1. Spotlight on Neuroscience EducationSince science has becomeand Trainingof such importance in society, Education and training in neuroscience like neuroscience itself reflects anscientists should become moreever-changing landscape of challenges and opportunities in funding, recruitment, curricula development, and program models. To discuss emerging trends and topics engaged in public life and in affecting neuroscience education, nearly 80 chairs, directors, faculty, and students turn their role shouldfrom graduate and undergraduate neuroscience departments and programs across the United States came together on March 26 in Washington, DC.be acknowledged by society at large.This years annual spring conference, The Future of Higher Education and Training in Neuroscience: Challenges and Opportunities, was the first since SfNs consolidation with the Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs (ANDP) in 2009 and was organized by SfNs Committee on Neuroscience Departments and Programs (CNDP). Rita Levi-Montalcini,The conference offered ample opportunity for interactive discussion and participation,Neurologist and Nobel Laureate and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. KeynOte speaKer On scientific WOrKfOrce Richard Freeman, economics professor at Harvard University and American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow, opened the conference with a keynote address. In thIs Issue Freeman spoke about the globalization of higher education and implications for graduate programs in science, engineering, and the scientific workforce.Spotlight on NeuroscienceContinued on page 10 Education and Training ........................................ 1SfN Announces 2010 Election Results.................. 1Message from the President ................................ 2 SfN Announces 2010 Election ResultsSupplemental Data Policy Change ....................... 3The Society congratulates its newly elected officers and councilors. Chosen by members using an independent online monitoring company, the incoming Council membersQ&A: Sharing Insight and Vision .......................... 4 begin their terms at Neuroscience 2010 in San Diego. For the first time in the SocietysCouncil Round-Up: Spring 2010 Meeting............. 5 history, an international member was selected to serve as a councilor, an event made possible by a policy change approved by SfN Council last year.Inside Science: Neurobiology ofSocial Interaction ................................................. 6 The membership elected Moses Chao, New York University, as the incoming presi-Engaging Legislators in the Lab ........................... 8dent-elect; Darwin Berg, University of California, San Diego, as the incoming treasur- er-elect; and Hollis Cline, The Scripps Research Institute, as incoming secretary-elect.SfN President Testifies Before Congress ............... 9 The elected incoming-councilors are: Nancy Ip, Hong Kong University of Science andSfN Promotes Equity and Diversity in Academia ... 12 Technology; John Morrison, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Sacha Nelson, Brandeis University; and Marina Picciotto, Yale University.Neuroscience 2010 Preview ............................... 14 Officers Moses Chao is a professor of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, and professor of Psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. He also serves as an Associate of the Center of Neural Science at New York University. His past involvement at the Society includes serving as secretary, chair of the Committee on Committees, senior editor of The Journal of Neuroscience, and chair of the Program Committee. Continued on page 9

2. Message from the PresidentFrom Molecules to Mind2In the 18th century, Alexander Pope The series will begin with Martin Chalfie, who shares theproposed the proper study of mankind 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on research developing theis man. In the 19th century, Charles green fluorescent protein (GFP), which literally shed lightDarwin believed the way to under- on inner workings of individual and group cells. This basicstand man was to look to the baboon.cellular research has made previously invisible processes,Today, the quest to understand thesuch as the development of nerve cells in the brain or howphysical basis of human nature hascancer cells spread, visible. He will speak about his latestcumulated in the field of neurosci- animal research identifying genes important for the devel- Michael E. Goldberg, ence uniting and extending theopment and function of touch-sensing cells. SfN Presidentprinciples of Pope and Darwin throughresearch techniques using single cellsMoving from cells to neural interactions, Okihide Hikosakaand organisms, and animal models and humans.will discuss his research showing that neuronal activity is de-termined not only by what a monkey sees or does, but also byThe breadth and reach of neuroscience from moleculeswhether its behavior anticipates a reward. His work demon-to the mind is exemplified by the kind of science that will strates the importance motivation plays in neuronal activity.be presented at Neuroscience 2010 in San Diego, the 40thannual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience. Based on theThe third speaker in the series is Pawan Sinha, whosenumber of abstracts submitted (a near-record 16,506), we will research focuses on how the brain learns to see. His workonce again host an extraordinary gathering full of the inquiry, is influenced by the research of Hubel and Wiesel, whodebate, learning, and public engagement that has come toshowed that an unused eye stops seeing not because oftypify our meeting. I look forward to seeing you there! physical defects, but because of impaired connections tothe brain. By taking into account these findings, Sinhaa Quest fOr ansWers works to provide sight to congenitally blind children andFor me, the meeting is always a remarkable reminder of theresearches how the brain processes sight.myriad approaches and passions that scientists bring to theirinvestigation. For some, it is relentless pursuit of a solution Closing the series, Helen Maybergs work in treating depres-to a particular disease or an investigation into a potentialsion through deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subgenualtherapy that could give hope to patients. It gives me great cingulate cortex exemplifies how basic research can informconfidence, as a physician and clinician, that these discus-not only clinical practice, but also create a new paradigm ofsions will again be explored and pursued in San Diego.thought. As a DBS pioneer, her work is shifting how wethink about depression: it is not merely a chemical imbal-Significantly, these investigative paths often originateance in the brain, but arises from the dysfunction of specificfrom another timeless question for many scientists, thatbrain circuits and networks. Other psychiatric diseases alsoof pure intellectual pursuit. It is the kind of inquiry thatmay be network and not purely chemical disorders.begins with the question: I wonder why? The quest foranswers is a long journey, full of unexpected discoveries Each of these researchers epitomizes the remarkable prom-and, at times, sweeping breakthroughs in understandingise and scope of neuroscience, and our endless pursuit ofor clinical applications. Just