All Day

Arrivals

6:00 - 7:30 PM

WELCOME RECEPTION

8:00 - 8:15

Welcome & Introductions
Jack Lipton, AMSNDC President 

S1: Institute of Neurobiology, 31 years Deciphering the Brain

Teresa Morales Guzmán, Director, Instituto de Neurobiología,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

The Instituto de Neurobiología (Institute of Neurobiology; INb) is an academic entity of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) dedicated to advancing knowledge about the physiology and pathology of the nervous system. It also trains individuals interested in pursuing professional development in neuroscience research. Since 1993, when UNAM established a research center focused on neurobiology, the university has acknowledged this field's social and economic importance, which directly impacts human health and behavior. Furthermore, the creation of the INb has contributed to the decentralization of scientific research within UNAM, fostering significant development and growth at the Juriquilla campus. More than 30 years after its founding, the INb has achieved remarkable growth. It now boasts the infrastructure, equipment, and academic expertise necessary to support cutting-edge scientific research and train professionals in neurobiology at a competitive international level.

9:15 - 10:15

Cory Kelly, National Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease and Stroke

This presentation by Cory Kelly of NINDS will provide an overview of the evolution of the philosophy of science and the current landscape of the scientific enterprise followed by a discussion on the episteme of transformative science and the science of team science. These theoretical concepts will then be integrated into practical considerations for organizational leaders and institutions in pursuit of grand challenges in neuroscience, followed by a review of relevant funding opportunities including the NINDS Collaborative Opportunities for Multidisciplinary, Bold, and Innovative Neuroscience (COMBINE) program.

10:15 - 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30

S3: Recruiting Graduate Students: Challenges and Successful Practices

Moderator: Alfredo Fontanini 

Panelists: Betsy Quinlan, Alecia Gross, Paul Mermelstein

This session will discuss current practices on recruitment of PhD students. Starting from the survey data, we will provide a summary of the practices among the participating institutions. The speakers will present challenges and successes of their individual approaches. 

S4: Faculty Mentorship Across Academic Ranks

Moderator: Xin-Yun Lu 

Panelists: Kerry O'Banion, Linda Richards, Riqiang Yan

The session will explore mentoring approaches for junior, mid-career, and senior faculty and discuss how to ensure each group receives the appropriate guidance and resources to thrive. Panelists Drs. Xin-Yun Lu, Linda Richards, Kerry O'Banion, and Riqiang Yan will share their experiences and insights.

Lunch / Afternoon on your own 

4:30 - 7:30

Group Excursion: Sunset Catamaran Cruise 

Included for all registered attendees & social guests 

Meet in Hotel Lobby

8:15 - 9:15

S5: Detecting and Managing Academic Fraud

Charles Lee Cox

Former Neuroscience Chair and AMSNDC member, Lee Cox, is now the Research Integrity Officer at Michigan State University. Lee will share data from AMSNDC members regarding their knowledge and experience with research misconduct, and stories and insights as an institutional official for research integrity. He will provide a framework for how unit leaders should approach and manage allegations of research misconduct.    

Ideas III

9:15 - 10:15

S6: Discussion: Executive Orders and the Targeting of the Academy:  Consequences on Research Programs, Careers, Academic Freedom, and the Bottom Line

Jack Lipton

With the onslaught of executive orders, the federal government has created mass confusion regarding research funding and priorities. These efforts potentially endanger our ability to understand variance in human populations, and our ability to provide equitable opportunities for career development in the sciences. Additionally, conflicts on campus are growing more heated, charged by the politics of competing university constituencies. Government officials and governing boards have already eliminated DEI efforts, limited speech, and ended tenure at public universities in some states. These states may provide insight into the potential future we face nationally. Jack Lipton will provide some background on the state of academia and facilitate a discussion among AMSNDC attendees on our uncertain futures.

10:15 -10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30

S7: Incentive/Retention Planning- Managing Faculty Burnout

Moderator: William Guido

Panelists: Phil Popovich, Sara Jones, Paul Micevych (Organizer: Jen Bizon)

This session will examine AMSNDC member data on incentives for faculty, and retention practices across our member colleges. Three panelists will discuss their challenges and successes in managing faculty incentives and retention. An overarching discussion of faculty burnout in the context incentivization will wrap up the session. 

11:30 - 12:30

S8: Succession Planning

Moderator: Randy Nelson

Panelists: William Guido, Lucia Notterpek, Paul Micevych

This session will address succession planning for replacing [you] as chair. Panelists will discuss their experiences in planning for their replacements as chair and the extent to which succession planning is formalized at various institutions followed by discussion of individual experiences.

Optional Tour: Cabo Adventures on the Beach-Camel or eBike ($)

S9: Scientific Advocacy - Your Role in Changing Hearts and Minds for Research

Mary Woolley, ResearchAmerica! 

Research!America President and CEO Mary Woolley will discuss challenges and opportunities for research advocates in the context of a new Administration and Congress, including both funding and policy considerations. She will discuss the new Vision for American Science and Technology (VAST) initiative and will discuss newly released national public opinion poll data that capture Americans’ sentiment on research, researchers and research institutions, our status as a global leader in research, trust in scientists and health care providers and related issues. There will be ample time for Q&A. Attendees will be better prepared advocates following this presentation.

Ideas III

9:15 - 10:15

S10: Leadership Fellows Roundtable

Moderators: Jack Lipton & Gonzalo Torres

Panelists: Avril Genene Holt, Jose "Joe" Abisambra, Nathan Smith, Barbara Juarez, Michael Burton

Jack Lipton and Gonzalo Torres will introduce this year's Leadership Fellows. They will lead a Q&A with the fellows about their paths in neuroscience, their interest in leadership, their thoughts on shaping the leadership fellows program and their experiences at the AMSNDC Meeting. 

10:15 - 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:30

S11: AMSNDC Business Meeting

Jack Lipton, John Foxe

Year-end summary by Jack Lipton; financial report by Treasurer John Foxe; introduction of new officers; discussion of statement on prestige publishing from AMSNDC members. New business. 

11:30 - 6:00

Lunch & Free afternoon

6:30– 9:30 PM

FAREWELL DINNER & BEACH BONFIRE (all attendees & guests)

On the Beach

8:00 - 11:00 AM

Departures