Yes, I am finally here in San Francisco. I got stuck in London due to a big storm, so I was delayed one whole day. It felt so bad to miss subgroup Saturday. More than 10 years ago, I and Margaret Cheung started the BIV (Biopolymers in vivo) subgroup. It was so much fun to do that, and it became my way into engagements in the Biophysical society. I heard through the grapevine that this year’s BIV session was really good. Also, a talk in another subgroup about AlphaFold draw huge attention according to my twitter feed.
When I arrived late afternoon yesterday, it was sunny and warm, and around the hotel and the Moscone center, I saw many people with BPS badges. I felt excitement in the air. However, after my long trip, and two hours waiting for the hotel room to be ready, I was extremely tired and fell asleep well before 10 pm.
Today Sunday I spent the whole day at the conference center. It was truly amazing to see a lot of people gathered again. And all of us are connected because of our interest in biophysics. I listened to some great talks but mostly I talked to friends, colleagues, and students (e.g., picture). And it felt normal, except for the fact that everyone had a mask on, so a little bit harder to recognize people.
Tonight, I had a wonderful oyster dinner at the (apparently famous) Hog Island Oyster Co at the Ferry Building with Frances Arnold, tomorrow’s BPS Lecturer, Jennifer Doudna, another female Nobel Prize laureate, and council member Susan Marqusee. Although rather cold to sit outside (but much warmer than in Sweden, I should not complain), we had such a fun dinner with interesting conversations, see picture. And the oysters were excellent!
Tomorrow I must get up early for the CPOW (Committee for Professional Opportunities for Women) committee meeting at 8.30am. I was a member of CPOW before, prior to getting into Council, but once a member, you are always welcome to their annual meeting. CPOW has helped the society becoming more inclusive and worked hard to increase the number of females nominated for society awards. They are doing a great job and I want to hear what is ongoing now. Because of that, and perhaps because I had a bunch of wine tonight, this post is short. I end with this advice: make sure you use the time at the conference to speak to people! You will realize how inspiring it is and how much you have missed it!