At its fall meeting, BPS Council initiated a task force called the “Sustainable Future Task Force,” which was charged with 1) recommending steps that BPS should take to empower our members who would like to use their skills and expertise toward research related to a sustainable future and 2) recommending steps that BPS should take to align our activities with the goal of achieving a sustainable future.
The Task Force produced a report and recommendation, based on which, on February 14, Council voted unanimously to launch a new standing committee, the Committee on Sustainability. The Committee will be responsible for developing strategies and coordinating activities to support member engagement with sustainability research, supporting member transition into sustainable research, and considering existing BPS polices through a sustainability lens.
“The Biophysical Society is in an excellent position to contribute the actionable knowledge and skilled workforce necessary to transition humanity into a sustainable future,” notes BPS President Gabriela K. Popescu, who chaired the Task Force and presented the recommendation for a standing committee to Council. She adds, “Sustainability aligns well with our organizational vision to harness the full potential of biophysics and seek knowledge to improve the human condition and preserve the planet for future generations.”
Emmanuel Margeat, a member of BPS Council and the Task Force, was selected to chair the committee. “BPS and its members are already actively engaged with and make impactful contributions towards sustainable development goals, such as good health, quality education, and gender equality,” says Margeat. “Emerging areas of research, such as synthetic biology, biodegradable materials, biodegrading microorganisms, and renewable biomaterials and fuels, can address some other goals such as clean energy, access to clean water, responsible consumption, and climate action.” Margeat continues, “A deliberate effort to include researchers who are working in these emerging areas and to support our members to transition into these growing fields and into responsible research practices will add value to our members and help to maintain our status as leaders of the global community of biophysicists.”
The Committee will be chaired by Margeat and includes Task Force members Popescu, Les Loew, Samrat Mukhopadhyay, Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, and Lynmarie Thompson. BPS members who have particular experience or interest in sustainability are encouraged to volunteer for the Committee or to provide supplemental support. Please contact us at [email protected] to get involved.