BeyondLooking thehorizon FY2O1O Annual Report 2009-2010 Society for 2009–2010 Society Past Presidents Neuroscience Council for Neuroscience Committee Chairs Thomas J. Carew, PhD, 2008-09 OFFICERS Eve E. Marder, PhD, 2007-08 Michael E. Goldberg, MD Robert C. Malenka, PhD, MD David C. Van Essen, PhD, 2006-07 President Audit Committee Stephen F. Heinemann, PhD, 2005-06 Susan G. Amara, PhD Sharon L. Juliano, PhD Carol A. Barnes, PhD, 2004–05 President-Elect Committee on Animals in Research Anne B. Young, PhD, MD, 2003–04 Thomas J. Carew, PhD Freda D. Miller, PhD Huda Akil, PhD, 2002–03 Past President Committee on Committees Fred H. Gage, PhD, 2001–02 Marie-Francoise Chesselet, PhD, MD David R. Riddle, PhD Donald L. Price, MD, 2000–01 Treasurer Committee on Neuroscience Dennis W. Choi, MD, PhD, 1999–00 Departments and Programs Donald S. Faber, PhD Edward G. Jones, MD, DPhil, 1998–99 Treasurer-Elect Michael E. Goldberg, MD Lorne M. Mendell, PhD, 1997–98 Executive Committee Joanne E. Berger-Sweeney, PhD Bruce S. McEwen, PhD, 1996–97 Past Treasurer Marie-Francoise Chesselet, PhD, MD Pasko Rakic, MD, PhD, 1995–96 Finance Committee Freda D. Miller, PhD Carla J. Shatz, PhD, 1994–95 Secretary Bruce S. McEwen, PhD Larry R. Squire, PhD, 1993–94 Government and Public Affairs COUNCILORS Committee Ira B. Black, MD, 1992–93 Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD Joseph T. Coyle, MD, 1991–92 Carol A. Barnes, PhD Robert H. Wurtz, PhD, 1990–91 Howard B. Eichenbaum, PhD International Affairs Committee Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic, PhD, 1989–90 Marie T. Filbin, PhD David H. Cohen, PhD David H. Hubel, MD, 1988–89 Investment Committee Albert J. Aguayo, MD, 1987–88 Frances E. Jensen, MD Elisabeth J. Van Bockstaele, PhD Mortimer Mishkin, PhD, 1986–87 Membership and Chapters Committee Robert C. Malenka, PhD, MD Bernice Grafstein, PhD, 1985–86

Leslie P. Tolbert, PhD Maryann E. Martone, PhD William D. Willis, Jr., PhD, MD, 1984–85 Neuroinformatics Committee Gerald D. Fischbach, MD, 1983–84 Gina G. Turrigiano, PhD Michael E. Goldberg, MD Dominick P. Purpura, MD, 1982–83 Nominating Committee Anthony G. Phillips, PhD David H. Cohen, PhD, 1981–82 Jill B. Becker, PhD Eric R. Kandel, MD, 1980–81 Anne M. Etgen, PhD (Co-Chairs) Solomon H. Snyder, MD, 1979–80 Professional Development Committee Torsten N. Wiesel, MD, 1978–79 Robert W. Greene, PhD, MD W. Maxwell Cowan, PhD, MD, 1977–78 Program Committee Floyd E. Bloom, MD, 1976–77 John H. Morrison, PhD Robert W. Doty, PhD, 1975–76 Public Education and Communication Edward V. Evarts, MD, 1974–75 Committee Theodore H. Bullock, PhD, 1973–74 Daniel Johnston, PhD Walle J.H. Nauta, PhD, MD, 1972–73 Scientific Publications Committee Neal E. Miller, PhD, 1971–72 Vernon B. Mountcastle, MD, 1970–71 Edward R. Perl, MD, 1969–70 BeyondLooking theh o r i z o n FY2O1O Annual Report

Contents

4 SfN Mission, Values, and Vision 6 A Message from the President

8 CREATING VENUES FOR GREAT SCIENCE 8 Annual Meeting 12 The Journal of Neuroscience

18 SUPPORTING THE NEUROSCIENCE COMMUNITY 18 Membership and Chapters 23 Global Affairs 24 Professional Development

30 EDUCATING AND ENGAGING THE PUBLIC 30 Public Information and Outreach 34 Science Advocacy

40 FINANCIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Science in Society, Science in Progress Exploring the latest in neuroscience research and its impact on the world around us.

14 E D U C A T I O N 26 M A G I C A N D 36 A D D I C T I O N AND NEUROSCIENCE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE Educators and scientists are working The neurobiology of attention Addiction places a heavy personal, together to explore how neuroscience and perception is leveraged by economic, and social burden on research, particularly in learning and magicians to entertain and amaze. communities worldwide. Ongoing memory, can help inform teaching But trickery and illusion are also research is identifying root causes of strategies and potentially improve important tools in deciphering addiction and suggesting new educational outcomes. brain function. targets for treatment. 14 Neuroeducation 26 Magic and the Brain 36 Burden of Addiction 16 The Machinery 28 Sensory Illusions 38 Addiction: Reward of Memory and Punishment m i s s i o n

Advance the understanding Provide professional develop- Support active and continuing of the brain and the nervous ment activities, information, and discussions on ethical issues system by bringing together educational resources for neurosci- relating to the conduct and scientists of diverse backgrounds, entists at all stages of their careers, outcomes of neuroscience research. by facilitating the integration including undergraduates, gradu- of research directed at all levels of ates, and postdoctoral fellows, and Inform legislators and other biological organization, and increase participation of scientists policymakers about new scientific by encouraging translational from diverse cultural, ethnic, and knowledge, recent developments, research and the application of geographic backgrounds. and emerging opportunities in new scientific knowledge to neuroscience research and their develop improved disease Promote public information implications for public policy, treatments and cures. and general education about the societal benefit, and continued nature of scientific discovery and scientific progress. the results and implications of the latest neuroscience research. v a l u e s ■ Identifying and serving the ■ Fulfilling its mission in a socially, ■ Building a model of iterative evolving needs of SfN members as economically, and environmentally planning into the fabric of SfN well as the field of neuroscience. responsible fashion, including governance and management minimizing SfN’s environmental processes, incorporating regular ■ Continuing to promote greater footprint through energy efficiency, evaluation of the impact and diversity of representation of recycling, and other initiatives, success of initiatives and activities, women, minorities, and young and being mindful of the broader and periodic revisiting of major investigators, along with geo- impact of its day-to-day practices, programs and activity clusters. graphic and specialty balance, in decisions, and actions. SfN’s meetings, conferences, com- mittees, and governance processes. ■ Developing effective strategic relationships and collaborative ■ Seeking new and innovative initiatives with appropriate ways to utilize technology in external partners, including other ongoing activities to better serve scientific societies and associations, members and to help manage the health advocacy groups, founda- problems of scale as a successful tions, public agencies, government association in the 21st century. entities, educational institutions, corporate entities, information technology service providers, etc.

4 Looking Beyond the Horizon v i s i o n

Society for Neuroscience Scientific Vision uided by its mission and ment, maturation, and aging. SfN amounts of diverse information Gits values, the Society for also facilitates the translation of known about the nervous system Neuroscience (SfN)’s vision is research findings into treatment raises challenges that have social, that the next decade should be strategies, encourages information ethical, and technical dimensions. one of breakthrough discovery transfer from the clinic back to the Some of these challenges are com- that will lead to the translation basic research arena, and contrib- mon to biomedical research and its of scientific advances to improve utes to the breadth of the field of subdisciplines of bioinformatics and the health of people everywhere. neuroscience, and its creative use scientific ethics. Others are unique SfN represents the entire range of all the tools of modern biology to neuroscience by virtue of the of scientific research endeavors to understand neural function in tremendous complexity of neural aimed at understanding, treating, health and disease. circuits and their role in control- and preventing nervous system Neuroscience is a rapidly evolv- ling behavior. These challenges disorders. It fosters the broad inter- ing field that benefits greatly from, prompt opportunities, as well as disciplinarity of the field that uses and helps to drive, the ongoing responsibilities, to develop new multiple approaches to study the development of powerful new tools and approaches for integrating nervous systems of organisms rang- tools used to acquire and analyze and advancing the understanding ing from invertebrates to humans experimental data. The effort to of the nervous system. across various stages of develop- make efficient use of the staggering SfN will play a key role in confronting new issues by chal- lenging and energizing the field through active dialogue with federal funding agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and others, to define current needs and to develop strategies for meeting them. SfN’s perspective on the field’s current nature and its future trajectory permeates all the elements of the strategic plan and will guide the initiatives aimed at enhancing key scientific functions, including the annual meeting and The Journal of Neuroscience. This perspective will guide the ways in which SfN will strive to serve its membership and frame the public outreach and governmental interactions.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 5 A m e s s a g e from thep r e s i d e n t

n FY2010, with an external Ienvironment that remained challenging and unpredictable, the Society for Neuroscience steered through the uncertainty to protect and advance its mission, celebrate and support scientific progress, and help build a growing community of neuroscientists. While producing successful programs and services for a record number of members, SfN also began an intentional effort to “look beyond the horizon” — anticipating emerging oppor- In May 2010, SfN President Michael Goldberg testified before tunities; exploring, revising, or Congress in support of funding for NIH. reconfirming its strategic priorities; and implementing early phases Student membership is growing neuroscience community of new directions — in order rapidly as young scientists, eager to embraced Chicago as a new city to strengthen SfN’s service to a make their mark, explore an open in SfN’s rotation. As always, the dynamic and changing field. field. And international members program offered an unmatched If ever a number spoke to the are growing; today an estimated 37 line up: spectacular science mixed progress and potential of a scien- percent of our members are from with important discussions of tific field, SfN’s 2009 membership outside the United States, hailing science policy and funding, and offered it. The 40th anniversary from more than 80 countries. engaging public interest events like year of SfN welcomed an historic The SfN Council knows these “Magic, the Brain, and the Mind.” 40,000 members, and the Society numbers reflect both the opportunity The Journal of Neuroscience also used the occasion to offer glimpses and excitement inherent in the field, remained among the leading peer back on the field since 1969, and to and the value scientists and students reviewed journals in the field, look ahead at a bright future. Today, find in membership and in sharing and continued to adapt to its SfN’s membership reflects the size neuroscience discoveries. It also changing needs. and reach of the global neurosci- reflects SfN’s careful stewardship of In support of our members’ ence enterprise: tens of thousands of resources. In FY2010, SfN remained professional development and regular members serve in academia, financially stable and retained and networking, SfN has undertaken publishing, government, clinical expanded programs and activities significant changes and expansions. research and practice, as well as in that our members value. We joined forces to enhance biotech and pharmaceutical leader- For instance, Neuroscience connections to teaching programs ship positions all across the globe. 2009 was a great success as the through a consolidation with the