as Columbus in speculating understanding how the brain works, how it develops, whatthere was an easier route to India accidently discoveredis its chemistry, and how broken brains can be fixed.a new world, as scientists, our questions, our answers, andeven our failures can have great effect.There are, of course, still many questions left to be an-swered. Those answers and more questions will comeConsider, for example, the four speakers in Neurosciencefrom you. It is exciting to imagine the discussions and dia-2010s Presidential Special Lecture Series, From Molecules tologues that will unfold in San Diego this year, and we hopeMind. Their research highlights how the study of the brain you will add your voice to this irreplaceable annual event.at the molecular or structural level informs basic neurosci-ence. In each case, basic and clinical research is bridging the ansWering the callgap between the unseen and the seen, often creating new These voices must not stay only within the confines oftherapies but always influencing understanding. the annual meeting or the fields journals. Without public 3. outreach, science as a whole will suffer. To that end, weand effectively engage our representatives (see page 8are fortunate to have actress and advocate Glenn Close atfor SfNs new lab tour toolkit), and we are eager tothis years Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society,work with the national neuroscience societies of ourspeaking about ending the stigma of mental illness. Closenon-American members to achieve the same goals, so3is no stranger to the struggles of mental illness: her nephewthat the people and legislatures of every country withwas diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and her sistermembers of the Society for Neuroscience can learn thewas diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As a co-creator ofimportance of supporting science. It is essential to reachBringChange2Mind.org, she is challenging society to eraseout throughout the year to build and maintain strongthe stigma surrounding mental illness, to realize that men-relationships with elected officials. Getting our represen-tal illness is a chronic disease not different from cancer and tatives and their staffs to visit our labs is thediabetes, and is in most cases treatable. In doing so, she isbest way to communicate the value of science andalso furthering a better understanding of diseases and con-demonstrate first-hand the valuable contributionsstructing a dialogue on the impact, treatment, and naturewe make toward health and the economy.of mental illness. Her presentation is a reminder that we,as researchers, have a role to play too. Its time we thinkIts a great story to tell, both in San Diego and in localmore broadly about our impact on society and how we cancommunities. Our pursuit of science and understanding haseducate the general public.a long, proud history. As researchers, we dont always know if our intellectual pursuits will have clinical applications,We can and must do a better job at reaching the people but if past performance is any measure of future successof our countries and our governments. Only an educated then we know that many of them surely will.public can truly bring about rational support for sciencein our society, and we must leave our ivory towers toOnce again this year, your discoveries will animate and ex-teach them. Fortunately, the Society is here with thepand a scientific discussion that extends through the ages,tools and resources to help our American members easilyand must extend throughout the year. nThe Journal Introduces Supplemental Data Policy ChangeSfN Council has approved the elimination of supplemental journals, like The Journal of Neuroscience, currently peer-data from The Journal of Neuroscience articles effective review supplemental material, the depth of that review isNovember 1, 2010. The change is being made in response questionable, Maunsell said. He added that the growth ofto the exponential growth of supplemental material linkedsupplemental material associated with a typical JN articlewith The Journal articles over the past several years as well as appears to be exponential and if the trend were to continue,to ensure a more consistent level of peer review across articles.a typical article would soon be smaller than its supplemental figures, tables, and text.The change in policy eliminates any confusion on the part ofreaders as to whether or not they need to read supplementalDan Johnston, chair of SfNs Scientific Publicationsmaterial for a full understanding of the research and results, Committee, noted that Maunsells proposal addressed anand ensures the article is a self-contained research report. issue of increasing concern and was sufficiently compelling toReviewers are currently asked to evaluate extensive amountsgain the unanimous support of the Committee to recommendof supplemental material in addition to giving careful, in-depth the policy change to Council.review of manuscripts. The end result is that the review ofsupplemental material is often far less rigorous than the review After November 1, new or resubmitted manuscripts willof the body of the manuscript, according to John Maunsell, not be allowed to include supplemental material with theeditor-in-chief of The Journal. The elimination of supplemental submission. Manuscripts submitted prior to the cutoff datedata from The Journal restores a sharp distinction between will have their accepted and peer-reviewed supplementalmaterial that is and is not peer-reviewed, he said. . . . and will data hosted by The Journal. After the cutoff date, authors ofallow editors and reviewers to focus on the manuscript unen- published articles will be free to provide a URL for supple-cumbered by data that is not essential to the primary results.mental material to be hosted at the authors site along with a brief description of the material in a footnote. Audio or videoThe critical characteristic of the core scientific literature clips that are central to the presentation of new findings willis that articles are peer reviewed. Although most neuroscience be embedded in articles. n 4. Q&ARita Levi-Montalcini: Sharing Insight and Wisdom4 Rita Levi-Montalcini, ItalianScientists and artists both have a drive to create and they neurologist and oldest livingshare the passion and imagination in creating something. Nobel laureate, celebrated her 101st birthday this year.NQ: You have been an inspiring role model and After pursuing studies inmentor for women scientists. What are the Italy during World War IIbiggest challenges facing women in science where she was driven fromin the 21st century? her research by Nazi forces,I believe a growing number of women are entering Levi-Montalcini workedthe field of science. I feel that the barriers of success for as a research associate atwomen in science are breaking down, although very often the Washington Universitymale subordinates tend to challenge female authority. in St. Louis. There, Levi- However, women are equal to their male colleagues asRita Levi-Montalcini,Montalcini and colleague far as intellectual and technical abilities. Also, womenNeurologist and Nobel Laureate Stanley Cohen first isolated scientists who wish to have a family must balance workPhoto by Albert Watson Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)with family