The International Brain Initiative and the World Women in Neuroscience host NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide on Neuroscience, Diversity, and Society
On September 15, 2026, the International Brain Initiative (IBI) and the World Women in Neuroscience (WWN) hosted the third and final session of the event series, NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide.
The webinar featured panelists Drs. Sarah Cohen-Woods (Flinders University, Australia), Satu Palva (University of Helsinki, Finland), Luisa Lilia Rocha Arrieta (Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Mexico), and Minerva Rivas Velarde (University of Geneva, Switzerland), and was moderated by IBI Immediate Past Chair, Dr. Judy Illes.
Bringing together over 110 participants from more than 30 countries worldwide, this webinar convened the international neuroscience community to advance the dialogue on the intersections of neuroscience, diversity, and society, and their implications for research, policy, and practice.
The webinar started with presentations on diversity and inclusion, and the impact of workplace culture and environment on career progression. Speakers recognized different ways of building knowledge, mitigating brain drain, strengthening local research capacity, and navigating the politicization of science.
Speakers also discussed ways Indigenous communities can be meaningfully involved throughout the research process, while emphasizing the importance of supporting the broader environment in which women and other underrepresented groups participate, not only in science.
The dialogue offered real-world examples, practical advice, and mentoring tips for early-career researchers. Speakers also reflected on the challenges of working across countries but also how experiences away from one's home country can shape perspectives on inclusion, research, and professional development. The discussion also acknowledged practical considerations, including relocation and family responsibilities.
Overall, participants were encouraged to be bold, to initiate conversations, and to recognize the strengths and expertise in neuroscience that they bring to their own communities and to communities globally.
Watch the full webinar here:
NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide
In a series of virtual panel discussions, a collaborative effort between the IBI, the World Women in Neuroscience (as part of the IBRO Global Connectome Program), and UBC Neuroethics Canada will bring together a wide range of voices in dialogue on the impact of women in neuroscience innovation, and will feature distinguished women neuroscientists to explore the intersections of AI, brain, technology, and ethics, and neuroscience, diversity, and society. Through brief presentations and dynamic audience engagement, this series will create a space where ideas are strengthened through conversation across disciplines and borders.
These free virtual events are open to the full neuroscience network of faculty members, students, research trainees, patient and public stakeholders, and other professionals from organizations located on all continents of the world. Beyond knowledge exchange, this initiative will foster global collaboration and mentorship.
View the full playlist of webinar recordings here: