Jayaraman named Biophysical Society president-elect

Vasanthi Jayaraman, PhD, will serve as the next president of the Biophysical Society, beginning her term as president-elect at the society’s 2027 annual meeting in Philadelphia in February.

Jayaraman is professor and chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, and the John S. Dunn Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Bob and Hazel Casey Chair in Biochemistry.

“As much as I have dedicated my career to understanding how protein structure and dynamics govern function, I am as equally dedicated to the society that has been my home for the past two decades,” Jayaraman said. “During my term as president, my vision for our community will be to build upon these strong foundations while positioning us for the future of science.”

Jayaraman is an internationally recognized leader in biophysics and molecular biology, with numerous honors recognizing her contributions to research and education, including the 2025 President’s Scholar Award and designation as a Biophysical Society Fellow. She is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Her research focuses on the structure and function of membrane proteins, with an emphasis on ligand-gated ion channels such as the glutamate receptor. Supported by the National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies, her work has advanced understanding of molecular signaling in the brain.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Jayaraman has trained graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career scientists, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Her leadership has strengthened collaborative research and training programs across the institution.

“I believe it is critical for us to advocate on behalf of science and rebuild the trust and support that we have long held with the public,” Jayaraman said. “We must also rededicate ourselves to support researchers around the world throughout all stages of their careers. Our path forward, now more than ever, must be together.”

Founded in 1958, the Biophysical Society leads an innovative global community working at the interfaces of the physical and life sciences, across all levels of complexity, and fosters the dissemination of that knowledge. The society promotes growth in the expanding field through its annual meeting, publications, and research activities. Its 6,000 members are located around the world, where they teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, laboratories, government agencies, and industry.