Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Meeting - The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is the world’s leading society of professionals devoted to developing and using engineering and technology to advance human health and well-being. With over 5,000 attendees and 19 parallel technical Program Tracks, the next three meetings will provide over 3,600 research and education presentations in podium or poster presentation format. Beyond research and educational presentations, the BMES Annual Meeting will provide opportunities for strategic network building, career development and advancement, idea exchange, talent recognition and support, promotion of professional excellence, and engagement of individuals from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including those historically less engaged in the field. This is reflected in the 2025 BMES Annual Meeting (October 8-12, 2025, San Diego, California) theme: “Bridging Healthcare Gaps: The Role of Biomedical Engineering.” BMES seeks NIH support to expand access to career advancement and graduate education programming for students and early-career professionals, particularly those from smaller engineering schools and primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs), where access to recruiting, funding, and mentoring is often limited. NIH funds will support three key components: Travel Awards for undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty presenting original research, selected through a competitive review based on research merit and career impact. Career Development & Graduate School Support, including logistical costs for resume reviews, mentoring, graduate school preparation events, and a targeted Career Fair designed to enhance visibility and access for participants from institutions with limited resources. Emerging Innovator Special Sessions, highlighting early-career investigators whose work is redefining biomedical engineering, providing high-profile opportunities to present research and engage with the broader BME community. Through these initiatives, NIH funding will enhance engagement, support talent development, and promote retention of promising individuals in biomedical engineering education and research pathways. This aligns with NIH's long-term goals to strengthen the health innovation workforce and ensure broad access to research and education opportunities.
