Everything you want to know about BWIB — membership, events, getting involved, and more.
Membership
How do I join?
There is no formal membership process. You can start by signing up for our newsletter, joining our Slack workspace, and following us on social media. Attending an event is the best way to get connected.
Can I join if I don't live in Boston?
Yes! While our in-person events are held in the Boston area, our newsletter, Slack community, and some virtual programming are open to anyone regardless of location.
Is BWIB only for women?
BWIB is a women++ organization. Our space is designed for and centered on women and non-binary people. Allies are welcome at events when we explicitly invite them, but we ask that allies come in a spirit of listening and support, remembering that the space was not made for them. Some events are women++ only. Check the event page for details.
I'm not in bioinformatics specifically, can I still join?
Absolutely. Our community includes people working in computational biology, biostatistics, data science, informatics, and adjacent fields. If you work at the intersection of biology and computation, you belong here.
Events
Are events free to attend?
Most of our events are free. Some workshops or special programs may have a small fee or require registration. We always aim to keep events accessible and will note any costs on the event page.
Are events recorded or is there a way to participate remotely?
Some events are recorded and shared on our YouTube channel. Remote participation availability varies by event. Check the event page or our newsletter for details on each event.
We welcome volunteers across all of our committees, including Events, Communications, Career Sponsorship, Podcast, and more. Visit our Committees page to learn about each one, then reach out to us at communications@boston-wib.org to express your interest.
How do I start my own chapter?
We are happy to advise groups looking to start a Women in Bioinformatics chapter in their area. Check out our chapter guide and reach out to connect with our leadership team.
Partnerships & Funding
How do I sponsor BWIB?
We partner with companies and organizations that share our commitment to equity in science and technology. Sponsorships help us keep events free and accessible. Reach out to us at communications@boston-wib.org to learn about current sponsorship opportunities.
How can I promote an event I am organizing for a different group?
We regularly share partner events with our community. Fill out our event promotion form and email communications@boston-wib.org to let us know you once its complete. Our team will review it for inclusion in our newsletter or social channels.
How is BWIB funded?
BWIB is funded through a combination of event sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and individual donations. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and rely on community support to sustain our programming.
Is BWIB affiliated with any university or company?
No. BWIB is an independent nonprofit organization. We partner with universities, companies, and other organizations for specific events and programs, but we are not affiliated with or sponsored by any single institution.
How do I donate?
You can make a tax-deductible donation at givebutter.com/BWIBdonate. Every contribution helps us keep our events free and our community growing.