6 Looking Beyond the Horizon p r e s i d e n t

former Association of Neuroscience I have had a particular focus and expectations. Today, many SfN Departments and Programs. A new during my tenure in promoting committees and working groups, broader Professional Development the importance of animal research along with our dedicated and Committee is sustaining successful and protecting the researchers who talented staff, are asking critical programming to meet the needs of conduct this lifesaving research. strategic questions: how can we a diverse community while it also More than a year ago, I heard more build on our platforms to serve our explores new offerings for a wide and more researchers talk about diverse global community even range of professional development receiving requests for information better in coming years? What needs. And for the growing number under the U.S. federal Freedom of new strategies and tools can of local neuroscience communities Information Act (FOIA). While connect and engage scientific and that choose to form chapters, not SfN appreciates the value and public conversation to advance only in North America but also importance of sunshine laws, we knowledge, learning, and engage- around the world, SfN has met also recognize these requests are ment about the brain? How can demand by increasing funding for often used by those who do not we best prioritize these activities to chapter grants and expanding com- respect research and the law to preserve and enhance our organi- munications and training programs. secure and misrepresent informa- zation’s strong financial foundation When it came to engaging the tion about researchers. Moreover, while supporting the field? It has public, SfN was active in promot- members may not know their been my honor to contribute my ing the investment made through rights and responsibilities under knowledge and my passion to these the extraordinary American this law. I am pleased that SfN was conversations and the enduring Recovery and Reinvestment catalytic in producing a new publi- mission of our collective organiza- Act (ARRA). New publications cation to help educate researchers tion. I look with wonder at what highlighted the basic investments about FOIA, in partnership with our field has already achieved, and made through ARRA and ongoing the National Association for with excitement about what has government R&D funding, and Biomedical Research and the yet to be discovered. its potential scientific, health, Federation of Societies for Experi- When it comes to science, it is and economic benefits. Whether mental Biology. I feel passionately true that the best is yet to come, that research was investigating that scientists, as a community, and it will be produced through potential environmental triggers must be educated and engaged individual and collective efforts all for Parkinson’s disease or the neural in promoting understanding of across the scientific community. circuitry of autism, SfN worked to animal research among the public tell the public and policymakers and protecting our colleagues and why these government investments their families, as well as advancing pay off for the public in the the research enterprise. long-run, as well as creating and While applauding progress, we Michael E. Goldberg preserving jobs all across America also must look beyond the horizon in the short run. at emerging opportunities, needs,

Looking Beyond the Horizon 7 creating venues for great science

Collaboration, learning, Neuroscience 2OO9: debate, and networking form the Emerging Science in a New City

foundation for a rich scientific irst-time host city Chicago welcomed 30,547 attendees to community. The world’s two FNeuroscience 2009, the premier venue for neuroscientists to col- laborate and share the field’s emerging science. With nearly 16,000 largest global venues for emerging abstracts presented in poster sessions and nanosymposia, the 39th annual meeting fostered the exchange of cutting-edge research, while also offering neuroscience — the SfN annual participants the opportunity to choose from 11 featured lectures, 14 special lectures, 25 symposia, and 24 minisymposia. In addition, more than 500 meeting and The Journal of commercial, nonprofit, and government/institute organizations were on-site to provide information on neuroscience products and services. Neuroscience — offer scientists the Rich Science and a Touch of Magic opportunity to collaborate Four Presidential Special Lectures highlighted the changing brain in a changing world. Elizabeth Spelke discussed how humans apprehend con- across specialties and around cepts such as math while mapping the cognitive world of a changing brain through growth and development. Richard G. Morris explored learning and the world, learn from leaders memory at a systems level while focusing on understanding neural mecha- in the field, and explore nisms with the capacity to encode, store, consolidate, and retrieve informa- tion. Nora D. Volkow evaluated how advanced neuroimaging technologies emerging technologies. and behavioral research have improved knowledge of brain changes caused by addiction. Eric Kandel discussed his work on long-term memory storage and current research findings on the protein CRB-3 in mice. In addition to the Featured and Special Lectures, emerging areas of the field were highlighted through dozens of symposia and minisymposia, including new developments in the genetics and pathogens in amyo- trophic lateral sclerosis, new technologies for probing brain disease with light, the role of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in neurological diseases,

8 Looking Beyond the Horizon creatinggreat venues science

SfN’s annual meeting is the premier venue for neuroscientists around the world to collaborate, share science, and learn about emerging technologies.

Beyond the Horizon Enhancing the world’s largest venue for emerging brain science by fostering face-to-face dialogue and leveraging technologies that help the growing, evolving field self-organize and connect across specialties.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 9 crisp examples how research IH Director Supporting Collaboration and Dialogue supports the community and why N Francis Collins Neuroscience 2009 also saw the it is a positive national investment. urged recipients debut of nanosymposia, an effort Collins also highlighted the SfN to foster collaboration by allowing Recovery Act Impact Form as an of ARRA funding attendees to form and suggest important tool for educating poli- to communicate their own sessions. Nanosymposia cymakers on the economic impact consisted of short presentations of of funding for NIH research. Collins through crisp abstracts from multiple labs with emphasized the importance of examples how a common topical interest. The responsible animal research and collaborative nature of nanosym- expressed NIH’s concern and research supports posia engaged younger scientists in his personal commitment to the community the neuroscience community while support researchers. and why it is a unifying themes. Neuroscience In support of continued science 2009 offered 82 nanosymposia. funding, the 2009 Public Advocacy positive national The annual meeting intro- Forum brought together a diverse investment. duced a new online interactive panel of academic, economic, and dynamic with 11 neurobloggers business leaders for a discussion sharing their Neuroscience 2009 regarding the importance of experience as the meeting was engaging in science advocacy. happening. The blogs served as an Moderator and Research!America informative resource for meeting President Mary Wooley discussed and new concepts of potassium attendees, while providing follow- the national and local economic channel function. ers with research highlights found benefits of strong sustained Of special interest to the on the poster floor. In an effort to biomedical research funding, while media and attendees were 2009 enhance the meeting experience, the panelists detailed the economic “Dialogues Between Neuroscience attendees were encouraged to blog impact of NIH-funded research. and Society” presenters Apollo and use Twitter. Participants were provided with Robbins and Eric Mead, who information and tools to enhance amazed the audience with memory Strengthening Awareness local and national advocacy efforts. manipulation and sleight of hand and Support for Research tricks that use the neurobiology of In a special presentation, National Fostering Skills and attention and vision. The magic Institutes of Health (NIH) Career Development performances sparked audience Director Francis Collins discussed SfN’s commitment to enhancing interest in the types of experiments his vision for NIH, and the key the professional development of that could be used to explore challenges and opportunities facing neuroscientists throughout their attention manipulation. Discus- NIH and the broader scientific careers was evident in the training sions also included the mind’s community. During the presenta- and networking opportunities at limitations and the strong and tion, Collins focused on the the annual meeting. storied academic component that research community’s responsibil- The 2009 Neurobiology of lies within the art of magic ity to communicate the scientific Disease Workshop focused on the and illusion. and health impact of grants funded biology of depression and suicide, through ARRA with the public. Collins urged recipients of ARRA funding to communicate through

10 Looking Beyond the Horizon STRONG ATTENDANCE MEASURES MEETING SUCCESS

Neuroscience 2009 40,000 40000 continued the trend TThree-Yotal Attendancear Average e Three-YTotal Attendancear Average e of annual meeting growth — despite a 35,000 Total Attendance 35000 new venue and Three-Year Average struggling economy — 30,000 demonstrating the 30000 importance and value of the meeting for 25,000 SfN members. 25000 20,000 20000

15,000 15000 10,000 10000 5,000 5000 0 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 0 1992199319941995199�199�199199� 20009 20012002200320042005200�200�200�20092010

including recent research and research laboratory, surviving as advantage of free private booths emerging advances in treatment. junior faculty, and research funding for interviews. Three Short Courses offered opportunities in Europe and the The annual meeting was again attendees an in-depth look at United States. the venue for the presentation of research topics and techniques Other offerings included SfN awards recognizing profes- related to epigenetic control and mentoring and networking sional achievement. Among the neuronal function, rhythms of the events, and orientation and poster 150 fellowships, awards, and neocortex, and live-cell imaging. sessions for international and prizes presented was the inaugural In the popular Meet-the- diversity trainees. The Celebration Bernice Grafstein Award for Expert series, eight established of Women in Neuroscience annual Outstanding Accomplishments neuroscientists offered research luncheon featured a talk by Huda in Mentoring. technique tips and career advice Y. Zoghbi; roundtable discussions to young investigators. Nine explored issues related to managing LEARN MORE: workshops were offered on a wide personal and professional commit- www.sfn.org/am2009 range of professional development ments as female neuroscientists. topics that included managing a The on-site NeuroJobs Career Center saw high traffic from job seekers and employers, who took

Looking Beyond the Horizon 11 The Journal of Neuroscience: the public’s access to The Journal’s Standing Strong highly regarded scientific content. Instead of granting full copyright to SfN, authors now retain copy- n FY2010, The Journal of Neuroscience demonstrated its continuing value right to their articles and grant to the academic community. Although faced with an external environ- I SfN a license to publish. For the ment that included an economic recession, the continuing transition to a six months following publication, digital world, and other challenges within the publishing community, The The Journal holds the exclusive Journal has carefully preserved its role as a premier publishing venue, while rights to the article; after this sustaining the viability of its business model and maintaining its revenue. period, the article becomes freely It also has continued to develop and implement new initiatives to further available for non-commercial use its reach, and to integrate new technologies that will keep pace with the under the terms of a non-com- latest methods of information dissemination. mercial creative commons license. Editor-in-chief John Maunsell, aims to provide a missing link, The new license also will help professor of neurobiology at helping researchers connect their streamline the permissions process. Harvard Medical School and a basic research findings to specific Howard Hughes Medical Institute diseases and potential treatments. Numbers Reveal Investigator, introduced a new By highlighting areas in which Staying Power feature in The Journal, “Disease progress might be achieved, In a year of instability, The Journal Focus.” The section gives brief “Disease Focus” also may influence maintained its staying power. overviews of neural diseases or young investigators in identifying Institutional subscriptions totaled syndromes and a description of research topics that could be 1,012 in CY2010. To help sustain how they may be linked to basic profitable to pursue. and build this subscriber base, The neural mechanisms. Given that The Journal has altered its Journal will implement a new tiered much neuroscience research in copyright policy, giving authors pricing system with subscriptions The Journal focuses on basic brain more control of their published priced according to institution size mechanisms, “Disease Focus” research findings and increasing in 2011. Tiered pricing means The

