This annual event hosted by the Michiana Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience (MSfN) is open to faculty, interns, fellows, and community partners. Hosting this off-campus is intentional as it captures the stated mission of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) chapters: "contribute to advancing science education and advocate for public policies that support neuroscience research." We can never live up to this promise if we keep our work on campus. In light of increasing distrust of science, diminishing faith in institutions of higher education, and our own University's mission to use our education in service to justice, it is ever more important that we don't fall into the trap of doing what's always been done, but to be intentional and thoughtful in considering not only what our chapter could be, but what our chapter should be. Let's listen and learn what community needs are so we can best lend our strengths to building the capacity of our community.
The (neuro)Science in Society Impact Summit is not just another science conference but aims to elevate the foundational importance of sustainable, community-university partnerships as a necessary component of the Mission work of the University. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about successes, lessons learned, and best practices from long-term collaborative community-university partnerships. The hope is that we - as a campus community - can continue to strategically consider our local and regional partnership role, with our community directly engaged in how we set course.
Throughout the day, breakout sessions will be offered by a variety of local/regional organizational representatives. We offer a poster session mid-day so attendees can see the intentional work our students are doing with community partners. The day closes with a keynote speaker.
More details of this year's event will be coming soon.
Originally published at neuroscienceandbehavior.nd.edu.