Our mission promotes the sharing of knowledge and expertise to support the molecular bioscience field across all career stages, which could not be possible without the hard-work and determination of those that sit on our committees, boards and panels.

Every month, we will be introducing you to one of our volunteers to gain insight into what our committees do, the benefits to the community, and the benefits to the individuals who volunteer.

Professor Lisa Chakrabarti first joined one of our six Research Areas in 2013, which she later chaired. She sat on our Council of Trustees, who are responsible for deciding and driving the Society’s strategy, for nearly four years, first as Chair of our Basic Biosciences Theme Panel and then as Interim Honorary Meetings Secretary.

Stepping into the Honorary Meetings Secretary role at the beginning of last year, Lisa chaired the Conferences Committee, helped to drive the Society’s conference programme, disseminating knowledge, provided networking opportunities, and built collaborations.  

We asked Lisa three questions about her former roles and what she had gained from the experience after stepping down in October 2025.

What inspired you to get involved with the Society and how did the experience match or exceed your expectations?

I had attended and enjoyed a couple of Biochemical Society conferences and when a colleague mentioned that there was space on one of the panels and I should apply, it had never occurred to me to do that before; but I did, and my application was accepted.

I learnt so much, made new friends and found some excellent collaborators. 

Can you share a specific moment/accomplishment in your role that made you feel rewarded?

I got to present the Biochemical Society sponsored prize at British Science Week. It was a fun event, lots of early career scientists with exciting posters. There was huge diversity and a real celebratory atmosphere in the room, we were in the House of Commons! It really seemed like the molecular life sciences were being acknowledged as very important, at the very highest levels.

What skills and experiences have you gained from being part of the Society?

I have finally realised that there is no real mystery to working with committees or even chairing them! Everyone at the Society is really lovely, nobody expects you to just know how to do things, there is always help and support.  

I have learned that the more voices and viewpoints we manage to get on an issue, the greater the challenge it is to get it right. However, the variety of contributions and then wrangling to fit most of it into what we do, is what leads to vibrant outcomes.

Discover more about our Conferences Committee.