How Neuroscience Began: Bernice Grafstein on the Disciplines That Formed a New Field

10/10/19 • 32 min

Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations

Where would neuroscience be if, rather than sharing scientific knowledge as part of a broader field, disciplines like neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology still pursued specialized interests? In this episode, Bernice Grafstein, Vincent and Brooke Astor Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience at Cornell University, Trustee and Vice-President of the Grass Foundation — and the first female president of the Society for Neuroscience — recounts how the formation of the Society for Neuroscience brought together neuroscientists of diverse backgrounds.

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 her scientific discoveries, Grafstein also offers a look at how SfN’s annual meeting has evolved, how the first Neuroscience Meeting Planner revolutionized the way attendees planned their meeting itineraries, and how that changed again with its digitization. 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

January 1981, Vol. 1, No. 1: Marina Picciotto on the History of JNeurosci

In this episode, Marina Picciotto, Charles B.G. Murphy Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University and the editor-in-chief of JNeurosci, notes how the journal has evolved in its nearly 40 years to mirror the changing ways in which research is shared. Throughout this narration of the history of SfN journals, Picciotto reflects on research trends that have captured the imagination of neuroscientists early in their careers, and on the future of scientific publishing. More personally, she shares how her many roles within the Society have been important to her personal and professional development.

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. 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

The History of Society for Neuroscience: 50th Anniversary

A limited series podcast highlighting the stories from the 50-year history of the Society for Neuroscience, the world’s largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. We’ll discuss the significant moments, trailblazing ideas, and historical development of the Society throughout the decades, with some of its current, past, and future leaders.