In a world overflowing with information but increasingly low on trust, where do scientists find community, mentorship, and a shared sense of purpose?
That’s the question Peter R. Ryan and colleagues explore in their powerful editorial, “Strengthening the Future of Science”, published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal. The full article is open access and can be read here: https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70145.
What We’re Losing
The decline of scientific society membership is not just a footnote in the story of modern academia—it’s a red flag. Once the lifeblood of scholarly interaction, societies are seeing dwindling attendance, fading student interest, and vanishing institutional support.
Between Zoom fatigue, career insecurity, and the flood of online academic content, many early-career researchers now ask: Why bother joining a society?
Ryan et al. argue that deeper structural changes—technological disruption, the fragmentation of biology, and the failure to communicate the value of societies—are at play.
Societies Offer More Than Journals and Conferences
The article emphasizes that scientific societies are far more than vehicles for journals or conferences. They are:
- Mentorship networks for early-career researchers
- Platforms for recognition and academic validation
- Training grounds for leadership in science
- Safe spaces for discussion and constructive critique
While the digital age has democratized access to research, it has also eroded the community and continuity that societies once ensured. And yet, societies that have adapted—through more flexible events and better outreach—are now witnessing membership rebounds.
Rethinking the Role of Societies
The authors call for a bold reinvention of societies as agents of public engagement and science advocacy. They suggest:
- Better advertising of society benefits to students
- University and funder subsidies for membership fees
- More focused, smaller workshops instead of large, generic conferences
- Active contributions to science policy and public debate
Examples cited include the American Society of Plant Biologists lobbying Congress, the French Academy of Agriculture advising national policy, and the Global Plant Council promoting plant science worldwide.
Our Suggestions for the Future
Building on the editorial, here are a few additional ideas for how societies—and society—can move forward:
- Micro-communities: Slack or Discord groups for niche networking
- Wellness support: Partnering with mental health services for early-career researchers
- Cross-disciplinary bridges: Co-hosted events with other fields
- Public tiers of membership: Including teachers, students, and citizen scientists
- Tech-forward engagement: Using AI, VR, and interactive platforms for outreach
Final Thought
If you're a student or researcher deciding whether to renew that society membership—this is your sign.
If you're an administrator, now is the time to fund society memberships as a vital part of training and academic infrastructure.
If you're a citizen, support the institutions that keep science credible, connected, and inclusive.
“Scientific societies must mean more to members than simply the source of a journal or a meeting.”
— Schwartz et al., 2008 (quoted in the article)
The future of science doesn’t just depend on more funding or better tools. It depends on community. For that, scientific societies are indispensable.
🔗 Read the original article: https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.70145
✍️ Written by: Peter R. Ryan, Liana G. Acevedo-Siaca, Geraint Parry, and Kailash Chander Bansal
📖 Published in: Plant Biotechnology Journal, 2025
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