THE JOURNAL WITNESSES STEADY, CONTINUED GROWTH 18000 # of editorial pages published Increased 18,000 # of submissions article submissions # of editorial pages published make evident The Total projected submissions for 2010 15000 15,000 Journal ’s strong # of editorial pages published # of submissions # of submissions presence and Total projected editorial pages for 2010 reputation as a 12,000 premier venue for 12000 publishing scientific research findings. 9,000 This chart depicts manuscript submis- 6,000 9000 sions and editorial pages published by 3,000 calendar year. 6000 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 3000

12 Looking Beyond the Horizon 0 2001200220032004200520062007200820092010 Journal will be more accessible to — and less expensive for — GROWTH IN SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL 1.0 smaller institutions. SHAPES NEW POLICY ArSupplementalticle Mb Material MB The article acceptance rate ArSupplementalticle Mb Material MB so far in 2010 has remained at 28 1.0 18,000 # of submissions percent, the same percentage as Online article size in megabytes Total Projected Submissions for 2010 0.8 2009. The number of submissions 0.8 Supplemental material size in megabytes 15,000 has increased, with 3,555 total # of editorial pages published submissions as of July 15, 2010 — 0.6 Total Projected Editorial Pages for 2010 a 9 percent increase from the same 12,000 time period in 2009. 0.6 0.4 9,000 New Supplemental 0.2 Material Policy 6,000 0.4 After comprehensive review, The Journal adopted two new policies 0.0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 that take effect in fall 2010. First, 3,000 The Journal will no longer accept Supplemental material is growing rapidly and may soon exceed the size of a supplemental material. This typical article. Represented is growth in size of an average article in The Journal 0 0.2 decision was made due to the large of Neuroscience (purple curve) and growth in size of the average amount of 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 supplemental material associated with an article (orange curve). volume of supplemental material linked with The Journal articles, and will ensure moving forward 0.0 that each published article is a 2000200120022003200420052006200720082009 self-contained research report; Revised Guidelines on The Guidelines focus on commu- reviewers and readers will not need Responsible Conduct in nications such as research manu- to read and digest supplemental Scientific Communications scripts, supplemental data, abstracts, material for a full understanding of Revisions to the SfN Guidelines for posters, oral presentations, and the research. Authors will be free to Responsible Conduct Regarding Scien- public electronic communications. host supplemental materials on their tific Communications have recently The revisions address portions of THE JOURNAL WITNESSES STEADY, CONTINUED GROWTH Web sites, and include a URL and a been released and are available the guidelines that had become brief description of the material via online at www.sfn.org/guidelines. outdated due to changes in internal a footnote in their articles. These revisions come from a procedures, and changes needed The Journal will also soon allow two-year working group effort led by because of the advent of new authors to include multimedia SfN Past President David Van Essen technologies that affect scientific resources, such as videos and to overhaul the SfN Policy on Ethics research scholarly publishing. graphics, in their published articles, (as well as the Guidelines), and to allowing for more in-depth visual create documented procedures for LEARN MORE: representation of their research. dealing with misconduct allegations. www.jneurosci.org

Beyond the Horizon Encouraging the dynamism of neuroscience by fostering excellence in online science publishing and facilitating vibrant scientific dialogue.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 13 Neuroeducation

Understanding how Educators and scientists have long methods and curricula. Understand- known that teaching, learning, and ing how neuroscience can inform students learn and using brain function are intricately con- education strategies and finding nected. But until recently, the fields out what teachers want and need scientific research to of education and neuroscience have to know about the ways students remained isolated in the classroom learn are two key drivers behind the improve teaching — these and lab, respectively, with only neuroeducation initiative. sporadic attempts to find opportuni- Many areas of neuroscience are complementary pursuits ties for strategic cooperation. Public already producing research findings interest in how these areas can that could provide ideas to improve provide the impetus for benefit each other has grown in teaching methods and curricula. recent years, and the conversation Studies of memory formation and new efforts to bring between educators and researchers retrieval suggest testing is important neuroscience and is starting to gain momentum. for learning. The inclusion of the Participants are excited about arts, particularly music, can enhance education together. applications for both the education memory and attention levels, and scientific communities and are according to recent research. Also, encouraging open communication multiple studies investigating the to explore new possibilities. impact of sleep and exercise on In 2009, this groundswell of young brains indicate the importance interest in neuroeducation led of these activities in brain development, Thomas J. Carew, then president of function, and health. Integrating this SfN, to convene the Neuroscience research into classroom practice, Research in Education Summit however, will require meaningful at the University of California, dialogue between educators, scien- Irvine. Researchers, teachers, and tists, and policymakers to adequately policymakers participated in the inform both research agendas and event and helped to further develop teaching practices. recommendations for encouraging educator/scientist collaboration. A Developing Partnership Neuroeducation: Several universities have taken the What Is It? lead to effectively bridge the gap The collaboration between educa- between neuroscience and education. tors and neuroscientists has taken The Neuro-Education Initiative at the form of an emerging discipline Johns Hopkins University aims to bring known as neuroeducation. This educators and scientists together developing field blends the col- through the development of joint lective specialties of neuroscience, research projects to improve the psychology, cognitive science, and understanding of how students learn education to improve teaching and develop. Harvard University’s

14 Looking Beyond the Horizon Science in Society EDUCATION AND NEUROSCIENCE

Neuromyth Busters MYTH: Listening to classical music makes you smarter. MYTH: You only use 10 percent of your brain. MYTH: Your brain can’t make new cells. MYTH: Vaccines cause autism.

SfN is working to correct popular myths about the brain, like those listed above, with a new teaching tool called Neuromyth Busters. The full list of Neuromyths and explanations of why they are wrong can be found at www.sfn.org/neuromythbusters.

Scientists and educators are exploring how to apply research on learning and development to improve teaching methods and curricula. degree program in Mind, Brain, and Looking to the Future to each other also offer exciting Education allows participants to Educators and scientists must continue possibilities for bringing neuroscience explore the intersection of biological to improve collaboration and keep and education together. neuroscience and education. communication open, topical, and Continued efforts will be These programs and efforts like research-driven to ensure effective necessary to ensure scientific the SfN summit have collectively progress. The continued popularity research on learning and childhood identified several goals that could and proliferation of “neuromyths” health and development is made encourage progress within the show that misguided notions about relevant and understandable to neuroeducation movement. For the brain have far-reaching influence educators and parents. example, moving beyond each field’s on curriculum development, and the This is an important first step in institutionalized jargon to create a neuroscience community is working a strategic agenda for the fields of shared vocabulary is an important diligently to correct those inaccuracies. both neuroscience and education to first step in bridging the com- Reaching teachers in preparation make neuroeducation a paradigm munication gap between education programs and those already in practice for informing broader social and and neuroscience. Identifying core to effectively improve their awareness educational policies. Improving research priorities also has become of current findings in brain research academic achievement and scientific increasingly critical for shaping the remains a paramount concern. literacy through the education-neu- field’s future agenda, as has securing Strategies for developing opportunities roscience partnership promises better tangible financial resources to suc- to promote the interaction of teachers opportunities for young people and cessfully ensure continued progress. society-at-large. and scientists in labs and as mentors

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Neuroscience Research in Education Summit, visit www.sfn.org/neuroedsummit

Looking Beyond the Horizon 15 MachineryThe ofMemory Brain researchers used a How do we learn? How do we recall something that happened simple animal model, many years ago? Over the years, neuroscience researchers have the sea slug, to unlock the risen to the fundamental challenge posed by these questions. Today, the secrets of learning and questions remain just as important to the field as scientists discover memory. Today their that common disorders such as drug addiction and post-traumatic stress findings continue to disorder may represent the learning and memory process gone awry. inform the field Signature discoveries in learning Using sensitive dyes, researchers track and memory research are leading and may suggest new how learning strengthens cellular com- to surprising new treatments and munication in Aplysia nerve cells. Reds and approaches to therapies for these conditions. yellows indicate sites of increased cellular To study how learning and activity, showing one way in which learning disease therapies. memory happen in people, brain physically changes the brain. researchers, including SfN Past President Thomas J. Carew, turned to “simpler” organisms, particularly become an animal model of choice the marine snail Aplysia californica. for many researchers studying Carew’s mentor Eric Kandel pioneered learning and memory. the study of memory in Aplysia Although they may never learn and produced an extensive body of to spell or multiply fractions, Aplysia research on the machinery of memory do learn from experiences in their that earned him a Nobel Prize in 2000. environment. In the same way that humans quickly withdraw their hands Snail School if they touch a hot stove, Aplysia Because of its complexity, making withdraw two of their sensitive sense of even simple functions in the appendages — the siphon and the human brain is extremely difficult. gill, which are both involved in Humans have 100 billion nerve cells, respiration — when touched. Many and each one connects with 1,000 researchers have shown that Aplysia to 10,000 others. With just 20,000 can learn to modify this defensive nerve cells — a relatively simple reflex in response to outside information. nervous system — the Aplysia has For example, like people who stop believing “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” Aplysia show reduced

