Socio-Cultural Neuroscience Workshop

The INN hosted a Challenge Workshop in May 2024 that brought together researchers from various disciplines to discuss socio-cultural challenges in neuroscience research. The goal was to identify collaborative paths towards the broader integration of socio-cultural factors in the study of neuroscience.

The human brain is embedded in the body, and the body embedded in a complex personal and social environment. A complete understanding of human brain function must therefore include an understanding of how factors like global inequities, environmental exposures, and climate change are placing pressures on brain health. We sought to identify socio-cultural challenges for neuroscience under three themes:

1. Social determinants of brain health,
2. Environmental and ecological challenges to brain health, and
3. Tensions between communities and academia in approaches to neuroscience.

We also discussed how neuroethics may inform the paths forward so that neuroscience knowledge can be integrated with socio-cultural factors to guide policy and practice.

Keynote speaker:
Dr. Judy Illes, University of British Columbia

Discussion leaders:
Theme 1: Dr. Carolyn Parkinson, University of California, Los Angeles
Theme 2: Dr. Ben Smarr, University of California, San Diego
Theme 3: Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, University of Manitoba

See the Workshop Program