Outreach

Becoming an Early Career Ambassador

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Are you interested in science advocacy but not sure where to start? SfN’s Early Career Policy Ambassadors Program could be right for you. Hear from members of the 2015 class discuss their year in the program, activities they’ve participated in, and how you can apply for the class of 2016.

Outreach: Supporting Your Career, Supporting the Field

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Public outreach can expand your professional perspective, make you a stronger communicator, and strengthen public support for science. There are many ways to get involved. In this webinar, experienced neuroscientists share ways to find outreach activities that connect to your personal strengths and interests and offer you a chance to educate the public about neuroscience.

Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society: The Creative Culture

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, discusses creativity and the artistic process in the movie industry. Catmull has been at the center of fostering collaborations across artistic and technological disciplines, and has overseen innovative endeavors for more than three decades. Catmull discusses issues central to uncovering genius, including removing hidden barriers to creativity and candor.

Creating a Favorable Work Climate: Success Stories

Advocate to Appropriate: Getting Started in Science Policy

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Before becoming an SfN Early Career Policy Ambassador (ECPA), I had no experience with science policy advocacy. This is probably why I was surprised when in 2016, while attending SfN’;s Capitol Hill Day, I discovered how difficult it would be to persuade my Utah representatives to support pro-science policies.

The Power of Effective Storytelling: Communicating the Value of Brain Research

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Never has it been more important to increase understanding of the value of science for improving human health. Communicating the exciting implications of neuroscience discoveries to an audience of nonscientists, however, requires thought, skill, and a bit of theater to achieve that “aha!” moment.

In this Neuroscience 2017 event, experienced scientists and a Washington Post reporter give TED-style talks sharing insight so you walk away knowing how to present complicated research in ways that engage an audience and establish rapport while also translating the impact of incremental discoveries.

Why Doing Local Advocacy Supports Federal Funding

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Charlotte Boettiger, who is actively involved in SfN’s North Carolina Triangle Chapter and serves on SfN’s Government and Public Affairs committee, shares why engaging policymakers at the local level is an important and powerful way to make the case for federal funding to support science research. Specifically, she highlights how to educate your local representatives about the importance of funding basic science research and ways to engage policymakers through your SfN chapter.

Overall, why is it valuable to engage your policymakers to support biomedical research?

Policymakers, in large part, are not scientists. So, it's our obligation, particularly if we are publicly funded scientists, to educate them about the funding that they provide, what that funding enables, and why their support is essential.

How to Advocate for Basic Science in a Disease-Focused World

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Basic research is the foundation for all biomedical advances. For policymakers accustomed to the immediate impact of federal investments, the lag between scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs clouds the long-term value of basic research. This Public Advocacy Forum panel discusses the essential role of basic scientific research to the research continuum. ;

Watch now to learn how this research continuum influences advocacy and gain tips for advocating to policymakers to secure financial and political support.

Engaging Neuroscientists in Dialogue With Religious Communities

Tue, 22 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Neuroscience research regularly intersects with concepts of human nature, identity, free will, and other philosophical and religious topics. This Neuroscience 2017 Social Issues Roundtable explores paradigms for constructive engagement with diverse and religious audiences. Panelists examine tensions and domains of confluence between scientific and faith perspectives, the underlying values and assumptions in scientific research, and the role of cross-cultural dialogue on science education, practice and policy.

How to Be a Science Advocate

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

I believe science is a public good and provides a base of knowledge to improve lives. It’s why so much of science research is funded by taxpayers.

Therefore, we scientists, have a responsibility to convince the public and policymakers about the merit of our research. We cannot afford to stay silent and must communicate about our work clearly and accurately.

However, it can be easy to forget how unrelatable our work and lifestyle can be. The tools we use are unrecognizable, and we’re often kept up all night by our experiments (metaphorically and physically).

We can lose sight of how critical it is to make our world as scientists more approachable to the public.

What I Learned From Facing My Fears Doing Science Advocacy as a Grad Student

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Each stage of a scientist's career is filled with unique challenges that seem like roadblocks to becoming an advocate. Graduate school is no exception, but early career scientists should be advocating for science, as what this year’;s budget provides can alter our career trajectories.

As a graduate student, I first thought there wasn’;t much I could do, and that advocacy could only be effective if it was intense and all consuming. Even if I figured out what to do, it seemed like it would be too much. I soon found this assumption to be false.

How to Be a Leader in Science Advocacy

Wed, 30 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Wells, a postdoctoral fellow at the Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, is a vocal science advocate. In this video, he shares how you can combine your unique scientific research interests and desire to help more people understand the importance of supporting neuroscience.

He emphasizes advocacy isn’t only defined by meeting members of Congress face-to-face. “You can do [advocacy] at a local level, at the school board level.” Advocacy takes different forms, and Wells believes, “There are plenty of opportunities for scientists from all walks of life to become more involved in science advocacy.”

For Wells, social media, especially Twitter (@mfwells5), is an incredibly important and effective year-round advocacy tool.

For example, in 2017 when he participated in SfN’s Capitol Hill Day, he extended his conversations with legislators to the general public by taking over the band Passion Pit’s Twitter handle. He led a conversation, called “We Need Science,” to answers Twitter users’ questions about mental health and explain why federal support for neuroscience research is critical for advancement.

How Does This Postdoc Approach Advocacy? Putting His Audience First, In Unexpected Ways

Tue, 30 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

When Michael Wells attended SfN's 2017 Hill Day to advocate for federal funding of biomedical research, his reach went far beyond the Capitol. In between meetings with lawmakers, he also facilitated an engaging, personal conversation on mental health through the band Passion Pit’;s Twitter handle. Throughout the year, Wells also makes it a priority to communicate how advances in scientific research connect to the human experience. Here, he shares what he’;s learned about the importance of audience-first communication online and in-person.

A Blueprint for Science Advocacy

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 10:28:00 GMT

How can researchers advocate effectively, especially at the local level?

Over the course of my neuroscience career, I’;ve been engaged in various forms of outreach and advocacy. As my experiences have evolved, I’;ve been able to learn valuable lessons that have answered this question about how to make an impact.

Advancing Social Change Through Science

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

This past April, I proudly marched in Washington, DC, with 100,000 fellow scientists and nonscientists to show our support for the role of science in policy-making. The March for Science was a bit of an anomaly for the scientific community. While we hope that our research will have a positive impact on society, we don’t always raise our voices when we need to. But now more than ever, I believe it’s critical for scientists to actively engage in policy issues.

The Power of a Good Anecdote: Lessons From SfN's Capitol Hill Day

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Tell a good story. It’;s a mantra we scientists live by. We all weave narratives into papers and talks, but the stories we tell stem from one common denominator: evidence.

