Education & Advocacy

Education and Advocacy

Education and advocacy are cornerstones of the SfN mission. The Society:

  • Promotes public information and education about neuroscience research discoveries, promising therapies, and related ethical issues.
  • Informs policymakers about new developments in neuroscience research, including implications for public policy, societal benefit, and scientific progress.

Public Information & Outreach

To promote public understanding of neuroscience, SfN offers informational resources and engages educators and members of the media. The Society:

  • Offers opportunities for neuroscientists and K-12 educators to inspire the next generation of scientists by providing education resources and facilitating science education partnerships.
  • Publishes a variety of educational books and informational materials about neuroscience. All of these publications are freely accessible online and available for download.
  • Helps members of the media accurately cover new discoveries in neuroscience research and their implications.

Brain Awareness Week

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is an international campaign that aims to advance public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research. SfN members and K-12 educators and students are encouraged to partner to share educational activities about neuroscience. SfN offers a comprehensive set of tools and tips that assist in preparing a BAW event.

Policy & Advocacy

SfN’s policy and advocacy activities include communicating with policymakers about issues such as biomedical research funding and the responsible use of animals in research, in addition to providing opportunities and resources to aid member involvement in advocacy efforts and engaging members on science and animal research policy.

  • SfN's Government and Public Affairs activities give neuroscientists a unified voice on legislative and regulatory issues in Washington, DC and facilitate member visits to Capitol Hill or local District offices to discuss issues important to the science community.
  • SfN's Animals in Research activities support the responsible use of animals in research by tracking legislation impacting member research progress, supporting scientists under attack by animal rights extremism, and striving to educate the public on the benefits of animal research.