Tuesday, February 4, 2025
2/4/2025
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) is the foremost society for biomechanics research and engagement in the United States. The Society’s annual meeting brings together an interdisciplinary group of researchers interested in the application of mechanical principles to biological problems, both basic and applied. The research portfolio of ASB’s membership is highly interdisciplinary and complements the missions of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) and National Institute Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin diseases (NIAMS) by fostering discovery and dissemination of scientific knowledge through basic, translational, and clinical research that aims to enhance the health, productivity, independence, and quality of life of people with physical disabilities or musculoskeletal diseases. The 2023 annual meeting of the ASB, which will be held in Knoxville, TN, is being hosted by faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The meeting will feature a variety of activities designed to foster a lively interchange of ideas, including podium presentations, thematic poster sessions, invited symposia, keynote lectures, poster presentations, topical tutorials, laboratory tours and a variety of mentoring and diversity events. Student participation and mentoring are priorities for the Society. Meeting attendance is anticipated to exceed 800 delegates, of which nearly half are expected to be students. Mechanisms have been established to specifically encourage and support the participation of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. Along these lines, under the direction of the current Diversity Chair, Ajit Chaudhari, PhD, the Society will continue to administer a Diversity Travel Award program, and organize three key events designed to (i.) provide mentorship on professional development strategies to mid-career scientists in the Society (Mentoring Lunch) (ii.) convene the women in the Society and offer strategies for negotiation across all career stages (Women in Science), (iii.) bring together members of the Society to discuss systematic bias in the academy with a focus on gender and gender identity (Diversity and Inclusion Lunch), and (iv.) engage educators and students, including current Travel Awardees from diverse backgrounds, during and after the meeting (STEM Education Program).. This grant application seeks funding to continue supporting Diversity Travel Awards for ~24 attendees of the meeting as well as a prominent keynote speaker for the STEM Educational Program. Travel awards have now been offered at each of the last five in-person meetings (2015-19) of the ASB to individuals with disabilities and from underrepresented backgrounds. These awards have proven to be successful in increasing diversity amongst young active members who over time will become the future leaders of the Society and the field.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).