16 Looking Beyond the Horizon Science in Progress EDUCATION AND NEUROSCIENCE

signals to influence brain cells — thus learning can alter the very channels of brain communication. By modifying many cellular targets, including these important channels, kinases help form the cellular basis of memory. There are hundreds of types of kinases that do lots of work for the cell. Carew’s laboratory has identified some of the key players in memory — the kinases that modify the flow of information between Because their nervous systems are much simpler than mammals, Aplysia have brain cells. become an animal model of choice for many researchers studying some aspects of Based on these findings, other learning and memory. researchers recently found that turning certain kinases on or off can responses to touch after they are increased the chemical communica- modify memories in rats. If the same repeatedly touched, a form of learn- tion between nerve cells, strengthen- holds true in humans, it may suggest ing called habituation. In contrast, ing their connections. Later, research a new type of treatment for post- an unpleasant mild shock increases in mammals showed that over time, traumatic stress disorder, in which their response to a gentle touch — learning also builds and strengthens traumatic experiences can be vividly known as sensitization. the connections between the cells. and repeatedly replayed. In addition, With their simplified model of Forming new memories therefore the ability to modify memory might learning in place, scientists have literally changes the brain, altering reduce relapse in drug addicts meticulously mapped the connec- the traffic-flow of information. who are vulnerable to exposure to tions of nerve cells that control gill Carew and his colleagues drilled anything they previously associated and siphon withdrawal. They found down even further to find the with drug use. this network of neurons to be similar chemicals in brain cells that make The basic science discoveries in every Aplysia, which allowed this synaptic strengthening possible. that began with the sea slug have them to return to the study of the They found learning activated revolutionized what we know about exact same set of neurons time proteins called kinases. Kinases turn how people learn. These same after time, and examine how those other proteins on or off by adding a findings have had extraordinary neurons changed as a function of phosphate chemical group to them reach within the neuroscience field, the animal’s experience. — a process called phosphorylation. affecting how we think about a Turning one kinase on can activate wide range of topics, from drug many proteins at once, setting into abuse to education. Memory Molecules How does a form of learning like motion a cascade of events in the sensitization affect the network of cell. Some kinases phosphorylate cells? Researchers have found it the proteins that allow chemical

Looking Beyond the Horizon 17 s u p p o r t i n g the neuroscience community

The neuroscience community Membership and Chapters: continues to expand and grow Record Growth, Changing Demographics

increasingly diverse. Given this s SfN celebrated its 40th anniversary, the Society reached another dynamism, SfN is seeking new A milestone in 2009, surpassing 40,000 members in 83 countries. Composition of the membership continued the trend of fastest growth strategies and structures that among student and international members, with students comprising 27 percent and non-U.S. members comprising 37 percent of the position the organization to meet 40,290 members.

changing member needs and Responding to Member Needs With this dynamic and growing membership in mind, SfN focused on respond effectively to emerging adapting strategies and programs to meet evolving member needs. Younger members continued to drive the Society’s efforts to integrate Web-based trends. The Society reached record tools and technologies into communications and programming, while international members witnessed greater representation within the membership levels in 2009 and Society’s governance structure. Responding to needs of international members, the SfN Council elected its first non-North American approved an additional reduced dues and fees category for members in councilor — milestones reflective of World Bank-defined lower-middle-income countries; new rates go into effect in 2011. SfN is also laying the groundwork for a 2011 follow-up to the organization’s ability to adapt the 2007 member survey, both to gauge progress in meeting member needs and to identify additional areas where SfN can provide value. and support the neuroscience To meet the growing communication needs across all member seg- ments, SfN is preparing to launch an enhanced online member directory community across all specialties, in 2011. This members-only resource will enable individuals to enter career-related profile information for networking purposes and to form at all career levels, online communities around shared interests.

and around the globe. Serving New Members With the incorporation of the former Association of Neuroscience Depart- ments and Programs, SfN expanded its mission to serve the neuroscience

18 Looking Beyond the Horizon neuroscience community

With a dynamic and growing membership — the Society reached record membership levels in 2009 — SfN continues to adapt strategies and programs to meet member needs.

Beyond the Horizon Introducing new online tools and regional chapter programming to enhance member learning, value, and engagement.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 19 community in new ways by adding information, educate communities fN expanded an Institutional Program (IP) about neuroscience, and engage in S its mission member category. IP members local advocacy. Today, the Society are neuroscience departments has 147 chapters in 21 countries to serve the and programs and represent those worldwide and in 47 U.S. states. neuroscience engaged in educating and training Eight chapters were established last new generations of neuroscientists. year, including the first chapters in community in More than 170 IP members have Israel, Malaysia, and South Korea. joined and are taking advantage To help chapters get off to a strong new ways by of an expanded set of benefits. In start, SfN continues to provide adding an the coming year, SfN will focus start-up grants to new chapters. on increasing value to meet the Institutional needs of both its individual and Supporting Success at institutional members. the Local Level Program To support existing chapters, (IP) member Expanding Engagement last year the Society disbursed and Reach more than $80,000 through 45 category. Local and regional SfN chapters direct grants, enabling chapters continued to grow, helping to engage in such activities members to network, share as student-oriented regional

S f N’S GROWING MEMBERSHIP R E F L E C T S VIBRANCY OF THE FIELD

Membership experienced 40,000 explosive growth in the Total Yearly Membership40000 past decade, with a record 38,000 Total Yearly Membership 40,290 active members in 38000 36,000 Total Yearly Membership 2009. This represents a 42 percent increase since 2001 34,000 36000 and reflects SfN’s continued success in serving evolving 32,000 member needs. 34000 30,000 32000 28,000

26,000 30000 24,000 Total Yearly Membership 28000 22,000

20,000 26000 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 24000 22000 20000 199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009

20 Looking Beyond the Horizon INTERNATIONAL AND STUDENT MEMBERS REPRESENT 15000 S f N’S FASTEST-GROWING CONSTITUENCIES StudenInternationalt Members

The dynamism of the 15,000 neuroscience field — ArSupplementalStudenInternationalticle Mbt Members Material MB attracting ever more 12000 young scientists — and 12,000 SfN’s leadership role as an international organization are reflected in the steady 9,000 and significant rise in 9000 student and non-U.S. members. Students comprise 6,000 27 percent and members outside the United States Non-U.S. Members Student Members 6000 total 37 percent of SfN 3,000 membership. The Society is adapting strategies to support the targeted needs 0 of these constituencies. 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 3000

0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Left: SfN offers programming, professional development, networking opportunities, and services to support the membership across all specialties, all career levels, and around the world. Right: SfN presented the first Chapter-of-the- Year Award to the Western North Carolina chapter for outstanding achievements in public communication, outreach, and education. Johannes Menzel (left), Membership and Chapters Committee member, presented the award to Dwayne Godwin, a past chapter representative.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 21 S f N’S EXPANDING NETWORK OF CHAPTERS AROUND THE WORLD

R u s s i a

Iceland

G r e e n l a n d

A l a s k a

Yukon Territory

N o r t h w e s t N u n a v u t T e r r i t o r i e s Greenland

CANADA

Newfoundland & Labrador British Columbia

A l b e r t a Saskatchewan M a n i t o b a

Q u e b e c

O n t a r i o P.E.I. New Washington Brunswick Nova Scotia

Montana Maine North Dakota Oregon Idaho Minnesota VT NH South Dakota Massachusetts Alaska Wisconsin Iceland New York UNITED STATNunavuESt Sweden Michigan RI Wyoming CT Yukon Pennsylvania Territory Nevada Iowa Northwest Nebraska NJ Territories Ohio Norway Finland Utah Illinois Indiana DE R u s s i a West California Colorado MD Virginia Virginia Kansas Missouri Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina Arizona Oklahoma New Mexico Arkansas South Estonia Carolina

British Columbia United C a n a d a Mississippi Alabama Georgia Latvia Manitoba Kingdom Alberta Texas Denmark Lithuania Saskatchewan Louisiana Newfoundland & Labrador Neth. Florida Poland Ireland Belarus Quebec Germany Ontario Bel. Hawaii Lux. Czech Rep. The Bahamas Slovakia Ukraine Austria Montana North Dakota Mold. Kazakhstan New Puerto Hungary Washington MEXICO Cuba P.E.I. Switz. Minnesota Brunswick Rico Slovenia Romania Croatia Maine Dom. Rep. Mongolia South Dakota Wisconsin Nova Scotia Italy VT France Bos. & Oregon Idaho Serb. Wyoming Herz. Michigan New York NH Jamaica Bulgaria Iowa Haiti Mont. Nebraska Massachusetts Spain Albania Mace. Georgia Kyrgyzstan Pennsylvania RI N. Korea Illinois CT Indiana Ohio Portugal Armenia Azerb. Uzbekistan Nevada Colorado NJ West Belize Greece Kansas Turkmenistan Utah Missouri Virginia DE Tajikistan Virginia Japan United States Kentucky MD Turkey California Honduras Tennessee North Carolina S. Korea Arkansas Oklahoma Guatemala Cyprus Syria Arizona New Mexico South Nicaragua Malta C h i n a El SalvadoCarolina r Iran Mississippi Lebanon Alabama Georgia Tunisia Venezuela Israel Afghanistan Texas Iraq Louisiana Morocco Jordan Costa Rica Panama Florida Kuwait Nepal Colombia Algeria Bhutan Libya Pakistan Bahamas Egypt Qatar Bangladesh Mexico U.A.E. Saudi Arabia Burma Cuba Dom. Rep. India Laos Hawaii Mauritania Oman Belize Jamaica Haiti Puerto Mali Niger Honduras Rico Chad Cape Verde Eritrea Yemen Thailand Philippines Guatemala El Salvador Nicaragua Sudan Cambodia Vietnam Burkina Faso Dijbouti Panama Trinidad &Tobago Guinea Benin Nigeria Costa Rica Cote Togo Venezuela Guyana Sierra Leone Ethiopia d'IvoireGhana Palau French Guiana Liberia Cameroon Central African Republic Somalia Sri Lanka Brunei Suriname Malaysia Colombia Equatorial Guinea Uganda Kenya Sao Tome & Principe Congo Ecuador Gabon Rwanda Dem. Rep. Burundi of Congo I n d o n e s i a Papua New Guinea Peru Tanzania Solomon Islands B r a z i l East Timor Angola Malawi Somoa Zambia Vanuatu Fiji Bolivia Zimbabwe Namibia Mozambique Mauritius Botswana Tonga Paraguay Chile A u s t r a l i a Madagascar Swaziland Lesotho South Africa Argentina Uruguay

New Zealand

SfN chapters have grown from 25 in 1971 to 147 today, in 21 countries worldwide and in 47 U.S. states. Chapters help members network, share information, and educate the public about neuroscience at the local level.