In science, we demand data. Consequently, when speaking with nonscientists (especially policymakers), we may be tempted to rattle off hard facts as evidence for what we are trying to say. While we may have an arsenal of statistics showing how our particular research could help prevent or treat disease, save millions in healthcare costs, or stimulate the economy, if we only rely on numbers, most people will get bored.

When This PhD Candidate Explains His Science, 40,000 People Listen

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

As he earns his PhD, Ian McLaughlin makes time to step beyond the bench to educate the public about the brain. His urgency to make basic research findings accessible to its funders —; taxpayers —; is shown through his “I’;m a brain scientist, ask me anything” live chats on Periscope, award-nominated podcast, and leadership of the Penn Science Policy Group. Here, he dives into the motivation behind his efforts and highlights the tool he created to mobilize scientific and nonscientific communities around advocacy.

Q&A: Why This PI Prioritizes Outreach

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

In addition to running a laboratory at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI), Mike Fox devotes his time to a wide range of outreach activities: involvement with professional societies, advocating for science at the federal level, attending and presenting public lectures, judging local and state science fairs, and mentoring high school students.

Here, he reflects on how such varied involvement has enriched his career and personal life, and gives advice for others looking to get involved.

A Look at Advocacy: Measurable Change, Career Advancement, State Funding

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

As an assistant professor at Columbia University, founder of the Greater New York City Chapter of SfN (braiNY), and active advocate for science funding, Haung (Ho) Yu’;s perspectives on the benefits of outreach are far reaching.

He shares them here, focusing on what chapters, students, and faculty gain —; for themselves and society —; when they step into the community.

The Undergraduate Influence: Strategies to Get Involved in Science Policy

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Undergraduate STEM students play a vital role in science policy and advocacy. As the next generation of scientists, we can offer unique perspectives to our senators and representatives.

Bringing Neuroscience to Congress

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

NW Noggin is an arts-and-science integrated outreach program that targets underserved communities in the Portland metropolitan area. Teams of artists and scientists from universities collaborate to create art-based science projects that illustrate complex scientific concepts in ways that non-experts can understand.

Recently, NW Noggin traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in a “Briefing with Brains,” a week-long series of events intended to inform members of Congress about the outstanding research and outreach efforts being made in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are highlights from our meetings with Congress and helpful hints to promote outreach in your community.

Hosting a Lab Tour? Here Are Some Planning Tips

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

As neuroscientists, it is critical for the future of our field that we help lawmakers understand the importance of scientific research to human health and economic development.

Hosting a lab tour with a federal representative is one avenue to advocate the significance of scientific research, as I learned when I planned lab tour visits with congressional representatives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Faculty, Leadership, and Advocacy: Perspectives from a Department Chair

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Part of being a scientist today is also being an educator and public servant. Gone are the days when scientists can stay in the lab, conduct experiments, and write papers.

As a department chair, I encourage my faculty to get involved in advocacy —; and even make it part of their annual work plan. I also work to increase support for advocacy among leadership. Here’;s how I approach getting everyone involved.

Science Advocacy Made Easy: How (Re)activating an SfN Chapter Can Boost Your Impact

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As a postdoc at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), I am considered a trainee and not a federal employee. Trainees are limited in the types of advocacy activities we can do. For example, we cannot sponsor events. We also cannot advocate for specific funding levels to our elected members of Congress with our government affiliation, though we can do this as “off-duty” citizens.

So, when I was selected as an SfN Early Career Policy Fellow (ECPF) in 2014, my primary goal was to reactivate a 15-plus year dormant local SfN Chapter in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, so that I could use the chapter as my affiliation to procure funds for advocacy.

How You Can Prepare for a Public Neuroscience Talk

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:39:00 GMT

There is no shortage of “brain talk” in the public arena. If you watch TEDx talks, read blogs, or watch news programs, you will undoubtedly hear references to the brain.

It’;s exciting that neuroscience is being discussed and captivating the public’;s interest —; and that the public wants to know even more.

Why Advocacy is About More Than Funding

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

At the 21st Annual Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) Exhibition and Reception on Capitol Hill, SfN set up a booth where neuroscientists discussed their research with U.S. policymakers and staffers. Clara Scholl is one of the scientists who participated. Here, she shares her observations and takeaways about what advocacy is all about.

Talk About Pharmaceutical Partnerships to Advocate for Basic Research

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 12:20:00 GMT

Communicating the relationship between basic and translational research to nonscientists can be difficult. In this recording of the Public Advocacy Forum at Neuroscience 2019, learn how basic research is used by pharmaceutical companies and how to talk about these partnerships. You’;ll also learn how to explain why advocating for research funding is an absolute necessity and the importance of collaborating to advance understanding and improve research outcomes.

How to Partner With SfN for a Stronger Advocacy Message

There are many opportunities to partner with SfN and other like-minded advocates, whether you’;re just beginning or have years of experience. We have many materials that you can use to help you get started, continue, or bolster your advocacy activities.

How to Make the Case for Using Animals in Research

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:41:00 GMT

Communicating openly with scientists and nonscientists can help inform and shift perspectives on animal research.

In this video, learn how to help correct misunderstandings, strategies for explaining how your work with animals contributes to treatments for brain diseases and disorders, and ways you can collaborate with your institution to increase engagement with your research.

Scientists can improve understanding of animal research in a variety of ways, including:

Sharing resources including images, videos, and virtual lab tours from Understanding Animal Research.
Participating as an individual or with your institution in Biomedical Research Awareness Day, held by Americans for Medical Progress.
Signing the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research, a set of commitments for life science organizations based in the United Kingdom to enhance their animal research communications.

Gaining Public Support for Animal Research: A Proposal for Openness

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Open communication can help scientists and institutions increase public support for animal research by improving public trust, understanding of the necessity of animal research, and perception of how animal studies are conducted. In this recording of the Animals in Research Panel from Neuroscience 2018, learn effective ways to communicate openly and start positive conversations about animal research. ;

Why Your Personal Story Is Important and Tips for Sharing It

Your personal story is the foundation of your advocacy and outreach efforts, regardless of your scientific background. Learn how to cater your story to this audience —; elected officials —; and how it differs from speaking with colleagues or the public. This video includes an example of a direct comparison between a collegial introduction to other scientists and an elevator pitch that’;s used on Capitol Hill.

This video will cover:

Key elements to an effective research story.
How to be memorable among many other advocates and priorities by putting a face to research funding.
Ways to update your scientific elevator pitch for a conversation with a Congressional office.

What Is Advocacy and Why Does It Matter?

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

By uniting our voices, we can help to advance neuroscience research priorities and scientific discovery. Learn how legislators make decisions that can impact your work and how you fit into (and can influence) that decision-making process.

This video covers:

The difference between advocacy and lobbying.
Why your voice as a constituent-scientist is particularly valuable.
How SfN and the broader scientific community typically collaborate for a larger impact.

