Society for Developmental Biology

The "Society for the Study of Development and Growth" (SDB) was founded in 1939. In August 1939, the SDB held its first conference, a symposium on Development and Growth, in a small village schoolhouse in North Truro, Massachusetts. [1] In 1965, it was renamed the "Society for Development Biology" to reflect the SDB's advocacy of developmental biology.

The Society for Developmental Biology's mission is to employ, "... an inclusive philosophy to further the study of developmental biology and related disciplines; to foster, support, and provide a forum for all investigators in these fields; to educate non-specialists, educators, the general public, and policymakers about developmental biology and related disciplines; and to promote fair, respectful, ethical and equitable practices throughout the scientific enterprise."[2]

SDB seeks to:

• Foster excellence in research and education in developmental biology and related areas.
• Organize scientific meetings, workshops, and courses that focus on developmental biology and related areas.
• Provide resources on careers and professional development in developmental biology and related fields.
• Provide information for the public on relevant topics in developmental biology.
• Serve as a communication hub for all developmental biologists worldwide.

SDB has more than 2,000 members and provides an international forum for research, education, and career development in developmental biology. Membership is open to all with discounted rates for students, postdoctoral researchers, and affiliates.[3] SDB Emerging Research Organisms Grant supports the development of techniques, approaches, community resources, collaborations, and new lines of research to study developmental mechanisms in non-traditional systems.[4]

SDB Career Awards recognize excellence in research, mentoring, education, and science communication in the developmental biology community.

• Edwin Grant Conklin Medal recognizes extraordinary mentorship and research contributions to the field. The award was inaugurated in 1995 to honor the biologist Edwin Conklin.[5]
• Developmental Biology-SDB Lifetime Achievement Award, which began in 2000, recognizes outstanding and sustained contributions to the field through research, service to the scientific community, exceptional mentorship, and public advocacy.[6]
• Viktor Hamburger Outstanding Educator Prize recognizes innovative contributions to the teaching and learning of developmental biology and related fields.
• Elizabeth D. Hay New Investigator Award recognizes a new investigator performing outstanding research in developmental biology.
• SDB Trainee Science Communication Award recognizes great science communication and outreach efforts by the student and postdoctoral members.

SDB publishes in a monthly peer reviewed journal, Developmental Biology.

• Society for Developmental Biology home page
• Developmental Biology journal home page