conferences, cross-chapter events, Committee, the workshop “Using Carolina Chapter for outstanding and new Brain Awareness Week Social Networking and Technology achievements in public communi- programs. SfN also funded 15 to Enhance Chapter Communica- cation, outreach, and education. grants that allowed chapters tions and Outreach” featured The vital role chapters play in to organize visiting lectures by chapter representatives who shared public outreach and education was eminent neuroscientists through success stories. The Chapter also recognized through the Next the Grass Traveling Scientist Resource Kit, distributed at the Generation Awards. The 2009 Program. Although The Grass workshop, continues to be updated awards were given to chapters in Foundation funding for this and made available online. Colorado and Georgia for promot- program ended, close-out activities ing engagement in educational continued through fall 2010. Recognizing Chapter outreach by young neuroscientists. The third annual Chapters Achievements Workshop in Chicago drew more During Neuroscience 2009, SfN than 100 participants. Organized presented the first Chapter-of-the- LEARN MORE: by the Membership and Chapters Year Award to the Western North www.sfn.org/membership

22 Looking Beyond the Horizon ence Society (JNS), FENS, and the Global Affairs: Australian Neuroscience Society, Serving the International co-organized a symposium on global Neuroscience Community perspectives for neuroscience public education and outreach at the 2009 JNS annual meeting. Collaboration n increasingly global organization — non-U.S. membership will continue at the JNS meeting reached 37 percent of total membership in 2009 — SfN is exploring A this year. As a show of support for new ways to support the global neuroscience community. Using multiple members in Chile affected by the venues, SfN is providing international neuroscientists with more opportu- devastating 2010 earthquakes, nities to exchange knowledge and information and to be fully engaged in SfN provided a donation to the the life and activities of the Society. Chilean national society to help Reflecting the new international workshop, held in Egypt in early young investigators in affected strategy adopted by Council in 2010. SfN also is working closely areas recover and continue their 2009, SfN’s International Affairs with the Federation of European research. During the past year, SfN Committee is developing a more Neuroscience Societies (FENS) on has engaged with these and other comprehensive approach to several initiatives, including joint national neuroscience societies — supporting international members working groups on professional most recently the British and in the areas of research, professional development, global advocacy, and Chinese societies — which have development, public education, and the use of animals in research. One expressed interest in collaboration advocacy. This strategy includes result was the launch of the first in pursuit of common goals. collaboration with national, joint FENS-IBRO-SfN Neurosci- regional, and international ence School, held March 2010 in Supporting Career societies; support to international Naples, Italy, on brain evolution and Development chapters; training and professional pathologies. In coming years, these With support from The Grass development programs; and greater schools will continue to link U.S. Foundation, SfN conducted the international representation on SfN and European institutions to provide fifth Ricardo Miledi Neuroscience committees and Council. neuroscience training for some 30 Training Program course for 15 international students annually. young investigators from Latin Creating Strategic Through improved bilateral rela- America and the Caribbean in Partnerships tionships with national and regional fall 2009. Each trainee receives a SfN is strengthening relationships societies, SfN is seeking to better fellowship to attend the SfN annual with other neuroscience societies serve and support international meeting. SfN further supported to achieve common goals while members in ways that complement international members through the leveraging resources and maximizing the important services and benefits IBRO-SfN travel awards, which impact. With the International Brain national societies provide. The enabled 30 early-career neuroscien- Research Organization (IBRO), SfN Society continued its support for the tists from developing countries to supported the professional develop- Canadian and Mexican national attend Neuroscience 2009. ment of African university-based societies to strengthen their capacity educators through the second joint for advocacy and public education. LEARN MORE: “Teaching Tools in Neuroscience” SfN, along with the Japan Neurosci- www.sfn.org/international

Beyond the Horizon Connecting and engaging neuroscientists LEARN MORE: around the globe to support research, advocacy, www.sfn.org/membership and career development.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 23 SfN is committed to increasing diversity in neuroscience through education, training, and professional development.

Professional Development: lenges and opportunities facing Supporting Future Growth higher education and training in neuroscience. SfN also added new benefits to facilitate networking, fN’s professional development programming continued to evolve communications, and information- during FY2010. It was a year of consolidating new focus areas and S sharing within this community. governance structures, enhancing existing offerings, and strategic CNDP seeks to build upon these planning to position SfN for future growth in support of the profession. successes as it engages in strategic Serving a Broader and mentees can establish virtual planning early in FY2011. Constituency relationships, access resources, and SfN’s new Professional Develop- participate in discussion forums. Increasing the ment Committee focused on Following the 2009 con- Commitment to Diversity enhancing existing programs and solidation of ANDP with SfN, the Through a new project, Department activities, and prioritizing new Society seamlessly transitioned Chair Training to Increase Women in ways to meet the career develop- to serving the needs of former Neuroscience (IWiN), SfN is taking ment needs of SfN’s constituencies. ANDP members through its new a leadership role in addressing the Responding to the high-priority Committee on Neuroscience development of a more diverse need for networking and mentor- Departments and Programs neuroscience workforce. With a ing across all career stages, SfN is (CNDP). SfN enhanced programs three-year grant from the National launching an online mentorship and services for this constituency, Science Foundation, SfN aims to program, where automated mentor- including events at Neuroscience assist neuroscience and related matching will be just one element. 2009, and a successful annual departments in improving the In this expanded tool, mentors spring conference on the chal- recruitment, promotion, and work

Beyond the Horizon Supporting scientists at all career stages through new, year-round programming.

24 Looking Beyond the Horizon Left: The “Surviving as Junior Faculty Workshop,” held at the SfN annual meeting, provides participants with strategies for managing the bumpy road to success. This workshop and many others are part of SfN’s commitment to supporting neuroscientists at all career levels. Below: The IWiN workshops provide strategies focusing on recruitment, advancement, and creating a favorable work climate for female faculty and faculty from diverse backgrounds in neuroscience and related departments and programs.

awards. The Mika Salpeter Life- time Achievement Award and the Science Educator Award received new funding support from sanofi- aventis. In addition, the Award for Education in Neuroscience, previously presented by ANDP, and the Bernice Grafstein Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Mentoring, debuted at the SfN 2009 annual meeting.

Navigating New Strategies Recognizing the growing dynamism of the profession and climate for women and under- tracking system for participants. evolving member needs at pivotal represented minorities at their Reflecting the program’s success, career transition points, SfN is campuses. The first of five regional SfN received a record 102 applica- creating new opportunities for workshops was held at SfN head- tions for the 2010 class of scholars. learning and career development quarters in April, and follow-up With NINDS funding, SfN will at the annual meeting and beyond. activities include online resources launch a pilot project providing A Council-appointed working and a discussion forum to support intensive coaching and mock group has developed recommenda- idea-sharing among participants. reviews to increase the number of tions for a multi-year professional In the 29th year of the successful research and training development strategy, embracing a Neuroscience Scholars Program, NIH grant proposals from under- broad array of objectives to support the Society supported 55 diversity represented minority postdoctoral neuroscientists’ career-related trainees, with funding from the fellows and junior faculty. interests and needs. The plan, once National Institute of Neurological approved, will be launched in the Disorders and Strokes (NINDS). Honoring Scientists coming year. SfN introduced new program Across the Field features this year — peer mentor- FY2010 marked another successful LEARN MORE: ing clusters with former Scholars at year for members in the area of sci- www.sfn.org/pd the annual meeting, and an online entific achievement. The Society newsletter and enrichment fund honored nearly 150 outstanding individuals with scientific awards and prizes, fellowships, and travel

Looking Beyond the Horizon 25 Magic and theBrain What do neuroscience and

magic have in common?

These fields share a common

goal of understanding human

perception and cognition.

Rabbits popping out of hats, smoke and provided insight into how these and mirrors — these are some of seemingly disparate fields influence the images that come to mind when each other. people think about magic. But what about magic and the The Art of Illusion brain? Delving beneath the surface, Magic is an ancient art, and magicians and neuroscientists share professional magicians take their a deep desire to understand the craft seriously, studying its vast litera- inner workings of the human brain. ture and discovering new methods A significant amount of brain and principles through field work research focuses on gaining insight and research. The key foundation into perception, memory, and of magic is understanding people attention. While neuroscientists — their experiences, awareness, and are occupied with discovering the expectations — so that magicians biology behind these processes, can manipulate the audience’s magicians are interested in control- assumptions with precision and skill. ling and exploiting them to create This ability to understand perception illusions. During the “Dialogues is critical for executing and maintain- Between Neuroscience and Society” ing an illusion. presentation at Neuroscience 2009, Magicians use their talents renowned magicians Apollo Robbins to both distract and focus the and Eric Mead discussed the links audience’s attention. Small, subtle between magic and neuroscience, hand movements embedded into larger, more obtrusive actions play upon a person’s awareness during an illusion, Mead explained. Eye movements and pattern recognition

26 Looking Beyond the Horizon Science in Society MAGIC AND NEUROSCIENCE

Magicians Eric Mead (far left) and Apollo Robbins (far right) discussed the connection between magic and brain research at the “Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society” lecture at Neuroscience 2009.

studying or potentially treating the disorder. In addition, researchers could use illusions to study specific memory loss in patients with dementia or other forms of cognitive decline. can be used to the magician’s Scientists, on the other hand, could Other neurological disorders, like benefit, effectively allowing the use similar illusions to gain insight those involving motor impairment, performer to deceive and manipu- into the underlying brain processes could also potentially benefit from late the audience by exploiting the and mechanisms involved in human magic’s inclusion in rehabilitation brain’s natural processes. cognition and perception. therapy. “The mastery of movements For example, the cliché postulates required for performing becomes that “the hand is quicker than the Therapeutic Deception unconscious,” Robbins said while eye.” In actuality it’s not about The principles of magic — that is, discussing his own childhood prob- speed, but rather a magician’s the exploitation and manipulation lems with motor control. For patients ability to control or misdirect the of attention and memory — could suffering from similar ailments, the audience’s vision away from his hand potentially offer brain researchers repetitive nature of these gestures movements. “Forcing” is used in new avenues for clinical research could provide possible alternatives some card tricks — the performer or therapy. Adding the principles for relearning muscle movement and repeatedly shows a particular card to of magic to the study of disorders management, Robbins suggested. subliminally influence the audience’s involving attention, social deficits, The tricks employed by magicians selection. Magicians also can or memory may help provide better are informed by brain research manipulate audiences to accept false insight into healthy brains and the and have the potential to further information by providing assump- underlying causes of some neuro- illuminate the biology of human tions, such as implying the card deck logical diseases. cognition and perception. By was shuffled by another person. Individuals with autism, for understanding how magicians The scientific literature explaining instance, have an impaired ability to “hack” the brain, scientists have an the neural processes exploited by relate to the outside world, often exciting new opportunity to study these tricks has benefited magicians accompanied by an abnormal gaze. brain function. like Mead, who are not only inter- The way magic draws visual atten- ested in how to mislead the audi- tion may provide new methods for ence, but also want to understand how their actions affect the mind.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 27 Sensory Illusions Brain researchers have learned What you see isn’t always what you by contrast. By exploiting these two get. In fact, the brain makes best properties of visual perception, a much about sensory perception guesses about the outside world brain researcher designed a clever from surprisingly limited informa- optical illusion in which two squares by using tricks and illusions. tion. Research shows the brain on a checkerboard appear to be reconstructs the rich tapestry that completely different hues, but are in we sense and experience from bits fact the exact same shade. of scattered data. Does this mean the brain failed? On rare occasions, the brain gets If the brain’s job is to be a light it wrong, resulting in an inaccurate meter, then the answer may be yes. perception — an illusion. But recent However, the brain’s real job is not to research suggests these illusions measure light, but to interpret visual mean the brain is doing a good job of signals to make sense of the world, making sense of confusing situations. and from this point of view the “illu- Far from deceiving the brain, sion” is a sign of success. In a study of illusions represent important tools motion illusions, scientists found the in perceptual research. Continued perceptual errors could be explained research in this field is vital, not only by assuming the brain is following an for our understanding of how the ideal set of computational rules. In human brain works, but also for the other words, the “errors” were the design of computer systems that can natural outcome of the calculations perform valued human tasks, like the brain makes to interpret each and facial recognition or security screening. every visual experience.