The Value of Animal Research and How to Increase Support

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Watch this video with Chair of SfN’s Committee on Animals in Research Peter Strick to know how to more effectively advocate for the importance of working with animal models. You’ll also learn steps you can take to reframe public opinion of animal research, such as continuing to prioritize the well-being of animal subjects, increasing transparency, and partnering with advocacy groups. With increased public support for animal research, scientists can continue to develop treatments for brain diseases and disorders that are increasingly touching the lives of people across the world.

Animal Research: Raising Awareness of Care Regulations

Thu, 23 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Scientists are careful to follow animal care regulations, both for the well-being of the animals and for the accuracy of the science. By educating the public on the guidelines in place to ensure animal welfare during experiments, you can help encourage public support of animal research overall.

One crucial first step for engaging with nonscientists is partnering with your institution and lab animal caretakers to craft a transparent and positive message. By sharing the full scope of the work — the importance of the research and the care oversight in place — you can help accurately inform the public’s perception and shape the conversations happening around animal research.

Advocacy Activities That Influence Policymakers

There are certain activities you can do to ;advocate more efficiently. Using data, learn about the most effective ways to engage with your lawmakers. Whether you’;re just stepping into advocacy or are an experienced advocate, there are many ways to get the attention of a Congressional office —; even if you’;re not in Washington, D.C.

How to Advocate for Science When You Don’t Have Experience

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Joe Luchsinger started conducting science advocacy because he was passionate about an issue that affected scientists. Now, he regularly hosts lab tours and shares how others can talk with their local policymakers.

Read his story and listen to part of his presentation at the Neuroscience 2018 Advocacy Reception, “Engaging Local Policymakers: Strategies for Scientists,” to start making a difference in science policy no matter your level of advocacy experience.

How to Prepare for and Conduct a Meeting With a Congressional Office

Face-to-face meetings with members of Congress or their staff are the most effective way to convey the importance of biomedical research funding. Learning the specifics of what to do before, during, and after a meeting will help you see how to make a lasting impression and foster a relationship with your representatives.

Align Your Advocacy Message for Global and Regional Impact

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 10:16:00 GMT

Lars Kristiansen, the executive director of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), leads neuroscience advocacy conversations and initiatives across 33 European countries. Here, he highlights the advocacy culture around Europe as he shares ways all scientists can become stronger advocates — coordinating knowledge to develop a unified message, preparing for your country-specific context, and gaining public support for science through clear and compelling outreach.

Brain disease is a global societal issue. How should that knowledge impact regional advocacy efforts?

As scientists involved in advocacy, it’s important to coordinate messaging and align it to the global agenda.

We don’t have global decision makers, but there are certainly global drivers that impact science funding. It’s not a coincidence you see large scale brain initiatives arise at approximately the same time in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere.

Conversations between these large initiatives drive the agenda of what’s needed on a global scale to understand brain disease. Those drivers lead us to identify the topics that we as a community — within our regional context — will be able to take up and advocate for.

To do that effectively, we need to coordinate knowledge.

If You Get Involved in Science Advocacy, Here’s the Impact You Can Make

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Neuroscientists at all training and career stages have an important role to play in advocating for science.

After SfN’s Capitol Hill Day in March 2018, four participants who are also volunteer leaders on SfN’s Trainee Advisory Committee (TAC) share how they think neuroscientists can influence political and public support for research and ultimately lead to more discoveries.

Strategize Across Borders for Strong Advocacy

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Keiji Tanaka chairs the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) Global Engagement Committee, which aims to build awareness and support for research and public education concerning the brain and the nervous system, and to enhance global cooperation through advocacy.

Here he offers some of the insights he’s made into the many forms advocacy partnerships can take, starting with his own experience in Japan, and how sharing strategies and resources can benefit science globally.

What does advocacy look like in Japan?

Advocacy in Japan is different from advocacy in the United States, where scientists can approach lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Not many Parliament members have an interest in science, so instead most of our work is to encourage a cultural climate promoting science.

The public’s interest in science is important. If they show interest, it stimulates journalists to cover science, and we are reported in newspapers and on television. Then Parliament members notice, and we do approach them occasionally.

Ways to Advocate for Science Throughout Your Career

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Advocacy comprises more than in-person conversations with lawmakers. It requires connecting with a variety of audiences and tailoring your messages to what they care about most.

In this recording of the Public Advocacy Forum at Neuroscience 2018, advocates from across the field share how they build their present advocacy activities on past ones, find ways to advocate throughout the day, and communicate how their research improves lives.

You’;ll learn how different audiences think about science, as well as how to tap into preexisting support for research among nonscientists and use key advocacy tools to demonstrate the impact of science funding over time —; the story scientists are best suited to tell.

Understanding the Congressional Budget and Appropriations Processes

The way Congress operates is complex, especially around the budget and appropriations processes. Understanding which aspects of the appropriations process affect federal science funding each year can help you know when your advocacy efforts will be most impactful to a Congressional office.

Q&A: A Hill Staffer Shares How to Craft an Impactful Pitch

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Neuroscience advocates hope to ensure the future of scientific discovery by sharing the importance of their research with members of Congress and their staff. But what goes into an effective pitch? Here’;s an inside look —; from someone on the other side of the table —; at what members of Congress want to know.

Inspiring Young Scientists Through Art, Science, and Poetry

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:58:00 GMT

As scientists who are passionate about what we research, it is our natural drive to share our enthusiasm with the world. On the other hand, lay audiences today are accessing a surfeit of information – not always well sourced in rigor or facts – and are left with incorrect information and their questions unanswered. Finding effective ways to bridge this gap and inform the interested public about neuroscience in an engaging yet scientifically accurate manner is a unique problem for our generation of scientists to solve. On top of this, we should know better than anyone the importance of communicating in multimodal and accessible ways to a wide variety of neurotypical and neuro-atypical minds. An additional layer of nuance is to be considered when teaching neuroscience to children. From personal experience, children are easily inspired or discouraged from pursuing further learning in topics based on demographics and gender, as well as how scientific topics are taught.

How to Plan and Execute Outreach Events with Broad Appeal

Wed, 08 May 2024 16:57:00 GMT

Research program analyst Jaya Viswanathan, PhD, explores how she planned and executed two Brain Awareness Week (BAW) events with the goals in mind to develop neuroscience knowledge in younger audiences, as well as engage the local community in discussions about the brain.

The Power of Brain Awareness Week

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:10:00 GMT

Valéria Muoio, PhD, is a neurosurgeon based in São Paulo, Brazil and a ;Neuronline Community Leader. Her institution held its first Brain Awareness Week, and here, Muoio discusses how Brain Awareness Week events can inspire, build a community at your institution, and increase knowledge about the wonder that is the human brain.

Closing the Communication Gap between Young Scientists and Lawmakers

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

As my research in graduate school has developed, it has become clear how important federal and state funding is to my future. Without this support, my lab would be unable to thrive, and my research would come to a standstill.

