The Society for Research on Biological Rhythms (SRBR) is an international chronobiological research society with three key goals:
to promote the advancement and dissemination of basic and applied research in all aspects of biological rhythms. to enhance the education and training of students and researchers in the field. to foster interdisciplinary communication and an international exchange of ideas.
The society holds biennial meetings and informal gatherings, and participates in peer-reviewed science and evidence-based policy making. It is one of four prominent existing Chronology Research Societies and one of the 14 societies that make up The World Federation of Societies for Chronobiology. The organization is currently composed of 1,000 scientists and clinicians dedicated to studying biological rhythms and their impact. The society has its own official journal, the Journal of Biological Rhythms. Through its journal and meetings the society engages scientists of all backgrounds and nationalities. It advocates the need for funding in research areas in biological rhythms such as sleep and supports other research efforts such as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.
Founding and Early History
In 1986, Benjamin Rusak founded the Journal of Biological Rhythms. Rusak wanted an accompanying society that would hold meetings concerning research on biological rhythms, so he asked Fred W. Turek to organize the first meeting. The society was officially founded on November 12, 1986 by Fred Turek, Dave Hudson, Joe Takahashi, and Gene Block. The society is sometimes cited as being founded in 1988, as this was when the first meeting occurred.
Colin Pittendrigh, Turek's Ph.D. adviser, and one of the fathers of the field, was initially opposed to the society, worrying that it would have an isolating effect on the field rather than connecting it to related disciplines. Pittendrigh came around to the idea after the successful first meeting. Turek, however, believed that the field had advanced and diversified enough to justify a meeting that would unify the diverse field. Turek had been involved with the Endocrine Society, a research society that was 70 years old by 1986. He thought about this well established organisation when working in the early phases of SRBR, hoping to create a society with the ability to make a lasting impact. The first meeting was held at the Wild Dunes Resort and Conference Center in Charleston, SC, in May 1988. The Plenary Lecture at the first meeting was given by Michael Menaker.
Meetings
Meetings for the Society of Research on Biological Rhythms occur once every two years, typically in May or June. The location of the meeting is determined by the President of the SRBR with the help of existing members. Meetings typically last four or five days and are open to all registered members. The meetings serve as a forum to share the latest research in biological rhythms, with hundreds of chronobiologist from around the world presenting at poster sessions and lectures. According to 2016 President Paul Hardin, the meeting is "an exceptional forum for hearing the latest cutting-edge research, reengaging with colleagues from years past, and exchanging ideas that will shape the future of the field with a talented and diverse group of chronobiologists from around the globe."
The last day of the meeting also features a keynote speaker referred to as the Pittendrigh/Aschoff speaker, named after notable chronobiologist Colin Pittendrigh and Jürgen Aschoff. Notable past Pittendrigh/Aschoff speakers include: Fred Turek, Joe Takahashi, and Michael Young.
In addition to lectures and poster sessions, the meeting also serves as an opportunity to review the accomplishments of the society and its members over the previous two years, provide updates on the Journal for Biological Rhythms, introduce the incoming administration, and officially transfer the presidency to the president-elect.
List of meetings
Awards
The Society for Research on Biological Rhythms offers various awards and fellowships to researchers and trainees with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Researchers and trainees must be participating in SRBR's biennial meeting to be considered.