Subgroup, serve as Officers of the Subgroup, or vote.
Article III
Dissolution: The Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup must be in accordance with the Biophysical Society’s constitution and bylaws, mission, values, goals, and operational guidelines. If the subgroup is found in violation of their bylaws, the group will be placed on probation or may be dissolved at the discretion of the Council of the Biophysical Society.
Article IV
Meetings: Business meetings of the membership shall be held in connection with the annual scientific meeting of the Biophysical Society. Five percent of the members of this group, or 10 members, whichever is smaller, shall constitute a quorum. Scientific meetings shall be held in association with from the annual Biophysical Society meetings, and must follow the guidelines established by the BPS Council.
Article V
Officers: The officers of the Subgroup will be a Chair, Chair-elect, and a Secretary-Treasurer. 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.
Article VI
Executive Committee: There shall be an Executive Committee responsible for the fulfillment of the scientific and business obligations of the group. The Officers and two elected members shall constitute this Executive Committee. The elected Committee members shall be chosen from the membership to serve two years on a rotating basis. The Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the group Chair, at least once a year, preferably shortly before the annual business meeting. The Executive Committee shall have power to conduct other business by means of electronic vote. The affairs of the Subgroup shall be handled by the Officers in accordance with the policies determined by the Executive Committee and Biophysical Society Council.
Article VII
Nominating Committee: The nominating committee shall consist of the members of the Executive Committee. 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 VIII
Eligibility for Office: Only members of the Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, and Metabolism Subgroup may be candidates for offices. Members may not be elected to one office more than once every five years.
Article IX
Elections: Elections will be held electronically up to two weeks prior to the Subgroup’s business meeting. The candidate for each office receiving the highest number of votes will be elected. 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 elected members will be filled in accordance with Bylaw Article VII of the Biophysical Society.
Article X
Awards: There shall be an awards committee, whose members are charged with soliciting and selecting awards. The award selection process and criteria should be transparent and open to full membership.
Article XI
Amendments to the Bylaws: Amendments should arise from the members of the Bioenergetics Subgroup, approved by a two-thirds majority of the Subgroup’s Executive Committee, and ratified in an electronic ballot by a majority of the voting group.