While the $2 billion increase for NIH in FY16 is a remarkable step forward, in real dollars the NIH budget remains 23 percent below 2003 levels. Given the continued need for robust, mandatory funding, I have been inspired to advocate and involve the broader community in my efforts.

How to Organize a Successful Brain Awareness Week Event

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Brain Awareness Week is a wonderful opportunity to not only educate the public about neuroscience but also build up your skills to recruit and train volunteers and organize an event. Here are tips on how to organize an engaging, far-reaching BAW event.

Seven Stories of Impact from SfN Chapters

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

High impact chapters do three things consistently: communicate with the public, recruit volunteers, and seek resources.

Explore this mix of articles and videos to learn how you can do the same.

Art, Music, and the Brain: How the Arts Influence Us from Youth to Maturity

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 09:34:00 GMT

Recent studies in the field of neuroscience illustrate the importance of creativity across our life spans. Using examples such as ballet lessons before kindergarten, band practice in college, and music therapy following a stroke, among others, this Public Advocacy Forum panel explores how and why the arts influence us so deeply and how we can use creativity to be healthier and more productive throughout our lives. ;

How Boston College Approaches Mentorship and Outreach

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In addition to sharing research with colleagues, it is important to mentor young scientists and explain the benefits of research with the public. To facilitate these activities, we at Boston College (BC) run the following programs.

A Postdoc on What He Gains From Doing Outreach

Tue, 09 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

From volunteering at local science outreach events to serving on local and national committees, Andrew Bankston, a postdoc at the University of Louisville, has become closely involved in his community to spread awareness and excitement about the brain and basic research. Here, he reflects on how his outreach experiences have advanced his career and how he balances outreach with lab work.

How to Effectively Communicate Your Science to the Public

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A panel of experienced science communicators discuss strategies researchers can utilize to communicate their work with lay audiences. Presenters talk specifically about public speaking, delivering science presentations, and using social media.

Learn From This Award-Winning Science Communicator

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Inspired by her research on the neurobiology of language, Flora Vanlangendonck created a short video for SfN’s Brain Awareness Video Contest to explain how the brain processes language and the historical discoveries behind our current understanding of it. For her clear and engaging communication, she won second place. Below, watch her video, Your Babbling Brain, and read how she crafted an engaging scientific message and why she incorporates outreach activities into her career.

Why These Neuroscientists are Putting a Voice and Personality to Research

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Brain Matters podcast, run by Anthony Lacagnina, Lauren Kreeger, and Matthew Davis, graduate students at The Institute of Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin, makes neuroscience “accessible, relatable, and intriguing while still respecting the integrity of the science we love.” For their innovation and impact, Lacagnina, Kreeger, and Davis won the Next Generation Award (Pre-/Post-Doctorate Level) in 2016. Here, they collectively discuss their motivations for outreach and anecdotes from running the podcast.

Why This Day of Presenting Research is Impactful — and Fun — for Students and Faculty

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Discovery Day at Drexel University attracts hundreds of students and faculty each year. At this event, students have the unique opportunity to practice presenting their research in a comfortable setting, and faculty, alumni, and other attendees provide support, guidance, and judging for the competition.

Stephanie Schleidt, director of admissions and recruitment at Drexel University College of Medicine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, organized the 2016 Discovery Day. Here, she delves into why it is such an important professional development moment in the students’ training and how others can plan similar events that garner high participation rates and attention.

"You Can, Too": What This Neuroscientist's Outreach Message Is All About

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Alexandra Colón-Rodríguez, a postdoc at the University of California, Davis, became a neuroscientist after seeing family members suffer from Alzheimer’s and PTSD. She wanted to find out for herself and others why these diseases happen. Colón-Rodríguez is also passionate about outreach. She shares her own experience as a Puerto Rican woman advancing in the field to inspire others, especially females and underrepresented minorities, to become neuroscientists. Here’s her story.

Why is outreach and service work so essential to you?

I want to pass on my knowledge and help young kids become the best they can be. It’s so important that we encourage students to think that science is cool and that they shouldn't be intimidated. If we motivate them enough, they may think about science as a career path as undergrads and pursue graduate training.

We also need to diversify the field. It's our responsibility as scientists. As a female, Hispanic, and the first scientist in my family, I believe that sharing the message, “You can, too” is impactful. That’s why I continually seek ways to help other minorities, especially Hispanics, become interested in science and thrive.

Bringing the "Taste of Science" to the Public

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In an age when misinformation and ideological echo chambers continue to work against scientists, it is more important than ever to engage non-scientists and educate them on the what, why, and how of our research.

How Science Communication Can Improve Your Career

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:24:00 GMT

Effective science communication refers to the ability to discuss science in terms that your audience will understand. Scientists can communicate inwardly to colleagues, or outwardly with important stakeholders such as the public, government, industry, educators, or even scientists outside of one’;s field.

One high-profile arena in which effective communication is needed is science policy. Scientists must ;explain the importance of science funding to lawmakers ;who write the budgets for federal science spending each year. Without the ability to discuss complex science in layman’;s terms, decision makers will fail to understand why scientists’; work is important.

The Creative Culture

Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, discusses creativity and the process of the artists in the movie industry. Catmull has been at the center of fostering collaborations across artistic and technological disciplines, and has overseen innovative endeavors for more than three decades. Catmull discusses issues central to uncovering genius, including removing hidden barriers to creativity and candor.

Five Ways to Get Involved in Outreach

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The goal of science outreach is increasing public awareness about brain research. All you need to move your love of science out of the lab and into the public sphere is a desire to communicate your science and an outlet for doing so.

Leading by Example: Insight Into Successful Funding and Program Strategies

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Draw on the experiences of SfN chapters from around the world to develop programs, partner with local organizations, and procure funding. Local chapters share how they support the field through outreach and advocacy events, and provide valuable professional development opportunities for their members.

Embracing an Era of Unprecedented Advances in Neuroscience

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Despite many challenges, the last decade has seen tremendous progress in neuroscience. To support continued progress, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has taken a lead role in implementing the President's Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative. Francis Collins, the NIH director, discusses how his agency, working with the neuroscience community, is catalyzing development of technologies to provide dynamic pictures of the brain, both in disease and in health. Collins also examines challenges that cut across biomedical disciplines, and reflect upon opportunities for neuroscientists to face such challenges and generate tomorrow's advances.

Food for Thought: How Sensations and Science Mix

Fri, 08 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From evoking memories of fun beach vacations to cozy Thanksgivings at home, food has tremendous power to take you back in time to pleasurable times and places.

As ;Top Chef ;star Bryan Voltaggio explains in this video, this is why he wakes up every day and heads into the kitchen. He knows he’;s accomplished something when he recreates positive childhood experiences for his restaurants’; diners through the limitless tastes, smells, sounds, and colors of food.

