Election of new ISRB Officers

Voting is restricted to active ISRB members. Link to cast your vote is at the bottom of the page.

Dear ISRB Member,

This year we will elect two new officers for our society which will start their terms in September of 2025.

Voting opens on the 6th of June and closes on the 8th of July (midnight UTC). 

President Elect

The President Elect will serve for two years, then progress to President for two years and then become Past President for two years. Thus, each President will be in post a total of six years. The President Elect plays a crucial role in the ISRB by helping to coordinate the ISRB Biannual conference, liaising with other societies and organisations and working with the President and members of the board to facilitate ISRB activities.

Nominee: Celina Juliano 

Motivation statement by Celina Juliano:

I am grateful to the founders of ISRB for creating this society. Before ISRB, it was difficult to find a scientific community that fully aligned with my research interests in the basic biology of regeneration. ISRB brings together researchers dedicated to understanding regeneration across diverse model systems, creating a vibrant and collaborative environment focused on fundamental biology. While fantastic societies like the Society for Developmental Biology and its international counterparts support basic biology, only a small fraction of their membership is focused on regeneration. Conversely, organizations like ISSCR have a greater focus on regeneration but tend to emphasize translational science. ISRB’s commitment to basic regenerative biology is the space in which my science, and the science of many others, thrives. My goal is to help ISRB grow and flourish as the central hub for this global community. As an international society, ISRB must navigate a range of political and institutional contexts. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the global impact of dramatic shifts in research support in major scientific economies, particularly the United States. Funding instability disproportionately affects trainees and early-career researchers worldwide and threatens to create an atmosphere that drives them away from science. ISRB has a vital role to play in supporting our trainees through this uncertain landscape.

Although ISRB may not be positioned to provide direct financial support for research, we are well equipped to help trainees gain a competitive edge. Supporting the next generation of scientists must always be a central priority for ISRB, both in times of funding abundance and especially when resources are limited. When funding tightens, particularly for those working in basic science and nontraditional model organisms, it becomes even more critical to build programs that enhance trainees’ skills, visibility, and professional opportunities. ISRB’s outstanding mentorship program is a strong foundation, and I fully support its continued growth. My most meaningful contribution as a board member has been launching the ISRB webinar series, which now runs monthly across three time zones. These webinars provide everybody, and particularly trainees, with a valuable platform to present their research and build professional networks. Although attendance has remained modest, averaging around 30 participants, it has been remarkably consistent over several years, reflecting sustained enthusiasm for this format. To further enhance the value of these webinars, we could actively encourage PI attendance and invite them to offer constructive feedback on both the scientific content and presentation skills of trainee speakers. Additionally, organizing small group discussions following each webinar could foster deeper engagement and stronger connections within the ISRB community. I also propose that we pursue targeted fundraising to support trainee travel and registration for meetings, support that will only grow more essential as lab budgets shrink. Beyond funding, ISRB can help trainees navigate career transitions: connecting graduate students to postdocs, postdocs to faculty positions, or helping students find new labs in the face of funding disruptions. We should continue to improve communication about ISRB’s programs and empower members, especially postdocs, to take leadership roles in running them, gaining valuable experience while strengthening the community.

As we think about ISRB’s future, we should remain rooted in basic biology while fostering connections with translational science. Fundamental discoveries in model organisms continue to shape regenerative medicine, and ISRB can highlight these links. We could publish short features or videos that showcase how basic research in regeneration has led to meaningful clinical advances. At the same time, we can invite translational researchers to relevant webinars and discussions, for example, pairing a talk on eye regeneration in model organisms with follow-up conversations that include vision scientists working in applied settings.

To expand our reach, we should explore shared memberships with related societies and work to broaden our ISRB membership base from underrepresented geographic regions. Our membership and leadership should reflect the full scientific and global diversity of the regenerative biology field. Finally, ISRB should advocate for academic freedom and the conditions necessary for science to thrive. As a society grounded in basic biology, we must actively protect and promote the principles that allow this work to continue. ISRB has already become an essential home for regenerative biologists. My vision is to strengthen and expand that home, support the next generation of scientists, and ensure that we continue to champion the foundational role of basic biology in understanding and harnessing regeneration.