Out of the Shadows: Probing Consciousness An Illusion Visual illusions have been useful The visual system is quite good at in studying conscious awareness. interpreting shadows and contrast. Brain researchers used an illusion In general, the brain interprets called “motion-induced blindness” objects in shadow as brighter than to pinpoint the brain processes that they appear, and items placed next are active when perception and to darker ones are seen as lighter reality part. In the illusion, three immobile yellow dots are superimposed on a rotating grid of blue daggers.

28 Looking Beyond the Horizon Science in Progress MAGIC AND NEUROSCIENCE

A A ers found after study participants were shown visual scenes moving in a single direction, the participants B B perceived stationary tactile stimuli — a row of vibrating pins placed on a finger — as moving in the opposite direction. In turn, tactile stimuli moving in one direction caused participants to perceive visual scenes Which square is darker, A or B? It turns out they are exactly the same hue, but the as moving the opposite way. brain interprets them differently because of the suggestion of shadow and the contrast between neighboring squares. These findings suggest the brain uses the same system to process visual and tactile motion. Future Participants are asked to observe a Visual information is thought to studies may indicate to what extent blinking green dot at the center of pass from more general areas of the the brain circuits that process visual the whole image. As they do, the visual cortex, such as V1 and V2, and tactile illusions overlap. yellow dots appear to vanish for on to so-called “association” areas Has our increased understanding short periods of time as the blue grid that do more complex work, such of sensory perception led to advances rotates around. as V4. These findings point to V4 as in artificial intelligence? Interestingly, In both monkeys and humans, an important region in perception brain researchers and computer researchers found that similar brain and awareness. scientists have not yet been able regions are responsible for the to design a machine that sees or illusion. One group recorded the A Touching Response senses as well as humans. So far, electrical signals in monkeys and Recent research suggests illusions nothing has proved to be as complex found that three areas of the visual that fool different senses may use and agile as the human systems of cortex were active during the illu- the same brain circuits. If you watch sensation and perception. sion, but only one — known as V4 objects moving in one direction — predicted whether the observer for long enough, immobile objects “saw” the yellow dots. Brain appear to move in the opposite imaging research in humans also direction. This phenomenon is showed that V4 tracked awareness known as an after effect. Research- of the yellow dots, becoming more active when the dots appeared and less active when they disappeared.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 29 educatingand engaging thep u b l i c Raising awareness about Public Information and Outreach: the importance of brain research Partnerships and Growth

and its impact on health and society, he dissemination of clear, accurate facts about brain research is plus sharing the wonders of brain Tessential for encouraging people of all ages to become critical and informed “brain aware” consumers. During FY2010, public outreach function and discovery, continue programming focused on reaching new audiences through expanded education initiatives and public information resources, as well as strength- to be driving forces for SfN. ening relationships with SfN partners. Under the leadership of the Public Education and Communication Committee, many activities are underway In FY2010, SfN made significant and are forming the foundation for committee strategic planning to identify priorities for coming years. strides in widening and modernizing Partnering with K–12 Educators the reach of its publications In the past year, the Society successfully increased the reach of its public information and outreach efforts, spearheading new avenues for promoting designed for the public and neuroscience literacy for teachers, policymakers, and the public. Public education efforts remained strong, with participation at the educators. The Society also launched annual conference of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), new tools for public advocacy and the creation of new teaching resources, and an upgraded Brain Awareness Web site. SfN participated in the NSTA meeting in Philadelphia in continued to advance the importance March, meeting hundreds of science teachers on the exhibit floor and promoting SfN’s educational tools in workshops led by neuroscientists. of animal research. Volunteer scientists and staff connected with nearly a thousand educators during the meeting, and teachers continued to embrace SfN publications and products to supplement their classroom curricula. The Society also is producing tools that address popular misconcep- tions about the brain. Neuromyth Busters is a new resource that addresses

30 Looking Beyond the Horizon educating engagingp u b l i c

SfN focuses on sharing clear, accurate facts about brain research to encourage people of all ages to become informed “brain aware” citizens.

Beyond the Horizon Leveraging the Web and social media to share emerging brain discovery with the public, and spark excitement among the next generation of scientists.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 31 common misconceptions about the brain, clearly outlining fact vs. fiction. Neuromyth Busters debuted in one of the NSTA conference fN has been delivering content in workshops, giving science teachers S new formats as the media landscape a useful resource to take back to transitions from traditional print to their classrooms. dynamic online presentation. Teaching Brain Awareness SfN’s educational resources, including Neuromyth Busters, Neuroscience Core Concepts, Brain Briefings, Brain Facts and many in Baltimore. SfN staff also took SfN members and neuroscience more, can be easily accessed part in BAW activities at the enthusiasts. While fan activity through the newly redesigned National Museum of Health and has been consistently high, posts Brain Awareness Web site. The Medicine in Washington, DC, about new studies in The Journal remodeled site launched in early and presented event organizers of Neuroscience and notices about 2010 and is a go-to source for with a proclamation from DC new SfN publications have been educators interested in Brain Mayor Adrian Fenty; more than especially popular. This continued Awareness Week (BAW) activities 800 local students participated in interest has reinforced the impor- in early spring, and in fostering the museum’s BAW activities. tance and value of public outreach brain awareness among students resources, which are at the core of year-round. Navigation is simpler Extending Our Reach SfN’s mission. and more intuitive, resources are The ongoing modernization of clearly labeled for their intended SfN’s media outreach activities Have You Heard the audiences, and images enhance continued this year. Media cover- Latest Brain Facts? the user experience. age of Neuroscience 2009 was Consistent with this effort, SfN The 15th annual BAW robust, with exposure in consumer has been delivering content in new campaign occurred March outlets like The New York Times, formats as the media landscape 15-21. In collaboration with National Public Radio, USA transitions from traditional print BAW founding organization The Today, Los Angeles Times, Wall to dynamic online presentation. Dana Foundation, SfN and its Street Journal, and Chicago Sun- Increasing the online “reach” of members sponsored events to Times. Scientific content from Society publications was a major increase knowledge and interest the meeting was also extensively thrust this year, as Brain Facts, in brain research at public covered in scientific trade publica- Brain Briefings, and Research & schools, museums, community tions. Coverage of The Journal Discoveries continue to be impor- venues, and colleges throughout of Neuroscience remained strong tant tools for educators, policymak- the United States. In addition throughout the year, with a wide ers, and members of the public. to the series of regional Brain range of outlets, both trade and Traffic on SfN’s Web site Bees around the country, SfN consumer, reporting on compel- increased substantially as educa- again cosponsored Brain Bees in ling studies. tional resources and publications both New York and Washington, As part of public information were posted in easy-to-access, DC, and cosponsored the U.S. dissemination strategies, SfN’s National Brain Bee competition Facebook page quickly developed a following of more than 8,000

32 Looking Beyond the Horizon During FY2010, SfN spearheaded new avenues for promoting neuroscience literacy for teachers and the public. For instance, the Society launched a new Brain Awareness Week Web site to support the interna- tional campaign.

providing free and downloadable audio content on the brain to millions of users. The audio files can be found on both the SfN Web site and iTunesU. In the coming year, the Society will continue to explore creative approaches for freely downloadable formats. of those visitors downloaded reaching new audiences. For example, from spring 2009 the publication — contributing to spring 2010, the Brain Facts to a “brain aware” citizenry. In LEARN MORE: landing page received more partnership with colleagues at www.sfn.org/baw than 53,000 visits. Nearly all Denison University, SfN now hosts an audio edition of Brain Facts,

Looking Beyond the Horizon 33 Science Advocacy: Advocacy Network membership Influencing Public Policy, increased to more than 2,000 Protecting Researchers activists in 48 states, nearly doubling over 2009. Launched in fN leadership has recognized advocacy as a continuing high priority. In 2008, the Advocacy Network helps SFY2010, the Society worked to promote federal support for biomedical engaged SfN members become research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science active easily and quickly. Foundation (NSF), and to aggressively support the responsible use of animals in research. Congressional Staff Tour at SfN Annual Meeting Reporting on Lab Tours Launch, A new component of the annual ARRA-Funded Research Advocacy Network Grows meeting was the Congressional Upon Congressional passage of the SfN members conducted lab tours Staff Tour. Led by scientists from American Recovery and Reinvest- and meetings in the home districts the host city of Chicago, the tour ment Act (ARRA), SfN launched of key congressional members as a helped congressional members efforts to highlight the ARRA new component of SfN’s advocacy and staff learn about NIH and neuroscience investment, asking outreach. Events were held by NSF funded neuroscience — both members to submit stories about the University of New Mexico, emerging discoveries and the role how their research is advancing University of Pittsburgh, Yale neuroscience plays in expanding science, improving health, and University, University of California, a high-wage, high-technology strengthening the economy. San Diego, and Kent State. The economy. Staffers visited the poster In 2010, 15 editions of “In the events educated members of floor and talked with scientists, Lab: Recovery Act Stories” were Congress about NIH investment and also toured the exhibit hall, produced, offering snapshots of in their districts, explaining seeing the bustling businesses and basic research investments made potential health applications of vocal advocates. Congressional through ARRA. A dedicated Web emerging discoveries and local staff met with the leadership page also provides an overview of economic impact. of NIH neuroscience institutes the ARRA neuroscience invest- Members of Congress returned exhibiting at the meeting. ment in NIH and NSF, and offers to Washington talking about information available from other NIH funding and energized to Capitol Hill Day and key community advocates. In May, “champion” biomedical research. Continuing Leadership SfN President Michael Goldberg The tours also sparked the first in Washington testified before a House Appro- SfN-initiated local Science On March 25, nearly 50 attendees priations Subcommittee about Advisory Committee for a member participated in 73 congres- the importance of sustaining the of Congress. A new guide — How sional meetings during SfN’s momentum generated by ARRA to Conduct a Congressional Lab annual Capitol Hill Day, tripling by supporting $35 billion for NIH Tour — was launched in June and in participation since its inaugural in FY2011. is available online. Moreover, SfN year. Participants were urged to

Beyond the Horizon Building and supporting champions for research funding and animal research through grassroots activism, national advocacy, and global coordination.