In addition to sharing his own food-associated memories and how he creates rich culinary experiences, Bryan does a fascinating demonstration of unique dishes. Joining him on stage to discuss what memories this food triggers for them are Barry Everitt, University of Cambridge; Stuart Firestein, Columbia University; and Leslie Vosshall, Rockefeller University.

Talking With Nonscientists? Tips for Any Situation

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

We all know it can be difficult to communicate seemingly obscure scientific information and techniques with nonscientists. The good news is that, like so many skills, you can learn to do so with practice.

Drafting Your Elevator Speech? Start Here

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This resource was featured in the NeuroJobs Career Center. Visit today to search the world’;s largest source of neuroscience opportunities.

The elevator speech is a framework to talk about what you do —; and ideally can be delivered in the length of time it takes to ride an elevator. This concise introduction to yourself and your research can set the stage for the rest of your conversation or presentation—;or be the chat that gets you that next position.

Whether you are in a scientific setting at a conference, meeting, or reception, or speaking to the public, elevator speeches are extremely useful. Here’;s how to begin.

Opening Channels to Brain Awareness

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Jayatri Das, chief bioscientist at the Franklin Institute, discusses how museums can be channels for connecting scientists to new audiences through neuroscience outreach. Watch this video to see how this type of engagement can reach various communities, provoke interesting conversations, and expand brain awareness outreach impact.

Chapters Workshop: Strategic Messaging Via Social Media

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In a time when communication of neuroscience information to the public and policymakers is especially important, this workshop focuses on using social media to communicate with your SfN chapter members, other local SfN chapters, government representatives, industry, and the public.

A Practical Guide: Incorporating Public Engagement Into Your Professional Portfolio

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Engagement is rewarding for individual neuroscientists and the field as a whole, but it can be challenging to effectively organize and perform. This Neuroscience 2017 workshop offers resources and hard-won perspectives on how to incorporate meaningful neuroscience public engagement into your professional portfolio without sacrificing other responsibilities.

A Practical Guide to Science Communication

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 11:14:00 GMT

In this Neuroscience 2017 workshop, learn how to create a short, compelling story for your research and develop a flexible strategy to share your scientific story with any audience. Strategies for being clear, concise, and compelling are discussed.

How to Craft Your Animal Research Elevator Pitch

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 09:20:00 GMT

Paula Clifford, executive director for Americans for Medical Progress (AMP), shares step-by-step advice to craft an elevator pitch. This will enable you to proactively and effectively communicate about your work with animals to various audiences.

Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society: Siddhartha Mukherjee

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In this Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society lecture, Siddhartha Mukherjee engages in a conversation with Eric Nestler, past president of SfN, about the excitement and importance of communicating the promise of scientific inquiry to the public.

How to Effectively Communicate Your Animal Research: Elevator Speech, Social Media, and Best Practices

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In today's environment, animal researchers need to engage with different audiences to promote understanding of and the need for animal models. However, scientists often face specific challenges when discussing this matter with the public, policymakers, and the press. This interactive panel from Neuroscience 2017 provides engagement strategies and showcases how to connect with various audiences on the importance and benefits of animal research.

How to Have a Conversation About Animal Research

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

“The best thing to do when you’re communicating your animal research is to be completely straightforward about it,” explains Chris Barncard, science writer at the University of Wisconsin. “People recognize genuine sentiment when they see it. So we tell our researchers, even if they’re apprehensive about talking about their animal research, to try to be as straight and complete as they can with people about how animal research is conducted. Those interactions often turn out very positive.”

Watch this video to hear the:

Benefits of speaking openly about animal research.
Approaches that can help researchers talk about animal research.
Key tips and strategies that you can incorporate into your conversations.

What You Can Gain From Doing Outreach as an Undergrad

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Samantha White serves as a judge and tutor for Washington DC’s local Brain Bee each year. About her time as an undergraduate student at American University (she graduated in 2018), she says, “Balancing classes, work, lab time, and a social life got complicated, but I always found time to engage with the community.” Here, read how making time for outreach has influenced her career aspirations and her advice for getting involved.

What initially sparked your interest in outreach?

Community service has always been a part of my life. My role models growing up always emphasized how import it is to give back. As a college student, the best way I knew how to do that was donating time and enthusiasm for causes I care about: education and STEM outreach.

During my junior year, I started a neuroscience club on campus with some friends. We were looking for ways to get members involved in the DC community. That led us to the DC Brain Bee.

It’s a fun event where, even as a judge, we had the chance to quiz ourselves on brain basics and encourage high school students throughout the competition. It was really exciting to see the students get fired up about neuroscience. Their energy was infectious. We all left the event inspired to study even more.

Developing a Digital Chapter

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Chapters provide a venue for researchers of all career levels from neighboring universities to come together and discuss topics ranging from experimental discoveries to lab techniques, outreach, and more.

Now, in a continuously digitizing world, there are new opportunities for chapters to step in and connect the scientific community even more than they already do —; through establishing an online presence.

So, how can your chapter expand its impact beyond in-person meetings? As you develop a strategy to increase opportunities for networking and outreach online, here are three high-level principles to keep in mind.

The Benefits of a Regional Scientific Community

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Ohio Miami Valley Chapter of SfN (OMV-SfN) is a regional community of trainees and researchers from a variety of backgrounds and focus areas. Lynn Hartzler, the president, attended a professional development event as a postdoc and has been involved ever since. Here, she highlights how scientists from all levels can benefit from this type of scientific community, and why, as a physiologist with a focus on neural tissue, she seeks out perspectives from different disciplines.

What are OMV-SfN’s main activities?

Our principle activity is our annual Neuroscience Day hosted by Wright State University, Miami University, and the University of Cincinnati in a three-year rotation cycle. The content and feel of Neuroscience Day differ based on the hosting institution, but generally it’s an opportunity for our trainees to present their work to researchers of all career stages in the Ohio Miami Valley.

Illuminating Your Path Through Science Outreach

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

As a first-generation immigrant and a woman, Teodora Stoica followed her passion to a PhD program in neuroscience, adapting in part through her involvement in science outreach. In this recording from the Brain Awareness Campaign Event at Neuroscience 2019, she shares her story to show how outreach can guide the next generation of scientists along their path.

Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign bringing brain science to life to increase public awareness of the impact of brain research and to celebrate its progress.

Out of the Box Outreach: Cockroaches and Coding

Thu, 12 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Experimentation is a great way to engage students and teach skills that are useful beyond the classroom or bench. At the Neuroscience Community Outreach Group at the University of Washington in Seattle, we developed neural engineering workshops to get high school students and teachers interested in neuroscience.

What I Learned Teaching Summer School in Harlem

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Recently I had the opportunity to teach neuroscience to a ninth grade summer school class at Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF). Over the years, I’ve participated in and organized Brain Awareness Week (BAW) events in New York, but this type of outreach was new to me. In contrast to the day-long BAW events, summer school entailed teaching twenty rising ninth graders for many hours a day over one month, and also included developing a curriculum and mentoring two teaching assistants (TAs).

