Both Plastic and Robust: Eve Marder on Annual Meeting Programming

10/10/19 • 36 min

Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations

“In some ways, SfN as an organization parallels the adult nervous system: It must be both plastic and robust,” writes Eve Marder in her chapter of SfN’s History of Neuroscience in Autobiography, Volume 10. In this episode, Marder, Victor and Gwendolyn Beinfield Professor of Neuroscience at Brandeis University and a past president of the Society for Neuroscience, expands on this thought, sharing details from her time on SfN’s Program Committee and about the evolution of annual meeting programs, as well as her award-winning research on motor neurons.

History of SfN: 50th 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. Marder’s career, the Society, and neuroscience grew in parallel, an observation on which Marder reflects as she looks forward to the future of the Society. Be sure to visit https://neuronline.sfn.org/Listen to learn more. Take our listener survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWZN3W9 The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.

Previous Episode

Neuroscience for the People: Nick Spitzer on Education and Outreach

SfN’s public-facing website BrainFacts.org serves to educate and inspire site visitors. Since its launch in 2013, it has reflected creative additions including the 3D Brain and been used by scientists and nonscientists across the globe. In this episode, Nick Spitzer, Atkinson Family Chair Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at University of California, San Diego, and the 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.

History of SfN: 50th 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 partnerships and additions to the site that facilitate learning, Spitzer describes his aspirations for the development and use of BrainFacts.org into the future, including how it may increase appreciation for the potential of neuroscience research to improve the health and well-being of people everywhere. Be sure to visit https://neuronline.sfn.org/Listen to learn more. Take our listener survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWZN3W9 The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.

Next Episode

Positioned to Lead: William Martin on Global Advocacy

Much of science advocacy is local by nature, but it also has tremendous potential to bring neuroscientists together on a global scale. In this episode, Bill Martin, the president and chief operating officer of Blackthorn Therapeutics, traces the evolution of SfN’s role in global advocacy efforts throughout his time on its Government and Public Affairs Committee and continued involvement with the Society.

History of SfN: 50th 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. In addition to the relationship between applied research and the science ecosystem at large, Martin discusses the successes of the BRAIN Initiative and development of new tools in its next phase, as well as the future of advocacy at SfN. Be sure to visit https://neuronline.sfn.org/Listen to learn more. Take our listener survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWZN3W9 The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.