responsibilities.from tumor cells, the experiment that earned them the 1986 NobelPrize. Their discovery of NGF, the protein that promotes cell NQ: As a senator for life in the Italian senate, yougrowth through the stimulation of surrounding nerve tissue, plays a have an important voice in policy. how has yoursignificant role in understanding human cancers and diseases. scientific training prepared you for public life? Whatdo you see as the role of scientists in public life?Although Levi-Montalcini is officially retired, she still works asa scientist. In 2001, she was appointed by the Italian govern-My scientific training was of great help for me in approachingment as a senator for life. At her 100th birthday celebration inpublic life due to the severe preparation theoretical andRome, Levi-Montalcini said that at 100, she has a mind thatpractical. Since science has become of such importance insociety, scientists should become more engaged in publicis superior, thanks to experience, than when I was 20.life and in turn their role should be acknowledged bysociety at large.NQ: Much of your early ground-breaking work wasdone in an enormously challenging environmentNQ: You continue to run the european Brain Re- at home, without funding, during war time, andsearch Institute and to present new data. What ad-while facing persecution. What lessons can youvice do you have for scientists wishing to continuedraw from that experience about pursuing scientific scientific pursuits in the later stages of their lives?research in challenging economic times?I strongly feel that continuing scientific activity is the bestMy family, fortunately, was able to escape from Naziway to keep your brain active and alive. npersecution. We fled to Florence and hid in a countrycottage where I set up a bedroom laboratory and continuedmy research undaunted despite the challenging times.I have always believed that one should pursue an idea orRead an interview conducted byobjective regardless of the obstacles he or she encounters. Moses Chao of New York Universitywith Levi-Montalcini: Chao MV (2010)NQ: You have been quoted as saying that you wereA conversation with Rita Levi-Montalcini.initially attracted to the beauty of the nervousAnnu Rev Physiol 72:1-13.system as an artist, rather than as a scientist.how do the fields of science and art intersect?Hear more from Levi-Montalcini and other distinguished senior neuroscientists in autobiographical interviewsfor The History of Neuroscience in Autobiography series online at www.sfn.org/hon. 5. Council Round-Up: Spring 2010 Meeting 5The SfN Council met May 2526 in Washington, DC, Committee to no longer review and publish supplementalfor its annual spring meeting. The following overviewmaterials with articles in The Journal beginning this fall.highlights some of the key discussion items. See article on page 3.sfn fy2011 Budget apprOved respOnsiBle cOnductRigorous financial stewardship during the recent economicWOrKing grOup prOpOsaldownturn by SfNs leaders has helped SfN come throughA set of final recommendations for revised SfNthe recent turmoil in a relatively stable position. However, ethics policies was presented to Council, based onlike its members and their institutions, SfN has faced antwo years of work by the Responsible Conductacceleration of financial challenges that affect Society Working Group, chaired by Past President Davidrevenues and operations. Council addressed these chal- Van Essen. It includes replacements for the SfN Policylenges and approved a budget for fiscal year 2011, which on Ethics and the Guidelines for Responsible Conductbegins in July, with a moderate 2.97 percent increase in Regarding Scientific Communications, as well as a newoperating expenses. In order to continue to allocate neces-document called Procedures for Dealing with Allegationssary resources to priority professional development andof Unethical Scientific Conduct. These documents willinternational programs and to meet the needs of a chang- be finalized shortly and available on the SfN Web siteing membership, the FY2011 budget approved by Councilthis summer.includes numerous cost savings and reductions, includinga moderate reduction of SfNs employee benefit programs. The SfN Policy on Ethics outlines the obligations ofThe approved FY2011 budget will allow the Society to members to maintain the highest level of integrity inremain focused on advancing strategic objectives, whiletheir scientific activities. Its principles are expandedpositioning it for future growth in high quality programsupon in the Guidelines for Responsible Conductfor the neuroscience community.Regarding Scientific Communications, which focuses on communications such as research manuscripts,advOcacy strategy and nih fundingsupplemental data, abstracts, posters, oral presentations,SfN remains focused on making a strong case for increasedand public electronic communications. Procedures forfunding for the NIH and National Science FoundationDealing with Allegations of Unethical Scientific Conduct(NSF), requesting $35 billion for NIH and $7.4 billion for outlines steps taken when an ethics violation is alleged.NSF in FY2011, and building a foundation for long-termadvocacy engagement. prOfessiOnal develOpment WOrKing grOup updatePresident Obamas proposed budget for NIH in FY2011 is The Council co-chairs of the Professional Development$32.2 billion, an increase of $1 billion, roughly an infla-Working Group (PDWG), Frances Jensen and Joannetionary increase. Many federal agencies face flat or reduced Berger-Sweeney, provided a progress report on thefunding in FY2011. For this reason, Council agreed thatdevelopment of a comprehensive three-year professionalcontinuing advocacy activity should be focused on protecting development plan, including short and long-term strategiesand increasing the $1 billion and continuing to advocate for meeting the needs of SfNs varying constituenciesfor long-term growth for biomedical science funding. throughout their career life cycles. Short-term, the PDWG endorsed a menu of 11 workshops for Neurosciencesupplemental materials fOr 2010, many on new topics. Details are available on thethe JOurnal Of neurOscienceNeuroscience 2010 Web site. The PDWG expects to pres-Council approved a proposal from the editor-in-chief ofent a full set of recommendations for discussion at theThe Journal of Neuroscience and the Scientific PublicationsCouncil meeting in August. n For more information on SfNs mission, strategic plan,and ongoing committee initiatives, visit About SfN at www.sfn.org. 6. Inside ScienceNeurobiology of Social Interaction6Social neuroscience is a young interdisciplinary field aimed Of races and facesat identifying the biological mechanisms that produce social Vaidehi Natu of the University of Texas at Dallas showedbehaviors and studying the reciprocal effects of culture onthat when people evaluate faces, bias can exist at the neu-the brain. The implications for society are striking fromronal level. Natu and colleagues used functional magneticunderstanding sociopathy to neurodevelopment disorders resonance imaging (fMRI) and a pattern-based classificationsuch as autism, this research has the potential for broadsystem to analyze spatial and temporal activation in the visualreach and broad impact.areas of the ventral temporal cortex of Caucasians and Asians as they viewed Caucasian and Asian faces.As part of an ongoing series, Inside Science highlightsemerging research presented at SfNs annual meeting. Principal components analysis of neural activation mapsAt Neuroscience 2009, David G. Amaral, research director ofshowed that people are better (faster and more reliable)the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disordersat recognizing faces of people who are most like themselves.