Nominee: Brigitte Galliot 

Motivation statement by Brigitte Galliot:

It is with great enthusiasm and a profound sense of responsibility that I present my candidacy for the position of President-Elect of the ISRB. Because of my career, both as a researcher focusing on the mechanisms of regeneration for 35 years, and as a former member of the presidency of the University of Geneva, I am deeply committed to the mission of our Society and to the advancement of regenerative biology in all its diversity - from model systems to methodologies, and from early-career support to societal impact.

Continuity and Connectivity

First and foremost, I wish to reaffirm my commitment to the foundational activities that make ISRB a dynamic and globally connected community. I propose to continue organizing our biennial meetings, rotating between continents to ensure broad geographic inclusion and to foster regular opportunities for the community to engage, share the latest discoveries, and build collaborations.

Likewise, I propose to sustain and if necessary expand the ISRB's webinar series. These regular, accessible online events are vital platforms for scientists across the world—especially junior researchers—to present their work and receive constructive feedback. They represent one of our most effective tools for equitable scientific exchange and mentorship.

Integration Across Models and Methods

Regenerative biology thrives on interdisciplinarity. I will actively promote the integration of all biological models—vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants—and encourage a wide spectrum of approaches: genetic, molecular, cellular, biochemical, biophysical, and theoretical. Our strength lies in our diversity, and I believe ISRB should remain a home where cross-fertilization of ideas can flourish.

Empowering the Next Generation

While ISRB has always supported academic excellence, I believe we must go further in equipping the next generation of regenerative biologists for the realities of today’s job market. Most young scientists will pursue careers beyond academia, and ISRB should play an active role in helping them navigate this path. I propose to expand our engagement with the socio-economic landscape—connecting our members with companies in biotech, pharma, biomedical engineering, and related sectors, as well as institutions involved in science communication, public engagement, and museums.

By building bridges between science and society, we not only support our young scientists but also ensure the relevance and application of regenerative biology beyond the lab.

Science for Society

Finally, I strongly believe that ISRB must stand as a beacon of rational thought and scientific culture. At a time when misinformation can spread rapidly and public trust in science is not a given, our Society has a crucial role to play in promoting evidence-based thinking, curiositydriven research, and the value of scientific inquiry. Regenerative biology, with its transformative potential, is uniquely placed to inspire and educate both the scientific community and the broader public. In closing, I am honored to be considered for this role and eager to contribute to the ISRB's continued evolution as an inclusive, forward-looking, and socially engaged scientific society.

In closing, I am honored to be considered for this role and eager to contribute to the ISRB's continued evolution as an inclusive, forward-looking, and socially engaged scientific society.

Secretary

In addition to working with the members of the board to facilitate ISRB activities, the Secretary ensures that the constitution of the ISRB is adhered to as well as overseeing the organisation and documentation of board meetings and voting processes.

Nominee: Mekayla Storer

Motivation statement for Mekayla Storer:

As a group leader, who obtained membership in 2022, I have engaged with and benefited greatly from the ISRB. I have had the opportunity to present my research at the monthly webinars, subsequently help co-organise the webinars for Zone 2; and further my interests of improving research culture by co-developing a mentorship programme for researchers transitioning to independence. As the Secretary, I would be excited to continue to work with the ISRB to further develop these initiatives and have several others, including:

• Promotion of Early Career Research Fellows using the ISRB platforms including LinkedIn, X, BlueSky and the website (where appropriate) to help advertise postdoctoral/research assistant positions, highlight recent publications and introduce them to the larger research community.
• Ensure the ISRB operates efficiently, with clear documentation, streamlined correspondence and transparent communication between members, leadership and external partners.
• Development of Initiatives to Increase Membership To The Society, particularly in regions where membership rates remain low.
• Develop Initiatives to Facilitate The Sharing of Educational Resources pertaining to regeneration and regenerative organisms.

By serving in this role, I aim to support the Society’s mission, strengthen our global network and enable a broader participation in regenerative biology research. I am eager to bring my organization skills, enthusiasm and dedication to this position and look forward to contribute to the continued success of the ISRB.

Vote here