SfN Reaffirms Need for Scientists to Cross Borders, Share Valuable Research
Society for Neuroscience (SfN) President Richard Huganir, PhD, released the following statement, reaffirming the Society’s support for free exchange of information, diversity, and global collaboration in science.
“SfN has learned that a number of scientists who have been invited to present research at our annual meeting in November are being denied visas to come to the United States because of travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. While SfN does all that it can to provide visa support for scientists from around the world, we want to underscore the importance of allowing scientists to travel freely to present and discuss their scientific work at scientific conferences.
Scientific breakthroughs can only be realized with the open and free exchange of ideas that inspires the collaborative spirit vital to driving discovery and accelerating progress. Central to its mission, the Society encourages knowledge sharing that will advance science and benefit humankind.
We have the responsibility as a global scientific community to tackle the most challenging public health issues of our time. Alzheimer’s and other dementias, autism, mental health conditions, and addiction—these devastating diseases and conditions are growing at an alarming rate, destroying lives and families and crippling health care systems around the world. We call upon the U.S. government and all governments to encourage opportunities for scientists to communicate and collaborate, no matter where in the world those colleagues call home. To do otherwise impedes progress and is counter to the long-standing values of the United States, SfN and scientists around the world.
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is an organization of nearly 36,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and the nervous system.