(MIND) Institute at the University of California, moderatedAt best, this can make for embarrassing situations. At worst,a press conference exploring how the brain processes socialit could lead to dire consequences, as for example in a policecues. Several researchers presented studies representing the di- lineup when a person must identify a face from amongversity of the field, ranging from synapses to human behavior. several that may be difficult to distinguish. The results of this study point to the importance of spatial andfiBer tracts implicated in emOtiOnal prOcessingtemporal neural activation in recognizing and distinguishingOne way to look at the influences of the brain on social facial characteristics.behavior is by examining the impact of known brainanomalies. Lynn Paul, California Institute of Technology,humans and macaQues recOgnize genderpresented research on agenesis of the corpus collosumin faces(AgCC). The corpus collosum normally contains aboutAlthough gender discrimination is important in macaque190 million fibers that transfer information between brain society, little has been known about how macaque brainshemispheres. In AgCC, it is partially or fully absent. Thisprocess the sex of others in their species. Kari Hoffmanrare condition leads to impaired abilities to read social cues of the Center for Vision Research at York University infrom facial expressions and sustain social relationships.Toronto reported that, like humans, macaques find it easyResearch into AgCC has implications for understandingto tell gender by looking at a persons face.and treating other disorders in which emotional processingis faulty, especially autism.In this study, the researchers tested the preference of ovulating female macaques for viewing male and female macaque faces.Paul reported on research comparing the accuracy of naming They tested the macaques as they viewed paired images (onefacial expressions in people with AgCC and normal controls;male, one female) of faces of unfamiliar animals. By com-the researchers also compared eye-tracking in the two groups.paring preference ratios, the researchers found that femalePeople with AgCC were significantly worse than controlsmacaques showed a predilection for viewing male faces overat identifying anger and fear but only slightly worse at female faces. The findings are consistent with previous studiesidentifying surprise, disgust, sadness, or neutral expressions.showing that male macaques prefer to look at female macaques.They were somewhat better at identifying happiness. In theeye-tracking studies, AgCC volunteers spent significantly less Future research will address how hormonal fluctuationstime looking at eye and nose regions and slightly more timeand other influences may affect gender discrimination andlooking at the mouth.could be relevant for understanding social information processing disorders in humans. According to Hoffman, theFailure to identify fearfulness in facial expressions of other findings could also be applied to developing better algorithmspeople and avoiding looking at eye and nose regions arefor screening computer data for facial characteristics.also symptoms of autism. The researchers suggest that thefailure to focus on eyes when viewing faces may contribute explaining autism at a mOlecular levelto psychosocial impairment in AgCC and autism, and thatThomas Sdhof of Stanford University School of Medicineboth might involve impaired signaling between brain areas. presented research suggesting autism spectrum disorders 7. Williams syndrOme reveals neural circuitryIdentifying Emotions Karen Berman of the National Institute of Mental HealthControlAgCCreported differential activation of a brain circuit involved100 in recognizing social cues in people with Williams syndrome.7 This hypersocial disorder is caused by heterozygous deletion 80of a 1.6-Mb segment of human chromosome 7q11.23 normallyPercent Correct involved in neural maturation and migration. 60 40People with Williams syndrome have highly recognizable dysmorphic facial characteristics and unusual personality 20 and cognitive abilities. Frequently described as autisms 0 opposite, people with Williams syndrome are overly outgoing,Angry* Disgusted Fearful* Happy Neutral Sad Surprised empathic, and talkative, yet unaware of the traditional Expression safe distance in social situations. Their language skills are extremely good, despite characteristically low IQ scores.People with agenesis of the corpus callosum have difficulty identifyingIn contrast, they display high anxiety in non-social situations,certain emotions from facial expressions (asterisks). Previous studiesshowed that people with autism also had difficulty identifying somestrong phobias to non-social targets (e.g., dogs, snakes),of these same emotions (dagger). Image courtesy of Lynn Paul,and marked impairment on visuospatial tasks.California Institute of Technology. Berman and her colleagues found less gray matter in the orbitofrontal cortex (important for social processing and social(ASDs) involve impaired communications between cognition) in study participants with Williams syndromeneurons at the synaptic level. Of the more than 100 genesrelative to controls. Furthermore, when shown pictures oflinked to ASD, many involve proteins that function atfearful faces and scary scenes, Williams syndrome participantsthe synapse. Some, such as neurexins, neuroligins, and showed opposite response patterns in the amygdala (normallycadherins, are involved in promoting contiguous relation-involved in emotional processing and response to danger) andships between neurons; others, including ubiquitinatingfrontal cortex compared to controls.enzymes, maintain the structure of synapses. For example, photos of faces representing fear and anger elic-Autism is highly heritable and copy number variation ited a strong response in prefrontal cortical regions of controlsanalyses have identified gene regions that are potentially and barely any response in Williams syndrome volunteers.disease-related. Questions arise about the involvement The same photos elicited a strong response in the amygdalaof each and whether they define a pathway leading to of controls but not in Williams syndrome volunteers. Thesethe wide-ranging symptoms in people with this disorder,findings suggest there may be a genetic control of humanincluding impaired social interaction, communication,social behavior that involves the neural circuitry connectinglanguage skills, and stereotypical behaviors.prefrontal cortical regions and the amygdala.Sdhof suggests at least a subset of autism cases may be due toWhats next?synaptic dysfunction. He and collaborators are exploring the These studies are evidence of the growth of social neurosci-premise in a mouse model in which components of the neur-ence as a field and its importance for understanding theexin/neuroligin complex are absent. These proteins promote influence of genetics and brain biology in the development ofcommunication across the synaptic cleft. Several families andnormal and pathological social behaviors. The new findingsindividuals with autism have been identified who carry muta- are striking, suggesting abnormalities in brain circuits maytions in these genes. Mutant mice lacking the neuroligin pro-contribute to deficits in social behavior and the processing oftein display many symptoms that are similar to ASD pheno-facial information is a fundamental part of social relationshipstypes. The researchers hope these findings will ultimately leadin humans and non-human primates. Social neuroscience isto practical applications for diagnosis and treatment of ASDsset to reveal additional cellular and molecular influences onand, until then, could possibly help explain the relationship of social behavior, which could lead to early identification ofspecific genes to the quality of synaptic transmission.social impairments as well as therapeutic interventions. n To view the video of the press conference and related slides, go to www.sfn.org/amhighlights. 