December 2024 Newsletter

In this issue: 

• President's update
• SABER Annual Meeting
• Call for Abstracts 
• Now accepting Annual Meeting location proposals
• Upcoming Events
• Professional Development in Evidence-Based Teaching
• Biology Education Research Seminar Series
• SABER West
• SABER East
• Updates for Members
• Listening Session & SABER Goals Poll
• Updates to the Member Directory
• Recent Job Board Posts

An update from President Miriam Segura

Dear colleagues,

As we look ahead to an exciting year of opportunities, events, and initiatives, I am grateful for your engagement and the vibrant community we’ve built. Your membership is the foundation of our society, and your dedication to its success ensures that we continue to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact. Together, we are shaping the future of the BER field and creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation.

2025 SABER Annual Meeting

July 10-13, 2025
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Call for Abstracts

The SABER Abstract Committee has announced the official Call for Abstracts for the Annual Meeting. Abstract submission will be open February 10-24, 2025. 

Changes this year: 
Short talks, posters, and roundtables: These are open to mixed methods, qualitative, quantitative, practitioner-focused, systematic reviews and theoretical studies. A separate rubric will be piloted this year for systematic reviews and theoretical studies

Read the full Call for Abstracts 

Rubric for Systematic Reviews and Theoretical Papers (Short Talks & Posters)

Call for Abstract Reviewers

It is expected that individuals who submit an abstract (or who are advisors of individuals submitting abstracts) will also serve to review others’ abstracts. We also very much welcome those not submitting an abstract to review. Creating the best meeting program possible requires that we have an active community willing to donate their time to this effort. Please complete the sign up form for reviewers by January 24, 2025 (Link: Reviewer Signup Form). Reviewing will take place between Feb 28 through March 23rd. 

Now Accepting Annual Meeting Location Proposals

Since its inception, the SABER Annual Meeting has been held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN, with incredible support from our on-site hosts. As SABER continues to grow, we are excited to explore new locations for the conference beginning in 2026.

If you are interested in hosting the SABER Annual Meeting at your institution, the SABER Executive Committee invites you to review the SABER Annual Meeting Details and Facility Requirements packet and complete the SABER National Meeting Host Questionnaire. These resources provide details on what hosting entails and the criteria for selection.

Contact Emily Grunspan emily@saberbio.org or a member of the Executive Committee with questions. 

Upcoming Events

Professional Development in Evidence-Based Teaching

Click here to download the flyer to share with your network

Biology Education Research Seminar Series

Click here to download the BER Series flyer

SABER West

SABER East

Abstract submission will open January 20, 2025

Updates for SABER Members

Member Listening Sessions & SABER Goals Poll

In October, the SABER Executive Committee hosted the first session in a new series of member listening events: Aligning Goals for the Next Five Years. Participants shared their thoughts on SABER's goals and priorities. Now, we want to hear from you! As part of our ongoing strategic planning efforts, SABER's leadership invites your input on the organization's stated goals through the poll linked here:

This poll will be available until January 31, 2025. Must be logged in to view. 

Our next listening session will take place in February 2025. Join us to explore leadership opportunities in SABER, whether you're interested in an elected position on the Executive Committee or considering joining or chairing a committee. Details will be available soon.

The Executive Committee has established several new searchable criteria in the member directory to foster connection and collaboration among SABER members. They include: 

• Institution types
• Current rank 
• Willingness to serve as an external evaluator for tenure or NSF grants
• Interest in being considered for invited talks by other members at their institution

Members can update these fields during membership renewal or by following these steps:

1. log into your account. 
2. Click on your name in the top right corner
3. View profile
4. Click "edit profile"

Leave the field(s) blank if you do not wish to share your information with other SABER members. 

Recent Posts on the SABER Job Board