34 Looking Beyond the Horizon “take the Hill home” by sustaining relationships with members of Congress throughout the year. Attendees also included a growing number of young members who realize that advocacy will remain an important part of their scientific careers. SfN worked to play a leadership role in the Washington research Nearly 50 SfN members participated in the 2010 Capitol Hill advocacy community year-round, Day event, meeting with 73 different congressional offices partnering with Research!America, and representing 23 states, 3 countries, and the District of serving on the Steering Committee Columbia, to discuss the importance of federal funding to for the AdHoc Group for Medical advancing biomedical and neuroscience research. Research and as an engaged member of the Coalition for Life Sciences and the American Brain Coalition. Building and emphasized the need for an Community Support educated public and engaged Supporting Animal SfN continues to work with research community to ensure the Research coalition members to support safety of animals and researchers. Amid threats, violence, and animal research and oppose The commentaries, written by harassment targeting researchers legislation that would hamper SfN members, outlined the over the last decade, SfN contin- medical progress. This included critical importance of humane and ues to advocate for responsible voicing opposition to Congress responsible animal research, and animal research and support for on the Great Ape Protection stressed the need for continued researchers through its Committee Act and expressing the scientific activism and public engagement. on Animals in Research. As a community’s concerns that the SfN helped secure significant growing number of U.S. Freedom legislation would impede medical press attention to these important of Information Act (FOIA) research benefiting both humans publications and remains vigilant requests were received by SfN and primates. SfN also rallied in highlighting and promoting the members over the past few years, its grassroots to take action on importance of animal research. the Society spearheaded a working the issue: members responded by SfN also ensured the material was group to develop a new resource generating nearly 1,000 messages shared and discussed with Francis informing members of their rights to their legislators. Addition- Collins, U.S. NIH director. To- and responsibilities under the law. ally, one lab tour on NIH funding gether, these actions played a role Released in January, Responding to resulted in a dialogue with the in encouraging NIH to create an FOIA Requests: Facts and Resources representative about his position inter-agency group working across was a collaborative effort by SfN, on animal research issues. the federal government to ensure the National Association for sharing of information about Biomedical Research, and the Supporting Member animal extremism and violence Federation of American Societies Engagement against researchers. for Experimental Biology. Two expert commentaries released in the September 16, 2009, issue LEARN MORE: of The Journal of Neuroscience, www.sfn.org/gpa also highlighted the increasingly violent animal rights movement,

Looking Beyond the Horizon 35 Burden ofAddiction Addiction, and When one person is overcome Even more worrisome are the by drug abuse and addiction, the statistics on drug-induced mortality. other mental burden is shared by millions. Chronic The Centers for Disease Control and drug use not only harms people’s Prevention reported that more than disorders linked to it, livelihoods and loved ones, it also 38,000 people in the United States adversely affects the economic, died of legal or illegal substances have widespread social, and professional well-being in 2006. That figure doesn’t even of the world’s citizens. include the 300,000 to 450,000 consequences deaths each year attributed to Tangible and nicotine addiction. As disturbing as for society. Intangible Costs these numbers are, they don’t reflect Each year, more than half a trillion the unquantifiable impact of drug dollars is lost to substance abuse in abuse. Drug abuse dissolves families, the United States alone, according shreds the social fabric in neighbor- to the U.S. Office of National Drug hoods, leads to loss of jobs and Control. Those losses are realized income, contributes to poor school across the board — in health, and job performance, and is often criminal, and productivity-related a causal factor in domestic violence areas. That impact totals about $181 and auto accidents. billion for illicit drugs, $168 billion for The consequences of substance tobacco, and $185 billion for alcohol. abuse for children in society are especially tragic. Drug-addicted parents often don’t properly care for 50 All Respondents their children, neglecting medical

Any Drug Use Disorder and educational needs, and failing to provide basic food and shelter. When 40 parents fail, the government must step in. These deficits are ultimately

30 made up for by the taxpayer. Although more than 75 percent of illicit drug users are employed, 20 these adults are more likely to frequently change jobs, be involved in accidents, be absent, and be less 10 productive even when at work. Research data shows the high Notably, heavy drinkers are absent coincidence of mental illness and from work four to eight times more drug use disorders. 0% Mood Disorders Anxiety Disorders often than non-addicts.

36 Looking Beyond the Horizon Science in Society ADDICTION AND NEUROSCIENCE

Gray Areas One example is the correlation between tobacco use and schizo- phrenia. In clinical studies, as much as 90 percent of schizophrenia patients smoke. Overall, individuals with psychiatric disorders buy about 44 percent of cigarettes sold in the United States. These commonalities may occur because mental patients are self-medicating with tobacco or other drugs. Some theories even suggest nicotine may ease some Imaging scans show cocaine interferes with brain cells’ ability to use energy. Red symptoms of schizophrenia. Con- and yellow colors indicate areas where there is greater energy use. Cocaine abusers slowly recover from deficits in brain energy metabolism the longer they have versely, drug abuse may elicit latent abstained from drugs. symptoms of mental illness. Genetics studies suggest if a person shows signs of one disorder, Addiction as a with other mental disorders. When he or she is more likely to have a Brain Disorder two or more disorders or illnesses second one. This may be due to Drug abuse and addiction has been are present in the same body, the overlapping genetic risks. Similar classified as a drug use disorder — a condition is called “comorbidity.” environmental triggers, such as mental disorder — by the American Often, these conditions exacerbate stress or trauma, may also contribute Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic one another. to both conditions. Researchers have and Statistical Manual of Mental Data collected by the National determined early exposure to drugs Disorders, the standard used by Institute on Drug Abuse show alters the developing brain in ways medical professionals. people diagnosed with mood that may make it more susceptible That drug abuse is a brain disorders are twice as likely to abuse to mental disorders later on. disorder may come as a surprise or be dependent upon drugs. In fact, The scientific community to some. Addiction is at times the brain areas changed by drug continues to work on understanding mistakenly viewed as a character abuse are the same ones disrupted diseases of the brain to ultimately flaw or a lack of resolve; but studies by depression, anxiety, or schizo- contribute to global solutions. The of the brain show drug addiction phrenia. Symptoms also overlap. stakes involved in the drug epidemic is a disease. The hallmarks of drug For medical professionals, deciding make action on behalf of our fellow abuse — compulsion, tolerance, whether a behavior is due to drug human beings a social and and withdrawal — are caused by dependence or another mental moral imperative. chemical changes in key brain areas. disorder is tricky, and diagnosis and Drug use disorders often coexist treatment are challenging.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 37 Addiction: Reward and Punishment Drug abuse and addiction Of all Americans age 12 or older, more than 9 percent have struggled disturb the brain’s natural with drug dependence and 20 percent with nicotine addiction. pleasure-producing reward system, For these people, a once-voluntary source of pleasure segues into a altering self-control and destructive habit.

decision-making abilities Addictive Circuit Breakers on a cellular level. When a person takes an addictive substance — whether it be in pill, syringe, or cigarette form — chemi- cals travel through the blood stream into the brain, where they act on key regions. Each of these drugs provides an artificial chemical boost to the body’s reward system. Lab studies have shown, like The brain circuit underlying humans, rats will repeatedly self- reward makes biologically neces- administer drugs, prioritizing that sary actions, such as eating and immediate high over even eating. reproducing, feel good. The circuit Even if the animals are removed consists of nerve cells that cluster in from the drugs for months, they a region near the base of the brain will quickly return to drug-taking called the ventral tegmental area. behaviors if stress or certain environ- These cells extend fibers toward mental cues are introduced. the front of the brain, specifically to a collection of neurons called the A Dangerous Cycle nucleus accumbens. Different drugs work in the same Substances of abuse seize basic way — they all increase the this reward system, throwing it action of the chemical dopamine. out of balance. The drugs create Like other chemical messengers that an artificially blissful high, one transmit information in the brain, that is often more intense than dopamine attaches to special sites naturally euphoric actions. But the on cells called receptors that send brain adapts — the abused system and receive signals. becomes desensitized. When drugs spur the release of abnormally large amounts of dopa-