8. Engaging Legislators in the Lab8How can I get involved? Its a question many SfN membersask as the community works to fully realize the potentialGet a step-by-stephealth and scientific advances possible through neurosci-guide for hostingence. Advocacy for science is a critical way to get involved,a lab tour.and a growing number of U.S. members are taking part in anew effort to invite legislators to tour their labs. Lab tours www.sfn.org/labtoursare a great way to help policymakers understand the kind ofresearch funded through national agencies, how this invest-ment is addressing disease, sparking local and nationaleconomies, and why they must sustain strong funding. SfNis helping with a new advocacy resource How to HostCongressional Lab Tours.Legislators have many pressing issues and need to bereminded why science funding is critical. As scientists, SfN Are you an international chapter interestedmembers are uniquely well-qualified to serve as an educa-in implementing lab tours in your country?tor and advocate. In the United States, more than half a Partner with your national society to developdozen colleagues have hosted these events. Join them! Thea coordinated advocacy strategy and seenew How to Host Congressional Lab Tours provides step- whether and how this might be adapted toby-step instructions on how to invite your elected officials help advance your countrys commitmentand their staff into the laboratory to showcase cutting-edgeneuroscience research, while advocating for robust funding to robust science funding.for the NIH and the National Science Foundation. n 2131. Researchers from the Department of Neuroscience at the University of New Mexico thanked Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) for his support of the federal dollars allocated for scientific research in the Recovery Act and urged him to continue advocating for scientific research funding in Congress.2. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) toured the Department of Psychiatry at Yale. (From left to right) Dr. Marina Picciotto, Rep. DeLauro, and Dr. John Krystal.3. A University of Pittsburgh neuroscientist explains the implications of her research to Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) as he tours the Pittsburgh Neuroscience Center. 9. SfN President Testifies Before Congress9SfN President Michael Goldberg testified before the U.S.stress disorder, age-related macular degeneration, and newHouse of Representatives Subcommittee on Labor, Healthtreatments from natures poisons. He stressed the impor-and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies ontance of neuroscience and the strides made in the field asMay 12, in support of funding for NIH. Goldberg highlighted technologies continue to advance.investment in research through NIH, arguing that basicresearch leads to better health and to a stronger economy Read the full testimony at www.sfn.org/gpa and learn howthrough the creation of jobs. Goldberg asked the membersyou can get involved in advocacy to support NIH and theof the committee to appropriate $35 billion in funding forNational Science Foundation. nNIH in fiscal year 2011, maintain themomentum that was created by fundingthe American Reinvestment andRecovery Act (ARRA), and ensureAmerica remains a leading catalystfor the global scientific enterprise.Speaking to the critical nature ofresearch supported by the ARRAGoldberg said, Basic researchtranslates to new and better treatmentsof human disease, often in unexpectedways. In supplemental written testi-mony submitted for the CongressionalRecord, Goldberg focused on some ofthe ARRA-funded research successes,SfN President Michael Goldberg testified before Congress in support of funding for NIH.specifically those of post-traumatic Election Results, continued from page 1Darwin Berg is a professor of Biological Sciences at the John Morrison is dean of Basic Sciences and theUniversity of California, San Diego. His past involvement at Graduate School of Biological Sciences and thethe Society includes serving as a Councilor and chair of the Willard T.C. Johnson Professor of Geriatrics andAudit Committee. Adult Development at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.Hollis Cline is the Hahn Professor of Cell Biology andChemical Physiology at The Scripps Research Institute in La Sacha Nelson is a professor in the DepartmentJolla, California. Her past involvement at SfN includes serv-ing as a Councilor and member of the Program Committee.of Biology at the National Center for Behavioral Genomics as well as chair of the NeurosciencecOuncilOrs Graduate Program at Brandeis University.Nancy Ip is chair professor of Biochemistry, director ofthe Molecular Neuroscience Center, and director of the Marina Picciotto is the associate director of the MD/State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience of thePhD program and the Charles B.G. Murphy ProfessorHong Kong University of Science and Technology.in Psychiatry at Yale University. n 10. Spotlight on Neuroscience Education and Training, continued from page 110 He presented data on the decline in the proportion of U.S. prOgram imprOvement thrOugh graduate students as a percentage of all PhD-level graduates self-assessment and revieW globally from 29 percent in 1970 to 12 percent in 2006 From 2001 to 2005, the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate along with the growth of PhDs awarded to interna-(CID) examined the process of doctoral education across tional students at U.S. universities (51 percent in 2005), six disciplines, including neuroscience. Representatives from which has implications for U.S. scientific competitiveness.several neuroscience departments who participated in the Freeman also discussed federal funding for science in theproject described how they applied the Carnegie Program United States and commented on the potential durationReview (CPR) process to their programs. CID programs of the current recession and mechanisms that NIH and engaged faculty, students, and other stakeholders in discussions universities might employ to manage the impact of antici-about program goals, and brought together representatives pated loss of stimulus funds. He suggested a recession isfrom various programs within the same discipline, and later the ideal time for students to invest in higher