Mechanobiology is an emerging area of biophysics that focuses on the role of mechanical cues that alter cellular responses and their transduction by cells. Topics ranging from rigidity sensing by stem cells to osmosensing in bacteria are all based upon mechanochemical processes. This new subgroup will call attention to how mechanical aspects of biological functions are critical for shaping organisms and influencing cellular processes at the molecular level. Cellular properties are not merely defined by their components, but how these components interact physically with one another and the cellular microenvironment over time.
Join the Mechanobiology Subgroup
In order to join the Mechanobiology Subgroup, you must be a member of the Society.
Mechanobiology Subgroup Bylaws
Article 1 Purpose: The purpose of the Mechanobiology Subgroup shall be to advance and disseminate knowledge regarding the way mechanics shape molecular and cellular processes.
Article 2 Membership: Members of the Biophysical Society can join the Mechanobiology Subgroup; non- members of the Biophysical Society are welcome to attend Mechanobiology Subgroup symposia but are unable to join the subgroup, serve as Officers of the Subgroup, or vote.
Article 3 Dissolution: The Mechanobiology 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 and may be dissolved at the discretion of the Council of the Biophysical Society.
Article 4 Meetings: Business meetings shall be held in connection with the annual scientific meeting of the Biophysical Society. Five percent of the members of the Mechanobiology Subgroup or 10 members, whichever is smaller, shall constitute a quorum. Scientific meetings shall be held in association with the annual Biophysical Society meetings, and must follow the guidelines established by the BPS Council.
Article 5 Officers: The officers of the group will be a group Chair, Chair-elect, and 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. The gender of Chair and Secretary-Treasurer shall alternate at every term.
Article 6 Executive Committee: The Executive Committee will be responsible for fulfilling the scientific and business obligations of the group. The Chair, Chair-Elect, One (or Two) Past-Chairs, and the Secretary-Treasurer shall constitute this Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall have power to conduct other business by means of electronic vote. The affairs of the Mechanobiology Subgroup shall be handled by the Officers in accordance with the policies determined by the Executive Committee and Biophysical Society Council.
Article 7 Nominating Committee: The members of the Executive Committee shall constitute the nominating 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. All Nominees in a given slate of candidates shall have the same gender, alternating at every election.
Article 8 Eligibility for Office: Only members of the Mechanobiology Subgroup may be candidates for officers. Members may not be elected to one office more than once every five years.
Article 9 Elections: Elections shall 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. 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 VII of the Biophysical Society.
Article 10 Amendments to the Bylaws: Amendments to the bylaws of the Mechanobiology must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Subgroup’s Executive Committee, and ratified in an electronic ballot by a majority of the members of the group voting.