Biophysical Society Bulletin | March 2018

Public Affairs

Washington, DC, and across the globe, with advocates contacting their representatives and visiting federal and local offices to demand that officials vote for science. Last year’s March for Science event was the largest pro-science march in history with more than one million people in more than 600 locations across all seven continents joining together in support of science. This historic event was created by sci- entists and science supporters, powered by volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and generations, inspired by a growing concern about the lack of science in policy and the need to speak out. As more information becomes available on the 2018 marches, BPS will share it via social media and the Society’s website.

Visit BPS at the USA Science and Engineering Festival

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: USA Science and Engineering Festival With thousands of people dropping by the Biophysical Society booth, we are seeking volunteers to help us at the USA Science and Engineering Festival. Public polls show that many people can’t even name a living scientist, which is why it is great to have you, our members, there to talk to people about what you do and answer general questions about biophysics. If you are local to the Washington, DC, area, or will be in the area April 6 – 8 and are interested in volun- teering, please sign up at https:/www.surveymonkey. com/r/Y768SZ3 by March 15. Thank you in advance!

The Biophysical Society is proud to once again partici- pate in the USA Science and Engineering Festival, April 6–8, 2018, in Washington, DC, as an official partner

From the Blog Biophysical Society Creates Roadmap into the Future Hear from BPS President Lukas Tamm about the Society’s new strategic plan. The Society Council undertook a year-long strategic planning effort to ensure that the Society’s activities, programs, and direction continue to best promote the field as a cohesive, unique discipline, and that the Society continues to provide a home and support network for the breadth of current and future biophysi- cists to showcase their research and the advancement of the field. For more details visit: https:/ biophysicalsociety. wordpress.com/2018/01/04/biophysical-society-cre- ates-roadmap-into-the-future/. and an exhibitor. The free festival, the largest in the United States, is geared toward children, students, and families, and attracted over 365,000 visitors the last time it was held in 2016. Those attending have the opportunity to hear from famous science ambassadors, meet acting scientists, and learn about science, engineering, and math through hands-on activities. The Society will be exploring cell com- munication and collective action at its exhibit booth during the festival. Please spread the word about this incredible event to those who are able to attend. For more information, visit www. usasciencefestival.org.

http:/ biophysicalsociety.wordpress.com

Biophysics Week: An Opportunity for Public Outreach Biophysical Society member Meenakshi Prabhune shares her experience participating in Biophysics Week 2017. In response to an email calling for members to organize events during the outreach week, she decided to partic- ipate by writing about biophysics topics on her personal blog. Read her perspective on the experience here: https:/ biophysicalsociety.wordpress.com/2018/01/05/biophys- ics-week-an-opportunity-for-public-outreach/.

March 2018

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