education; across different disciplines. The CID process facilitated however, given limits to academic jobs, he challenged thesignificant input from students, and one result was the addition audience to prepare and send graduates and postdocs to of professional development components to many neuro- other careers at which they can apply their neuroscience science program curricula including courses on ethics, knowledge and skills.grant writing, and presentation skills. These componentsimproved overall satisfaction and fostered a more cohesive the rOle Of the WeB and sOcial netWOrKsintellectual community among faculty and students. Terrance Barkan, an expert on social media strategy, led a panel on the use of the Web and social media for student Panelists recommended that SfNs Institutional Program (IP) recruitment and training program activities. He noted that members build on the CID progress by adopting and imple- although all universities use the Internet to communicatementing the CPR at their institutions and suggested creating program information to prospective students, few havemechanisms for networking and resource sharing on this topic. responded to the importance of commonly used social media, such as Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.varying mOdels Of neurOscience educatiOn Barkan advised universities, whether or not they have aA recent survey of SfNs IP members revealed that nearly social media strategy, to prepare for developments in an 60 percent of graduate programs matriculate PhD candidates environment where communication is instantaneous.directly into a neuroscience track, while 20 percent startstudents in an undifferentiated biomedical sciences track. Three neuroscience graduate students shared their experi-The remaining 20 percent of programs provide a mix of ence using the Web and social media to select graduate schools, including reaching out to students enrolled in programs they were considering. The panelists highlighted the need for programs to provide comprehensive and up-to- date information online, not only about academics and faculty, but also about cost of living and other aspects of life outside the classroom and lab. They emphasized that students want to know what makes a university or program unique. Conference participants engaged in a lively discussion on the necessity and challenges of maintaining boundaries between the social and professional aspects of the social media world, while recognizing that social media plays Nearly 80 participants in the Spring NDP Conference actively an important supplementary role for many students when engaged in panel and small group discussions. making their graduate education decisions.View slide presentations and conference program at www.sfn.org/ndp. 11. training programs and welcomes input. Several conference 11What did attendees say? attendees shared their institutional experiences and models.Others suggested SfN and the CNDP facilitate the ongoing I returned home with a few ideas for improving mydialogue and sharing of resources among universities aboutDepartments small graduate program. The willingnesseffective curricula for neuroscience graduate programs.of others to share their insights, programmatic tacticsand common concerns made the meeting worthwhile. enhancing diversityThe final panel of the day addressed issues related to we felt this was really valuable and worth our time; recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups.this gives us high hopes for CNDP playing an active and Panelists offered approaches they have used in responseeffective role.to NIH training grants requirements that grant appli-cants include a plan for recruiting and collecting data aboutstudents from these groups. Joel Hockensmith, assistantboth options. Representatives from several neuroscience dean for Graduate Research and Training at the Universitygraduate programs spoke about the impact of these trends. of Virginia School of Medicine, described how his officeAlbert Berrebi from the West Virginia University School maintains several databases to support training grantof Medicine, Rita Balice-Gordon from the University ofapplications and how they have been able to collect criticalPennsylvania, and Richard Mains from the University data without violating privacy regulations, particularlyof Connecticut Health Center, described the curriculumwith regard to disabilities.tracks and core requirements for neuroscience traineesat their institutions, including requirements for studentsAlison Cole, program director at NIGMS, provided insightin some programs to spend their first year studying a coreinto the latest NIH requirements and guidelines for includingbiomedical curriculum.diversity in training grant applications. She emphasizedthat NIH is still working through the new requirementsPanelists noted that differentiated and undifferentiatedand is open to ideas about how best to approach diversityprograms have specific advantages and disadvantages recruitment and retention issues as part of future grantrelated to such issues as recruitment and length of time to applications. Attendees found great value in having NIHgraduation. NIH panelists noted there is no official NIH representatives engaged in this session.position or preconceived preference about the best way totrain students, but that the National Institute of GeneraladditiOnal cOnference activitiesMedical Sciences (NIGMS) is preparing to analyze theirThe conference also included presentations by thePresident of the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience(www.funfaculty.org) and the Incoming Chair of the NetworkBecOme an institutiOnal prOgram memBerof European Neuroscience Schools (www.fens.org/nens).These representatives of SfNs strategic partners shared theirorganizations current initiatives and proposed opportunities SfN has nearly 170 Institutional Program (IP)for collaboration with SfN, CNDP, and IP members. members, representing undergraduate and advanced degree programs in neuroscience and neuroscience-related disciplines in theA new conference feature, small-group lunchtime discussions United States and Canada. IP member benefits facilitated by CNDP members, encouraged networking among continue to evolve and currently include a listing program leaders and generated enthusiastic participation and in the online searchable directory of neuroscience feedback. Groups brainstormed ideas about future directions training programs, inclusion in the biennial for CNDP and IP membership benefits. SfN and CNDP survey of neuroscience programs, and communica-included these ideas subsequently in a survey to attendees and tions access to students and other IP members. the broader neuroscience training community to solicit input Visit www.sfn.org/IP for a complete list of benefits.on prioritization, and will consider feedback when developingprograms for IP members. n Save the Date! 2011 Spring Conference of Neuroscience Departments and Programs March 25, 2011 12. SfN Promotes Equity and Diversity in Academia12 Representation and advancement of women and under-and a founding member of the STRIDE Committee represented minorities (URMs) remains a challenge in(a committee to increase recruitment and hiring of women academic science and engineering careers; the field ofand URMs), discussed schemas expectations or stereotypes neuroscience and