The Art of Experimental Design and Science Outreach

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Huiquan Li is an assistant project scientist in the Spitzer Lab at the University of California, San Diego, where she studies neurotransmitter plasticity in the adult mouse brain and has worked since completing her graduate studies in China.

Talented in strategizing how to get complex experiments to work and passionate about sharing neuroscience with anyone, in this interview she shares her advice for designing beautiful experiments. She also shares two anecdotes demonstrating that one-on-one interactions can improve individual lives while at the same time increasing understanding of the relevance of neuroscience to everyone.

This interview is a complement to SfN's podcast series, ;History of SfN: 50th Anniversary. Guests on the podcast were asked to nominate individuals whose careers are making positive cultural or scientific impacts that will shape the next 50 years of neuroscience. Huiquan Li was nominated by Nick Spitzer, Atkinson Family Chair Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at University of California, San Diego.

Thinking on Your Feet: Tailoring Your Elevator Speech

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

An elevator speech is one of your most important networking tools. When tailoring your elevator speech, it’s important to take the time to learn about your audience and their background. Are they familiar with who you are, the type of research you do, and the terms you’re using? Keep these tips in mind as you adapt your pitch to appeal to different nonscientific audiences.

The Public and You: Tips for Interacting

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

As our society focuses more on STEM education and research, it is important that scientists are willing and prepared to share our stories to further understanding and connection.

However, many of us have little experience explaining scientific concepts to the public outside of answering questions from friends and family about our research.

Understanding New Brain Initiatives in the U.S. and Europe

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The field of neuroscience is advancing in ways that we couldn’t have imagined a few decades ago. This outstanding progress is partially due to an increased public awareness of the importance of brain research. SfN Past President Larry Swanson introduces some of the key leaders involved in the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative and Europe’s Human Brain Project. In this series of forward-looking talks, a team of experts will inspire and remind you why it is such an exciting time to be in the field of neuroscience.

Neuroscience and the Law: Strange Bedfellows

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Neuroscience is a hot topic with lawyers and judges, as recent advances in our understanding of the brain have raised important and unexpected implications for the development and application of legal principles. These implications, however, can sometimes be overstated, which presents a potential for abuse and warrants caution. Senior U. S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, a founding member of the MacArthur Foundation Project on Law and Neuroscience, explores the legal and ethical questions raised as neuroscience enters the courtroom and affects the judicial system.

A Case Study on Peer Based Learning for Graduate Students

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The following case study is adapted from a Theme J abstract (formerly Theme H) presented at Neuroscience 2015. Theme J abstracts cover topics related to history, teaching, public awareness, and societal impacts in neuroscience, allowing departments and organizations to showcase the work they have done in these areas.

Regardless of their backgrounds, students entering neuroscience PhD programs must learn about established and cutting-edge techniques as well as develop critical reading and oral presentation skills they’;ll use for the rest of their careers.

With this in mind, students in our ;UCLA neuroscience interdepartmental PhD program, with guidance from faculty sponsor Anne Andrews, created a student-led seminar course to expose first-year students to a wide range of scientific and communication techniques. It has now been held four times.

Make it Personal: Advice for Effective Outreach

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

This resource was featured in the NeuroJobs Career Center. Visit today to search the world’;s largest source of neuroscience opportunities.

Wendy Suzuki began her neuroscience career studying the hippocampus, but 20 years into her careerswitched her research focus to examine how exercise affects brain function. She now regularly talks about neuroscience in the public sphere as the host of Transistor, “a transformative STEM podcast;” in her new book, Healthy Brain Happy Life; and delivering TEDx talks. Read here about Suzuki’s insights into the best ways to communicate science and why she does it.

Making Your Science Accessible: Ways to Prepare for Public Engagement

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How can you explain your complex research to people who are looking for simple answers to basic questions?

Helping the Oakland Community Get to Know Their Brains

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

In response to the need for community members to have access to free health education, I developed a program called "Get to Know Your Brain!"

Case Study: Preparing Postdocs for Academic Careers

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Success in academia requires proficiency in a variety of skills, but many graduate and professional programs only offer training in a few.

At Tufts University in Boston, we offer the Training in Education and Critical Research Skills (TEACRS) program to train talented postdoctoral trainees with the skills needed to succeed in an academic career through funding, research, teaching, and career development opportunities.

Does Your Outreach Match Your Audience?

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 09:14:00 GMT

Participating in outreach activities is vital for all scientists. As an SfN member, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of ways. My favorite activities are judging the Brain Bee, mentoring Science Olympiads, and running demos at the USA Science and Engineering Festival.

I’ve enjoyed each of these experiences for the unique ways they’ve taught me to relate to different audiences.

For These Students, the Community is the Classroom

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) students at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, demonstrated their compassion and willingness to serve by bringing neuroscience into the community, which has developed a new appreciation for local engagement.

Fighting the Stigmas of Mental Illness

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close speaks about her organization BringChange2Mind, a campaign that seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Close hopes that once the neurological basis of mental illness becomes clearer, people struggling with diseases such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder will be able to speak honestly about their conditions without fear or shame.

Bringing Communities Together Through Neuroscience and Art

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Science requires significant public investment, and engaging the broader community is key to communicating discoveries and building support for education and research.

An Outreach Event in Six Steps

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Can you always believe your eyes? How about your senses of sound, touch, and smell? At the UNC Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies we sponsored “Brain Tricks — Sensation and Perception,” a hands-on laboratory exhibit area at a local science museum. About 750 visitors explored brain specimens and activities to highlight the difference between sensation and perception.

Inspiration for Sharing Your Science with Any Audience

Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Explore this mix of resources on and stories about different types of outreach, all with key takeaways for your own event.

Make It Human: Tips for Talking About Your Science

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

How can neuroscientists explain their science concisely and interestingly without omitting nuance? What are some effective engagement strategies? Suzanne Ffolkes, Scott Thompson, and Leslie Tolbert give advice.

4 Tips To Make Your Science Talk Compelling

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

When talking to nonscientists, do you ever wonder if you’re overwhelming them with too much information, or just not quite answering their question?

If you notice your audiences are losing eye contact or checking their phones, these may be signs you need to step up your presentation. Here’s what to do to make your talk more compelling and relatable.

A Conference, Brain Bee, and Art Show: The Ottawa Chapter Goes Into the Community

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The Ottawa Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience is an ever-growing group of young researchers in Eastern Ontario in Canada. We have a little over 300 active members from four different research institutions (Carleton University, The University of Ottawa, The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, and The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.)

My Tips for a High Impact Chapter

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

I’m part of the Greater New York City Chapter of SfN (braiNY), which brings together like-minded neuroscience organizations to better neuroscience education and outreach. Over the years, we have seen steady growth and increased reach. Here are three things we do to impact our audiences.

