Innovators in Cognitive Neuroscience welcomes leading scientists exploring the neural mechanisms that give rise to thought, knowledge, and complex behavior. Even as novel technologies, methods, and analytical tools proliferate, we believe the diverse and creative individuals within the neuroscience community are most critical for moving our understanding of the brain forward. We are dedicated to curating and disseminating innovative theories and providing a forum for cultivating new ideas.
At the same time, we recognize that long-standing injustice and inequality pervade our society, and academia is no exception. Academics must take a preeminent role in the movement towards social justice and work actively towards building a more just and equitable society. Our academic endeavors should reflect this aim.
Innovators in Cognitive Neuroscience bridges these scientific and social justice aspirations.
Who are innovators?
Innovators in cognitive neuroscience are leaders in the field who push the boundaries of current methodological and theoretical frameworks to advance our understanding of the brain. Because neuroscience is an inherently multidisciplinary enterprise, innovators come to the field from a variety of backgrounds, including cognitive psychology, computer science, and sociology. Innovators may be working in academia, clinical settings, government, or industry.
Importantly, members of under-represented groups have been among the greatest innovators in academic research, but historically these individuals have not been fully recognized for their contributions. Innovators in Cognitive Neuroscience is committed to amplifying the voices of scientists from historically under-represented groups in the interest of cultivating a just and equal environment in academia.
Commitment to social justice through science
Scientific research does not take place in a vacuum, and we believe it is crucial for scientists to take the lead in creating a just and equal society. To lead off each seminar, we ask our speakers to highlight a social justice cause or charity to raise awareness, and audience members may consider donating to these causes if they are in a position to do so. In addition, Innovators in Cognitive Neuroscience is actively working to elevate careers of under-represented groups in academia through our choice of speakers. To ensure that this aim is fulfilled, the seminar series will self-audit and report the demographics of our speakers, with an eye towards both transparency and equity.