other biomedical science disciplines and how they influence our judgments of others, regardless share the same hurdle. With the help of a National Scienceof our own group. It is tempting to believe that discrimi- Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE/PAID grant, SfN hasnation against certain groups is a thing of the past, or is become a proactive partner in addressing equity and inclu-only practiced by a small set of uninformed people, noted sion within academia and a contributor to the development Raymond. Research shows that we all regardless of the of a more diverse science workforce.social groups we belong to perceive and treat people differently based on their social group. The Society introduced its Increasing Women in Neuroscience (IWiN) project with the first of five workshops held at SfN headquarters on April 2930. Twenty-four par- ticipants representing nine universities, including workshop faculty, engaged in highly interactive sessions focused on recruiting and promoting women and URM faculty in neu- roscience and related departments. Leadership teams from five universities participated. framing the envirOnment Led by co-chairs of SfNs Professional Development Committee (PDC) and IWiN co-Principal Investigators, Jill Becker, University of Michigan, and Anne Etgen, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the workshop addressed organizational change, core values, power and influence, culture and norms, climate, and boundaries. Speakers also Pamela Raymond, University of Michigan, facilitates a question and presented strategies to improve recruitment, promotion, and answer session on unconscious bias. the working climate for women and URMs in neuroscience and related departments. Raymond suggested there is a need to overcome the uncon- During the overview, Becker cited research from a 2007 scious biases that influence us, especially in the evaluation Association for Neuroscience Departments and Programs of potential candidates for hiring and tenure. In small survey finding that of the 52 percent of women gradu- ate students in neuroscience, only 21-23 percent of these groups, participants discussed their own unconscious biases women become full professors. Termed the leaky pipeline,and strategies to break the cycle of schemas and reported the phenomenon of women and URMs dropping out at ev-out on assigned scenarios and brainstormed strategies to ery transition point in academia, particularly the transition minimize evaluation bias. Open searches for new faculty, to tenured faculty, is the basis of the IWiN workshops. where an advertisement is placed without mention of a specific sub-field, were recommended by Raymond as a method to uncOnsciOus Biasesincrease diversity among department faculty. Pamela Raymond, chair of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, at the University of Michigan, Building a suppOrtive envirOnment Thomas J. Carew, Bren Professor, and chair, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at the University of California, The workshop was amazingly effective at highlighting Irvine, and past SfN president, addressed supporting new key issues relevant not only to the recruitment and faculty with mentoring and career advising to prepare them mentoring of women faculty, but to the essentialfor the tenure process. He spoke of the important role a dynamics of a successful academic science department.department head plays as an advisor when orienting new faculty. As to the essential elements of career advice, Carew Alan F. Sved, University of Pittsburghcited scholarship (start early, collaborate, and diversify the portfolio), teaching (use advisors for feedback and establish 13. 13Small group discussions engaged workshop participants (including workshop faculty, SfN Past President Tom Carew, and SfN President-Elect Susan Amara)in lively brainstorming and hands-on exercises around topics of recruitment and promotion.courses you own), and service (serve on committees and something that occurred in the committees interaction.learn policies and procedures, but dont over commit). Participants also had an opportunity to intervene in the performance and share feedback discussion points.Diana Bilimoria, professor of Organizational Behavior atCase Western University, relied on her research with C.taKing it hOmeGreer Jordan, A Good Place to Do Science: An Exploratory Identifying follow-up actions served as the final phaseCase Study of an Academic Science Department, to informof the workshop. Becker discussed five factors affectingher session on climate and culture in academic departments.organizational change, and provided an outline forBilimoria led breakout discussions to explore the meaningcreating and implementing a process for change at theof gender equity, moving from compliance to inclusion, home institutions: (1) shaping the goal what needsand the characteristics of environments that support to be changed and addressing resistance; (2) forming agender equity. team key individuals and important connections; (3) operating as a team working together toward therOle play Brings hOme the pOints goal; (4) defining the environment that will let you knowThe highlight of the workshop was an interactive when you have reached your goal; and (5) maintainingprofessional theater performance, The Fence, by thethe accomplishment post-project.University of Michigan Center for Research on Learningand Teaching (CRLT) Players Theatre Program. The CRLTAn important part of the IWiN project is the follow-upPlayers, partially funded by the NSF ADVANCE/PAID(echo) workshop to be led by participating departmentprogram at the University of Michigan, develops and per- chairs for faculty and leaders at their home institutions.forms sketches that engage faculty and graduate students To support these workshops and to foster continuedin discussions of multicultural teaching and learning andnetworking among the IWiN workshop participants,institutional climate. SfN launched the new IWiN Forum on the SfN Web site. The forum allows workshop participants to dialogue onThe play simulated a neuroscience department executive challenges faced and lessons learned during implementationcommittee meeting to discuss tenure for a woman facultyof their own workshops. Participants are encouraged to usemember. Workshop participants identified moments whenthe site to get feedback on individual plans to improve thethey perceived problems in the conversation or the meet- recruitment, advancement, and work climate for women anding environment, or when they had a strong reaction to URM faculty in neuroscience and related departments. n Visit www.sfn.org/IWiN for more information and upcoming workshops. 