An Academic or Public-Facing Career: Why Not Both?

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

This resource was featured in the NeuroJobs Career Center. Visit today to search the world’;s largest source of neuroscience opportunities.

In addition to teaching neuroscience courses at Michigan State University (MSU), Jennifer Taylor and Casey Henley serve as the neuroscience program’s outreach co-coordinators.

In this role, they spearhead events such as The Brain Bee, Neuroscience Fair, and Brain Awareness Week. They also find time to visit schools and senior homes, and participate in events organized by other MSU groups such as Math, Science, and Technology Summer Camp, Science Festival, and Take Your Child to Work Day.

Here, Taylor and Henley share separately how their individual careers have evolved to incorporate outreach in an official capacity alongside their teaching portfolio and then jointly delve into what they've learned about outreach and career development from this unique experience.

Expanding Chapter Horizons: Connecting Local and International Communities

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Interest in neuroscience is increasing across the world. Chapters can play a prime role in connecting people who are interested with the field. Hear SfN chapter leaders from Texas, Michigan, and Maine discuss their experiences developing local and international connections.

Influential Writing and Leading Change

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 08:37:00 GMT

Aiming to teach broader views of science and less subject matter specialization, we created a new biomedical graduate science program that would bring the “Ph”, i.e., the philosophical foundations back into PhD, as well as master’;s level training.

Start and Lead a Student Outreach Group at Your Institution

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

As an undergraduate at Carnegie Mellon University, Meredith Schmehl co-founded a local chapter of Nu Rho Psi, an outreach-focused neuroscience honor society, and served as the group’s president for two years. In this article she shares best practices for forming and leading a student-led outreach group. In recent years, many institutions have begun to support student groups focused on educational outreach in the community. Throughout my time as the president of the Nu Rho Psi chapter at Carnegie Mellon, and now as a graduate student at Duke University, people have frequently asked me for advice on forming an outreach group. I recommend taking the following steps to found a successful student organization focused on educational engagement with the public. Assemble a Team Perhaps the most important step in establishing an outreach group is to form a leadership team. Find others who are also passionate about sharing science with the community, and invite them to be a part of the process. By assigning a specific role to each team member, you can split up tasks to make the process more manageable. A typical leadership team might include a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, as well as roles such as a webmaster or an event chair depending on the group’s unique needs. In addition, asking a faculty member or student life professional to serve as an advisor can provide a bridge with the university administration, helping to connect the group with the broader mission and resources of the institution. Identify Your Niche.

Bring a Student-Run Outreach Program to Your Institution

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Being part of a student-run outreach initiative through your institution can expand your scientific community, grow your confidence, and develop your professional skillset. In addition, your outreach efforts can make a lasting impact on the way your local community thinks about science.

Watch this workshop for advice on engaging your community —; whether you’;re a graduate student looking to start an initiative or a faculty member providing support.

Collaborating to Cultivate Bright Minds in Science and Raise Brain Awareness in the Community

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Since becoming president of SfN’;s Greater Baltimore Chapter earlier this year, Kristina Nielsen has noted the chapter’;s enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with the community. She has a lot of ideas —; launching a website and establishing other communications channels among them —; and is considering ways to further coordinate activities and recognize chapter members for their efforts. “I'm amazed by how much the students and postdocs are doing in terms of outreach. It's impressive,” she says. Here she shares her observations of the neuroscience community in Baltimore, outlines some of the numerous outreach activities the chapter coordinates among its constituent organizations, and explains how connecting with the Baltimore community improves science by opening conversations and encouraging youth to explore careers in the field.

Tactics for Leading Your Community

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 09:16:00 GMT

“I really wanted to have constant communication and constant impact with our local community,” explains Edith Brignoni-Pérez, PhD candidate at Georgetown University Medical Center who also served as president and secretary of SfN’s DC Metro Area Chapter.

As president, Brignoni-Pérez intentionally branched out further into her community. She achieved success by hosting impactful events, listening to her team, and collaborating with other institutions and organizations.

Ultimately, she believes, “A leader will never be successful if they don’t put the knowledge they have about their community in the context of compassion.”

Watch this video to hear more insight from Brignoni-Pérez to help you conduct outreach in your own community or lead your local SfN chapter.

Introducing Kids to Neuroscience

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Offering kids opportunities to engage with science early on sets them up to appreciate their brains and think about neuroscience careers as they mature. In this article, Mark Williams, Anina Rich, Regine Zopf (from Macquarie University, in Sydney), and Alexandra Woolgar (from the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom) share three activities they used to demonstrate neuroscience concepts to kindergarteners and how they made an impact.

What happens in the brain when we see, hear, feel, taste, and smell? How should we take care of our brains so we can continue to vividly experience the world around us?

These are some of the questions we asked students during Neuroscience for Kindy Kids, a day of interactive activities to teach approximately 180 kindergarteners about attention, multisensory interaction, and adaptation in the brain. Throughout the day, we had class groups of 20–23 students rotate through 30-minute activities.

The point of these activities was to get young children to think about the brain and appreciate the complexity of everyday experiences. Knowing more about the brain promotes curiosity and increases the likelihood of making good choices, such as wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter.

How to Run a Brain Bee

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Brain bees are grassroots, Q&A competitions for secondary school students to encourage them to learn more about the brain and pursue careers in biomedical research.

Leading a brain bee is an impactful way for neuroscientists to get involved in outreach and work with schools and students to expand their interest in neuroscience.

The International Brain Bee organization oversees all national brain bees. Each national brain bee then oversees the local bees in their area.

Anyone is eligible to sponsor a competition. Register your competition so your winner is eligible for national and international brain bees.

After registering, follow these recommended steps to ensure your bee is successful.

Remember, each local bee can have a unique setup and methods, so these are merely suggestions. Work with your national coordinator to determine if there are any specific requirements for bees in your area.

The Benefits of Outreach: Strengthen Your CV, Discover Your Interests, and Broaden Your Community

Tue, 07 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to make yourself a stronger job candidate, consider career paths you may not have thought of, connect with like-minded scientists, and find work-life balance. In this interview, Samantha Baglot, a PhD student at the University of Calgary, in Canada, shares how she’s pursuing her passion for improving education through neuroscience outreach and project management.

What made you want to start doing outreach, and how did you get involved?

When I started my master's degree about three years ago, I joined the Neuroscience Graduate Student Association at The University of British Columbia. I was interested in what their vice president of outreach was doing. At the time, she was organizing Vancouver's Brain Bee and Brain Awareness Week events, as well as collaborative events with artists and other communities on campus. I worked with her. Then an opportunity came up for a project where we look at the history of neuroscience through cartoons, and I took the lead on that. I do a lot of delegating, organizing, and recruiting volunteers.

