SfN Council Prepares for San Diego
The SfN Council met in person in New York City August 16–17 to review planning for Neuroscience 2022, view the New York City showing of the ARTECHOUSE “Life of a Neuron” exhibit, weigh in on planning for the upcoming membership survey, and participate in its annual dialogue with the NIH Directors.
"Over 70 countries are represented among abstract submissions this year."
Preparing for a Return to In-Person Meetings
Neuroscience 2022 will be hosted in-person in San Diego from November 12–16. There will be an accompanying virtual component featuring a slate of meeting lectures, symposia, minisymposia, and posters for attendees unable to travel to California. Council reviewed updates for meeting attendance and exhibitor registration, noting that over 70 countries are represented among abstract submissions this year. The accessibility of the meeting to international members remains of the utmost importance to Council and the program committee. The international representation among abstract submitters and virtual component are strong signals that the meeting will uphold this priority.
The health & safety measures being implemented at Neuroscience 2022 are available on SfN’s website. COVID-19 testing will be available onsite at the convention center and vaccination is required for in-person attendees. Council will continue to monitor public health ordinances and make any adjustments recommended by federal and local authorities to ensure the safety of attendees is upheld.
Communication With Scientific Leaders
Council met with directors representing various institutes from NIH for the 20th consecutive year. This ongoing dialogue represents the commitment both organizations share in supporting the neuroscience community and advancing scientific discovery. Councilors and NIH Directors had a robust discussion on topics such as initiatives to advance diversity in the scientific workforce, support for the use of animal models in research, and an update on the BRAIN Initiative.
Hearing From SfN’s Membership
A working group representing SfN’s Neuroscience Training, Global Membership, and Trainee Advisory committees was convened to lead planning efforts for SfN’s next membership survey. Council hopes this survey will be a meaningful dialogue with members about how SfN can best support its global membership. The working group will spend the fall developing questions and an outreach strategy in coordination with SfN staff to ensure the responses reflect the breadth of voices incorporated in SfN’s membership. Council approved the proposal to launch the survey in January 2023 and will review a draft of the survey at their November meeting.
Electing New Leaders
Council approved a slate developed by the Committee on Committees (CoC) recommending new members for committees and for incoming committee Chairs. The CoC works intentionally and proactively to incorporate a breadth of voices in SfN's committee and ensure diversity at all levels is attended to.