14. neurOscience 2010 Emerging Science, Collaboration, and Networking14 Program Committee, Neuroscienceenhancing nanOsympOsia 2010 will provide unlimited opportu- thrOugh cOllaBOratiOn nities for learning, collaboration, andIntroduced this year, the online enrichment. Attendees can expect Nanosymposium Topic Matching a chance to hear internationallyForum sparked successful collabora- renowned leaders in neuroscience tions by creating a venue for attendees including special lecturers whoto share, form, and suggest the com- describe the latest advances in theirposition of their own sessions. Taking respective fields, noted Programthe place of slide sessions in 2009, Committee Chair Robert Greene. Nanosymposia have become an In addition to Continuing Medicalexciting and evolving process which Education (CME) credit, this yearsallows members to self assemble their special lectures also offer a chancelatest work together with their col- to see in-depth, state-of-the-art, leagues around a common theme, presentations that are well organizedsaid Greene. This year, Neuroscience and focused around high-impact topics2010 features 107 Nanosymposia. from leaders and rising stars.maKe the mOst Of yOur time The 40th annual meeting of the frOm mOlecules tOMake navigating Neuroscience Society for Neuroscience will mind : 2010 presidential 2010 easy by pre-planning with the special lectures help of SfNs resources such as the take place November 1317 at the Martin Chalfie, Columbia University:Neuroscience Meeting Planner (NMP) San Diego Convention Center.Adventures in Non-Translational and the 2010 Preliminary Program. Thousands of the worlds foremostAlthough the annual meeting is big, brain researchers, clinicians, and Research: Neuronal Differentiationeven overwhelmingly so, it is well experts will gather at Neuroscienceand Mechanosensory Transductionorganized and well integrated with the 2010 to present the latest researchin C. elegansNMP, emphasized Greene. Attendees findings, innovative topics, and mul-can make their own personalized tifaceted perspectives spanning the Okihide Hikosaka, National EyeInstitute: Motivational Neuronalmeeting within the meeting, being as neuroscience discipline. With a near selective or broad as they like with the record of 16,506 abstracts submitted,Circuits for Value, Salience,and Information only constraint being time. Putting this year brings inspired collabora- some thought into pre-meeting plan- tion and emerging science on the ning can really pay off. Browse the 2010 Pawan Sinha, Massachusetts brain, spinal cord, and nervousscientific content, workshops, meetings,Institute of Technology: system to San Diego. and events to organize your meetingLearning to See Late in Lifeexperience. The NMP, available online BreaKthrOugh findings Helen S. Mayberg, Emory University: mid-August, contains the full text of With 13 special lectures, 21 symposia, Tuning Depression Circuits usingabstracts and allows attendees to plan and 25 minisymposia selected by theDeep Brain Stimulationan itinerary for the annual meeting. ncOntinuing medical educatiOnOffering attendees the opportunity to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits is a priority at the Societysannual meeting. This year, attendees will be offered the opportunity to earn up to 36 AMA PRA Category 1Credits by attending lectures, symposia, and minisymposia. CME registration must be completed before orduring the meeting. fOr mOre infOrmatiOn, visit WWW.sfn.Org /cme 15. neurOscience 2010 cOntinuedFeatured LecturesPublished quarterly by the Society for Neuroscience Circulation: 40,400Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society 2010 Society for NeuroscienceThe 2010 Dialogues Series Lecture Bringing Change to Mind will be presentedby actress and mental health advocate Glenn Close. Opinions expressed in Neuroscience Quarterly do not necessarily reflect those of the Society or its officers and councilors.Peter and Patricia Gruber LectureHistory of Neuroscience Lecture Officers, Councilors, and staffBrain Circuits for Active Vision Cell and Molecular Neurobiology: President: Michael E. GoldbergRobert H. Wurtz, National Eye Institute/ Antecedents and AchievementsNational Institutes of HealthPast President: Thomas J. Carew Victor P. Whittaker, Max Planck Institute President-Elect: Susan G. Amara for Biophysical Chemistry Secretary and NQ Editorial Advisor: Freda D. MillerDavid Kopf Lecture on NeuroethicsThe Neuroscience Revolution and SocietyFred Kavli DistinguishedTreasurer: Marie-Francoise ChesseletHenry T. Greely, Stanford University International Neuroscientist LecturePast Treasurer: Joanne E. Berger-Sweeney Understanding Sound Processing in Treasurer-Elect: Donald S. FaberAlbert and Ellen Grass Lecture the Auditory System: Advances RootedCouncilors: Roberta Diaz Brinton, Howard Eichenbaum,Dendrites, From Form to Function in the Genetic Approach Marie T. Filbin, Frances Jensen, Robert Malenka,Lily Jan and Yuh Nung Jan, University of Christine Petit, College de FranceAnthony Phillips, Leslie Tolbert, Gina TurrigianoCalifornia, San Franciscoand Institut Pasteur Executive Director: Marty Saggese Deputy Executive Director: Robert M. Doucette Executive Editor: Mona Miller Managing Editor: Melissa FerrariSpecial Lectures Editorial Staff: Lori Bocek Production Staff: Nicole Deoudes, Amit Kumar, Bob Laws, Nadia Maseda. Beryl RodaTheme A: Development Leslie B. Vosshall, Rockefeller University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Neuroscience Quarterly is printed on New Leaf Reincarnation MatteConnecting Motor Circuitsmade from 100% recycled fiber and 50% post-consumer waste,Silvia Arber, Biozentrum, University of BaselModern Genetic and Viral Tools forprinted with soy inks, and processed chlorine free. By using thisRewiring the Brain: Activity-Dependent the Dissection of Neural Circuits environmental paper, SfN saved the following resources:Neurotransmitter Specification Edward M. Callaway, 25treesNicholas C. Spitzer, University of California, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies 11,306gallons of waterSan Diego 686pounds of solid waste Theme E: Homeostatic and 2,348pounds of hazardous effluentTheme B: Neural Excitability,Neuroendocrine SystemsSynapses, and Glia:Neurobiology of Social Bonding andCellular MechanismsMonogamy: Implications for AutismJoining the Dots: Epigenetics, Spectrum DisordersPlasticity and the Circadian Clock Larry J. Young, Emory UniversityPaolo Sassone-Corsi, University of RECOGNIZE ExCELLENCECalifornia, Irvine Neurogenetics of Circadian Clocks in MammalsArchitecture, Symmetry and Joseph S. Takahashi, University of TexasMechanism of IonotropicSouthwestern Medical Center, HowardGlutamate ReceptorsHughes Medical Institute IN NEUROSCIENCEEric Gouaux, Oregon Health & ScienceUniversity Theme F: Cognition and Behavior Learning and Memory Mechanisms inTheme C: Disorders of theSongbirds, and Humans Sleep On It!Nominate a colleague orNervous System Daniel Margoliash, University of ChicagoAmyloid Imaging: Impact on the student for an SfN award.Study of Alzheimers Disease Lasting Traces: How H.M. Shaped theWilliam E. Klunk, Western PsychiatricScience of MemoryDeadlines are fast-Institute & Clinic Suzanne Corkin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology approaching and awardsSpecial Lecture (Title TBD)Pamela Sklar, Massachusetts GeneralHospital/Broad Institute Theme G: Novel Methods andare available for different Technology Development Genetic Dissection of the areas of research andTheme D: Sensory and Mouse Brain: Toward a 21st CenturyMotor SystemsBrain Pharmacologycareer levels.How Do I Smell? A Guided Tour of Nathaniel Heintz, Rockefeller University,Human and Insect Olfaction Howard Hughes Medical InstituteVISIT WWW.SFN.ORG/AWARDS 16. Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 87 Dulles, VASAVE MONEY AND TIME TODAY Member Registration OPENEDJULY 14Online registration is quick, easy, and providesimmediate payment conrmation.Join or renew at www.sfn.org/updateRegister at www.sfn.org/registration