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    The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

    Bioengineering Division

    Bioengineering Division (BED) is focused on the application of mechanical engineering knowledge, skills and principles from conception to the design, development, analysis and operation of biomechanical systems.

    About

    The ASME Bioengineering Division (BIO) has a rich history rooted in the advancement of mechanical engineering principles applied to biological and healthcare challenges. The division originated from the Human Factors Division, established in 1956, and became the Biomechanical & Human Factors Division in 1966. In 1973, it was officially renamed the Bioengineering Division, marking its commitment to the rapidly growing field of bioengineering. The division's first chair was Professor Y.C. Fung, widely recognized as the "Father of Modern Biomechanics," whose legacy is honored through the division's Young Investigator Award. Over the decades, the BED has played a pivotal role in fostering research, education, and professional development, notably launching the Summer Bioengineering Conference in 1993, which transitioned from a biennial to an annual event in 2005 due to its success and now attracts hundreds of participants globally. The division has also established prestigious awards, such as the H.R. Lissner Medal, and has contributed significantly to the publication of leading journals and the organization of technical committees that span a wide variety of areas.  Through strategic leadership, community building, and commitment to innovation, the ASME Bioengineering Division continues to serve as a central hub for collaboration and advancement in bioengineering.

    The ASME Bioengineering Division focuses on the application of mechanical engineering knowledge, skills and principles from conception to the design, development, analysis and operation of biological systems.
    The Division's technical activities are organized through Fluid Mechanics, Design, Dynamics, & Rehabilitation, Biotransport, Cell & Tissue Engineering, Solid Mechanics Technical Committees, and the Education Committee.
    Social media pages: Twitter and LinkedIn


    Mission - Our mission is to foster bioengineering research and innovation, creating a vibrant global community that advances biology and healthcare through engineering solutions. 

    Purpose - We are driven by a commitment to educate, mentor, and inspire engineers. We bridge academic, industry, and government communities, cultivating collaboration and shared knowledge.

    Vision - Our vision is to be the eminent hub for cutting-edge, innovative engineering solutions in biology and healthcare, establishing ourselves as the go-to source for the global bioengineering community.

    Strategic Goals -

    • Re-imagine conference activities in the summer and fall to foster relationships with the bioengineering community.
    • Establish year-round engagement opportunities.
    • Continue to expand efforts to embrace differences in upbringing, class and thinking.
    • Increase interactions and industry and government stakeholders and other ASME Divisions.
       

    Social media pages: Twitter and LinkedIn

    Division Journals

    Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

    Purpose: The Journal of Biomechanical Engineering reports research results involving the application of mechanical engineering principles to the improvement of human health. The scope of relevant topics ranges from basic biology to biomedical applications and includes theoretical, computational, experimental, and clinical studies.

    Scope: Biofluid mechanics, including biomicrofluidic systems; Bioheat and biomass transfer; Biomechanics of reproduction and women's health; Bone biomechanics and mechanobiology; Cardiovascular biomechanics; Cell and tissue engineering; Cell mechanobiology and biomechanics; Gait and kinesiology; Growth and remodeling; Injury biomechanics; Mechanics of biomaterials; Orthopedic biomechanics; Physiological systems; Prothesis and artificial organs; Pulmonary biomechanics; Soft and hard tissue biomechanics

    Diversity and Inclusion:The Technical Committee on Publications and Communications endorses the commitment of ASME to support diversity and to create and ensure inclusive and ethical practices for publishing as well as the science and engineering professions.

    Leadership

    Bioengineering Division Executive Committee 2025-2026:
    Past Chair - Spencer Lake
    Chair - Guy Genin
    Secretary - Craig Goergen
    Secretary, Elect - Megan Killian
    Treasurer - Jessica Oakes
    Member, at Large, Member Affairs - David Corr
    Member, at Large Student Relations - Zhenpeng Qin
    Member, at Large - Grace O'Connell
    Member, at Large - Ethan Kung
    Member, at Large - Deva Chan
    Member, at Large - Bob Hauck 
    Communications & Outreach - Jacqueline Cole
    Communications & Outreach - Hoda Hatoum
    DEI Committee Chair - Elaheh Rahbar

    BED Student Leadership Team:
    Student Leadership Committee Chair, Jeremy Warren

    ASME Staff Liaison, Sr. Manager, Techincal & Engineering Communities - April Tone

    Events

    Join the ASME Bioengineering Division at the 10th World Congress of Biomechanics!

    We are excited to attend and contribute to the 10th World Congress of Biomechanics (WCB 2026)—a premier international gathering of the global biomechanics and bioengineering community.

    As part of the congress, ASME will proudly highlight the 2026 Bioengineering Division Awardees, recognizing exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across research, education, and translation.

    2026 ASME Bioengineering Division Awardees

    • Fung Medal: Aminohsein Arzani
    • Grood Medal: Translational Research Laboratories in Urogynecology (TRLU)
    • Lissner Medal: Michael S. Sacks
    • Nerem Medal: Kristen Billiar
    • Mow Medal: Alisa Morss Clyne
    • Woo Medal: Francis Loth


    WCB 2026 offers a unique opportunity to advance your work, expand your network, and represent ASME at one of the field’s most influential international meetings.

    Register today: https://wcb2026.com

    Stay tuned for new Bioengineering Division activities to come at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2539874/.

    Technical Committees

    BED Technical Committee

    We have a great group of volunteers who work with our Technical Committees to create solutions and networking opportunities to those in bioengineering. Check out the link above to get connected.
     

    Honors & Awards

    In addition to nominating members for ASME Fellow Grade, the Division's Awards Committee reviews and selects recipients for the following special recognition awards:

    Society Level Awards

    Nomination Deadline: September 1

    Note: Nomination forms for the above awards are available from each award page linked above.

    Division Level Awards

    Related Awards

    The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize is conferred by the National Academy of Engineering, but may be of interest to members of ASME's Bioengineering Division. Please contact NAE directly with questions about or nominations for this award.

    Melville Medal
    Honorary ASME Member
    ASME Medal
    Kate Gleason Medal
     

    Important Award Information For Recipients of Monetary Awards

    Please note that honorariums cannot be distributed without receipt of applicable tax forms. If you are a recipient of a monetary award, you will be contacted by ASME staff regarding tax forms you will need to complete, as well as how to submit them to us.

    Resources

    Connect with the Bioengineering Division on LinkedIn, and Twitter!

    2024-2025 Newsletter
    2023-2024 Newsletter

    Did you miss the recent Bioengineering Division Webinars discussing AI? Take a look at the links below:


    2022-2023 Newsletter

    Grood Medal Announcement

    2021-2022 Newsletter

    2020-2021 Newsletter

    BED Paper Writing Workshop