Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research

The Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to improving biology education through research. Founded in 2010, SABER aims to provide a platform for biologists and biology educators to discuss and advance biology education research.

History and Purpose

SABER was established in response to the need for a cohesive community where discipline-based biology education researchers could share their work. Unlike other fields like physics and chemistry, biology had numerous sub-disciplinary societies, making it challenging for educators to find a single meeting to present their research focused on education. SABER fills this gap by fostering a community focused solely on biology education research.

Structure and Initiatives

SABER is governed by an Executive Committee, which guides its operations and strategic initiatives. The society organizes conferences and workshops to share research findings and evidence-based teaching practices. These events provide opportunities for researchers to present their work and engage in discussions about improving biology education.

Diversity and Inclusion

Following the social unrest in 2020, SABER began initiatives to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its ranks. This included a self-study to identify challenges, a seminar series on social justice and inclusion, the formation of a special interest group for People of Color, and efforts to increase diversity among keynote speakers and seminar topics. As a result, there was a notable increase in attendance by People of Color at SABER events in 2020 and 2021, reaching participation rates of approximately 24.3% and 25.9%, respectively.

Partnerships and Education

SABER collaborates with other educational organizations, such as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), to provide educational resources and webinars. For example, SABER and ASM co-sponsor a webinar series titled "Getting Started in Biology Education Research," which helps educators develop a scientific approach to teaching. This series empowers participants to improve their classroom practices by fostering a culture of learning and growth.

Awards and Recognition

SABER members have been recognized for their contributions to biology education. For instance, several members received awards for outstanding biology education at the National Association of