How I Started a Nonprofit by Finding Others Who Share My Passion

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 10:30:00 GMT

I never saw myself running a nonprofit for mental health — it wasn’t an ambition of mine. All my life I pursued traditional science and medicine: the lab, the clinic, the white coat. During my work at the Psychiatric Research Institute in Little Rock, Arkansas, however, I became interested in mental health advocacy when I learned how heavily environment impacts mental state — almost as much as brain chemistry or neural wiring.

In my clinical and research training I’d heard stories of abuse, disparity, and disadvantage that made it clear if I wanted to improve mental health, I couldn’t ignore the role of community. I recognized the necessity of stepping out of the lab and connecting with others to make a bigger impact than any one person can have alone.

One day a friend posted that it was Mental Illness Awareness Day. It was my first time hearing of it. As a future psychiatrist and as a neuroscientist, I couldn't believe I was working in the psychiatric hub of Arkansas and had no idea this initiative existed. I thought about the impact increased mental health awareness could have on the community at large and knew I had to figure out how to get this information out there.

How to Run a Booth at a Public Event

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Hosting a booth at a conference or other event can be a great way to raise brain awareness, connect with people with interests similar to yours, and encourage others to get involved in their community.

When preparing to exhibit at a public event, it’;s important to start planning early. With careful preparation and organization, you can ensure your outreach is a success.

Follow the steps below to help you plan for and run a booth that gets people talking about the brain.

Scientific Storytelling: How to Win Hearts and Minds

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The following describes the second storytelling minisymposium at SfN’s annual meeting. The session will be held at every annual meeting going forward, bringing together neuroscientific discovery, science reporting, and personal storytelling through lectures and personal stories. Neuroscientists will understand how to engage the public creatively and effectively and come away with tangible strategies for sharing their passion for science using their imagination and emotions.

When she was younger, Jean Mary Zarate played the violin well and hoped to attend a music program for youth at Juilliard, the prestigious music conservatory. However, as the daughter of two medical professionals who moved from the Philippines to the United States, she chose to pursue a career in science.

Still, Zarate couldn’t ignore her love of music. As an undergraduate neuroscience major, she planned to become a neurosurgeon, but after dropping out of a premed program to commit more time to teaching music, she realized that career path wasn’t for her. Research allowed her to study the relationship between music and the brain, and she devoted herself to it.

Now a Nature Neuroscience senior editor, Zarate has accepted she has two passions — neuroscience and music — and she finds ways to combine them.

Teaching Children About the Brain Using the World Around You

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

When you communicate brain science, have you considered how you can use the world around you to enhance impact? What does neuroscience look like in a forest, in an urban playground, or on the beach?

We’ve been developing a reflexive approach to neuroscience outreach by using the resources we encounter in different environments to teach children about the brain. Using your imagination and the tools at hand, you can turn almost any environment into a classroom, where the lessons are always fresh and exciting.

Introduction to The Event, Brainwaves

Brainwaves was a one-day seashore-based neuroscience adventure conducted at the Sidmouth Science Festival in Devon, United Kingdom in October 2018. The science festival is one of a number of community-led festivals in the United Kingdom.

There were 65 children, aged 8–9. Twelve neuroscientists, ranging from PhD candidates to principal investigators, designed and delivered the workshop. We recruited three local schools as participants to bring together children with different educational experiences.

We used the fabric of the seashore — pebbles, tidal creatures, buckets and spades, and the terrain — to explore the structure of a neuron, how signals pass along cells, and how brain cells build connected networks. We explicitly wanted to use what we found on the beach and in rock pools to illustrate these concepts and show that connections to neuroscience are all around us.

Going Global (and Digital): Mickey Goldberg on the Expansion of SfN

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

In its 50 years, the Society for Neuroscience has become an international society representing the interests of scientists from diverse backgrounds across the globe.

In this episode of ;History of SfN: 50^th ;Anniversary, Mickey Goldberg, David Mahoney Professor of Brain and Behavior at Columbia University, and a past president of the Society for Neuroscience, describes how the Society and meeting have evolved, including through the digitization of abstract submissions.

History of SfN: 50^th ;Anniversary ;is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders.

Alongside his scientific background and time as SfN president, Goldberg also offers a look at his involvement with science outreach and the importance of outreach to building public trust in science.

How Building Community Can Help Your Science and Career

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Mychael Lourenco, a research associate at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and member of SfN’s Trainee Advisory Committee (TAC), shares what first interested him in neuroscience, why community building is important to him, and how he’s leveraged his connections for research collaborations.

First, how did you get started in neuroscience?

I'm from Brazil, and I live and work here. I have always been interested in science. My mother is an engineer and an academic, which may have led to my initial interest.

I studied biology and specialized in genetics for my Bachelor’s degree, and, during that time, I became very interested in neuroscience, particularly in neurobiology of disease.

As an undergraduate trainee, I first trained in models of Parkinson's disease. Then I found an interesting lab working in Alzheimer's disease and decided to join them, first for an undergraduate position and then for my PhD. During the past nine years, I've been studying what happens in the brain to cause memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.

During my PhD, I had the opportunity to establish a collaboration in New York City at Columbia University. I went back and forth between Brazil and the United States to do experiments.

Now I am a research associate at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

I’ve been an SfN member since 2010. By the end of my PhD, I was glad to join TAC as a volunteer. I knew Sofia Jurgensen, who at the time chaired TAC, because she did her PhD in my lab when I was an undergrad. I exchanged a few emails with her and went through the process.

I’ve met extraordinary people at TAC meetings, including Bianca Jones Marlin and Alexandra Colon-Rodriguez, young scientists, just like myself, who are eager to bring advances to the field and improve professional development for junior scientists.

If you are interested in getting more involved with SfN, please contact us and/or apply to volunteer.

Neuroscience for the People: Nick Spitzer on Education and Outreach

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode of ;History of SfN: 50^th ;Anniversary, Nick Spitzer, inaugural editor-in-chief of ;BrainFacts.org, shares how ;BrainFacts.org ;came to be, his experience on SfN’;s ;Public Education and Communication Committee, and the importance of scientific outreach.

SfN Advocacy Highlights From 2025

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:45:00 GMT

SfN remains dedicated to supporting the neuroscience community, uniting members locally, nationally, and internationally to raise global support for investment in basic research and neuroscience discovery. Explore SfN’;s advocacy efforts from 2025 below.

Meeting the Moment: SfN Chapters Advocate in Uncertain Landscape

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:13:00 GMT

Advocacy is not a one-time effort—;it is an ongoing commitment that sustains the future of neuroscience. As SfN chapters continue to support education, training, and community engagement, advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring that neuroscience research remains a priority for policymakers, funding agencies, and the public. Read on to learn why sustained advocacy matters, how individual scientists and chapters can make a meaningful impact, and how SfN can support your efforts.