Fall Council Round-Up
During its fall meeting, SfN Council reflected on the success of Neuroscience 2014, with its more than 31,000 attendees and rich and diverse scientific program, and met with committees to review key accomplishments and discuss strategic priorities.
Enhancing Publishing Venues and Communications
Council celebrated the growth and evolution of the Society’s publishing venues with the launch of eNeuro, SfN’s new open-access journal. Recognizing the transition of The Journal of Neuroscience’s leadership, Council applauded outgoing Editor-in-Chief John Maunsell and welcomed new Editor-in-Chief Dora Angelaki. Council also enthusiastically thanked outgoing BrainFacts.org Editor-in-Chief Nick Spitzer and approved John Morrison as his successor.
To better promote the dissemination of the innovative science communicated in both journals, Council approved a revised licensing policy, effective January 1, and a new media engagement strategy. Council also encouraged the development of rapid statements of support for animal research practices.
Providing Year-Round Value to Members
With regard to membership engagement and professional development, Council looks forward to the spring 2015 launch of a digital content portal with valuable educational and collaborative resources for SfN members. Council expressed support for an effort to review existing research on workforce and training issues in neuroscience, as the Society explores how it might help inform the evolution of scientific training. Council also approved the development of a half-day short course at the annual meeting on responsible conduct of research. In addition, the trainee voice remains an important focus for Council, and thus several committees discussed how to continue to engage this important group of members in the Society’s programs and services.
Financial Strength and Investment
As SfN expands its innovative programs and services, Council reviewed the Society’s finances to ensure that SfN can continue to operate from a position of stability and strength. Council endorsed a long-term plan focusing on selective and strategic investment in high-impact programs, with an emphasis on member needs and value. Council also discussed ways to provide engaging, high-quality content and programming to members year-round. By ending a few programs and activities that, while valuable, had accomplished what they set out to do, Council freed up some resources and capacity for possible new initiatives that would have increased reach and impact. Some of the areas being explored for potential new programming include scientific rigor, responsible conduct, and scientific training.
