The value of learned societies in the biological sciences: benefits, threats, and futures

BMC Biology 2026 Open access

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Authors: David J. S. Montagnes, Joel B. Dacks, John R. Dolan, Virginia P. Edgcomb, Rachel Foster, R. Ellen R. Nisbet, Anastasios D. Tsaousis
DOI: 10.1186/s12915-026-02583-x
Cited by: 1
References: 57

Abstract

Learned societies play a vital role in fostering interactions that are important in scholarly discourse and the advancement of biological sciences. However, they now face threats from declining funding and membership, shifting disciplinary boundaries, changing approaches towards digital communication, and academic marketization. We outline the historical development of these societies and propose ways to sustain them. Key considerations include improving meetings, adapting publishing models, ensuring financial stability, expanding membership, strengthening outreach, and managing increasingly broad remits. Our main aim is to examine how regional learned societies can maintain their roles to support scientific progress and enrich broader society.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Genetics Bioinformatics and Biomedical Research Environmental Monitoring and Data Management Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration

Publication details

Journal / source
BMC Biology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
24
Issue
1
Publication date
31 March 2026
Language
EN