38 Looking Beyond the Horizon Science in Progress ADDICTION AND NEUROSCIENCE

For example, recent research funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows an animal’s response to nicotine may depend on the particular composition of its nicotine receptors. One type of gene variation may alter the receptor composition in a way that increases the risk for addiction, while another variation may decrease risk. Scientists are still unraveling how the complex cocktail of genes mixes to Above: The neurotransmitter dopamine acts on specific receptors in the brain better understand addiction and its to increase pleasure and reward. The image shows that dopamine produced affect on health. in one nerve cell activates receptors in neighboring brain cells. Environmental factors also play Left: Drug cravings affect men and women differently, activating different brain regions. In the above image, the sex difference is particularly notable in a key role in addiction. Scientists the amygdala, which is important in fear and emotion. estimate 40 to 60 percent of a person’s susceptibility to addiction may be determined by the effects mine, the body adjusts by decreasing Compounding the effect of of environment on genes. The risk is the number of its receptors. Drug dopamine receptor loss, research greater for adolescents and people users must then consume more drugs also indicates chronic drug abusers with mental disorders than for the to achieve the same high, while drug have less dopamine in their brains, general population. tolerance similarly increases. Thus, perhaps to compensate for repeated Addicts can recover. The brain the addiction cycle is set. surges in the reward system. This has a remarkable ability to mend Recent studies with rhesus explains why addicts often feel from drug use. Imaging studies monkeys show cocaine use reduces depressed and anxious when sober. show that dopamine levels eventu- the production of dopamine recep- ally increase to near-normal after tors of a particular subtype, called Importance of Genetics months of abstinence. In addition the D2 receptor. The D2 receptor is and the Environment to traditional behavioral therapy, in the outer membranes of brain cells Researchers are now learning more new pharmacological treatments found to shape motivation, emotion, about the role that genetics plays in may prove a valuable aid to addicts. thought, and movement. This protein addiction. Research indicates that Better knowledge of genetic and allows dopamine to influence the many genes influence how likely a per- environmental factors will help function of these cells. Studies show son is to become addicted. Although medical professionals develop more fewer D2 receptors in people who there is no “addiction gene,” studies effective methods of getting addicts abuse nicotine, heroin, and alcohol, show a single gene variation may have off of drugs — permanently. and even in the severely obese. considerable effects.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 39 financialand organizationalh i g h l i g h t s

Despite the economic Finance and Development: downturn experienced over Positioning for the Future

the past few years, the he Society kept expenditures to a modest increase during the fiscal Society for Neuroscience has Tyear in light of economic pressures affecting both the Society and its members, assisting the Society in its rigorous financial stewardship. remained financially sound At the same time, the continued vibrancy of the organization has en- abled Society leadership to evaluate future opportunities to strengthen through record membership, the compelling value it delivers to members. The Society also received recognition for being one of the 50 Best Nonprofits to Work For in continued success of 2010, an accomplishment that reflects the Society’s commitment to sound management and to the staff who help realize its mission. The Journal of Neuroscience, and Sound Finances and Growing Membership the popular annual meeting. The Society delivered an operating net revenue of $827,000 in FY2010, exclusive of the Society’s long-term investment activity. The Society’s 1121 Properties, LLC, which manages the Society’s headquarters building, posted an operating net expense of $363,000. The modest consolidated surplus of $464,000 represents strong financial planning and thoughtful financial management. Total revenue (net of investment income and one-time gift) increased by 0.9 percent to $25.3 million in FY2010 from $25 million the prior year. Total expenses increased 1.2 percent in FY2010 compared to the prior fiscal year, from $24.8 million in FY2009 to $25.1 million in FY2010. Record membership continued to add to the financial success of the Society. With 40,290 members across 83 countries, the Society continues to broaden its ability to serve the field of neuroscience, and provide world-class member benefits, including unmatched venues for sharing great science, compelling professional development and networking opportuni- ties, and effective public outreach.

40 Looking Beyond the Horizon financial organizationalh i g h l i g h t s

The Society’s headquarters building employs green efficiencies, which realize economic savings and societal benefit while supporting SfN’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Beyond the Horizon Conserving SfN’s financial strength and investing in priority projects that strengthen the value of membership.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 41 Strong Revenue Sources than $28.2 million, reflecting a the National Institute of Neurologi- Support the Field $3.4 million increase over the cal Disorders and Stroke, continues The annual meeting continued its FY2009 balance. The Society’s to foster the professional develop- scientific and financial momentum investment strategy continues ment of underrepresented minority with more than 30,500 attendees in to be guided by its Investment scientists. Sponsorships continue Chicago. Given a new host city Committee, with crucial input to support several educational and a difficult economic year, from three outside financial experts initiatives, including many lectures attendance reflected the strong who serve on the committee pro and awards. More than $1.1 million value found in the meeting. bono to offer advice on appropriate in grant and sponsorship funding Attendees presented nearly 16,000 diversification and discipline to in FY2010 helped support SfN’s Property management abstracts and participated in a wide achieve the goals set forth by programs and membership develop- 11.3% range of professional development Society leadership. ment, and the Society continues to and networking opportunities. More pursue other partnerships, collabora- than $500,000 in merit awards Investing in the tions, and funding to continue these and travel grants were presented Future: Programs and valuable programs. to neuroscientists during FY2010, Infrastructure Additionally, SfN has made continuing to recognize the Resourceful budgeting has allowed significant strides in its goal to achievements of investigators and the Council and volunteer leader- define and execute a smart and supporting student scientists in ship to continue to implement forward-thinking information their development. programmatic priorities, even during strategy — a critical part of The Journal of Neuroscience — tough economic times, while SfN’s ability to serve the growing among the most-cited neuroscience operating under a balanced budget. community and increase the ease publications in the world — contin- Reflecting expressed member needs, of taking part in many diverse ued its commitment to expanding SfN implemented several new activities it offers. Built on the the vibrancy of peer-reviewed global initiatives, made possible through association management system neuroscience findings. It also pro- the thorough planning of its implemented in 2009, the goal is vided stable sources of revenue from leadership. These include a new to create a universal “key” that its strong institutional subscription Professional Development Commit- enables the organization to link all base and author publication income, tee focusing on the development of its data systems. which increased in FY2010 due to neuroscientists at all levels of their Today, integrated content the publishing of more articles in career; a consolidation with the includes membership, abstract The Journal than in years prior. former Association of Neuroscience submission and sessioning, annual The Society’s 1121 Properties, Departments and Programs; and the meeting registration and housing, LLC, which manages the Society’s application of social technologies to e-mail distribution, and many more headquarters building, posted an serve SfN’s mission, from blogging functions. As additional systems operating net expense of $363,000, at the annual meeting to rapid SfN are added, this work will allow inclusive of depreciation. It also Facebook “fan” page growth, which SfN to enhance services offered housed the Society staff in an topped 8,000 people. to members and as well as expand effective work space, with green Grant funding during FY2010 functionality to provide content efficiencies that accrue both increased with the program and benefits to members using economic savings and aesthetic initiation of the Department Chair social media, multimedia, and and social benefits. Training to Increase Women in mobile platforms. Neuroscience. Funded through the Overall, strong infrastructure, Long-Term Investments National Science Foundation, SfN budgeting, staff management, Ensure Long-Term Vision is working to increase the participa- and planning is helping to ensure The Society’s long-term invest- tion and advancement of women in the organization’s programs and ments rebounded strongly in academic science and engineering services keep pace with the speed FY2010, and ended the fiscal year careers. Similarly, the Neuroscience of discovery and growing diversity with a fair market value of more Scholars Program, funded through of the vibrant neuroscience field.

42 Looking Beyond the Horizon Membership du 4,920,257 19.40% The Journal of 6,254,572 24.70% Membership dues 18.10% CURRENT AND PAST FISCAL YEAR REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES BY ACTIVITY Annual meetin 10,450,765 41.30% The Journal of Neuroscience 23.10% Property mana 2,850,602 11.30% Annual meeting 45.40% General progra 821,987 3.20% Property management 10.90% General program revenue 2.50% FY2010 REVENUE — $25,298,183 FY2009 REVENUE — $25,722,980* (net of investment income) (net of investment income)

General program General program revenue 3.2% revenue 2.5% Membership General program revenue Membership General program revenue dues 18.1% General program revenue General program revenue Property dues 19.5% Property management management Property management 11.3% 10.9% Property management Property management Property management

Annual Meeting Annual Meeting Annual Meeting Annual Meeting

Journal of Neuroscience Journal of Neuroscience Journal of Neuroscience Journal of Neuroscience

The Journal of The Journal of Membership Dues Membership Dues Membership Dues Neuroscience Membership Dues Neuroscience 23.1% 24.7%

Annual meeting Annual meeting 41.3% 45.4%

FY2010 EXPENSES — $25,095,117 FY2009 EXPENSES — $24,781,044

Membership development Membership development General Programs 1.5% The Journal of 1.3% General Programs The Journal of General Programs General Programs Neuroscience Neuroscience General 20.3% General 21.7% Property Management Property Management programs programs Property Management Property Management 21.5% 21.1%

Grants Grants Grants Grants

Annual Meeting Annual Meeting Annual Meeting Annual Meeting

Journal of Neuroscience Journal of Neuroscience Property JournalProperty of Neuroscienc e Journal of Neuroscience Management Management 18.5% 18.7% Membership Development Membership Development Membership Development Membership Development

Grants 1.7% Annual meeting Grants 0.9% Annual meeting 36.5% 36.3%

Membership development 1.50% The Journal of Neuroscience 20.30% Annual meeting 36.50% Grants 1.70% *FY2009 Revenue includes a one-time long-term gift of $650,000. Property management 18.50% General programs 21.60% Membership development 1.30% The Journal of Neuroscience 21.70% Annual meeting 36.30% Looking Beyond the Horizon 43 Grants 0.90% Property management 18.70% General programs 21.10% 44 Looking Beyond the Horizon CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION ( as of June 30, 2010)

assets 2010 2009 Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 736,515 $ 736,764 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 370,366 424,722 Prepaid expenses 912,492 925,903 Total current assets 2,019,373 2,087,389

Non-current Assets Investments (Notes 2 ,11 and 14) 28,209,700 24,732,520 Property, furniture, equipment and improvements, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $6,796,379 for 2009 (Notes 3, 8 and 9) 33,541,446 34,713,204 Deferred rent receivable (Note 6) 708,137 657,991 Deposits 3,892 3,892 Total non-current assets 62,463,175 60,107,607

Total Assets $ 64,482,548 $ 62,194,996 liabilities and net assets Current Liabilities Current portion of note payable (Note 8) $ 550,000 $ 512,500 Line of credit (Note 11) 494,497 1,601,561 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,553,134 1,732,738 Deferred revenue 6,305,580 6,196,308 Total current liabilities 8,903,211 10,043,107

Non-current Liabilities Note payable, net of current portion (Note 8) 18,041,667 18,579,167 Bonds payable (Note 9) 12,000,000 12,000,000 Tenant deposits 17,584 17,584 Interest rate swap obligation (Notes 10 and 14) 6,236,969 4,413,612 Total non-current liabilities 36,296,220 35,010,363 Total liabilities 45,199,431 45,053,470

Net Assets Unrestricted 18,176,151 15,979,027 Temporarily restricted (Note 4) 1,106,966 1,162,499 Total net assets 19,283,117 17,141,526

Total Liabilities And Net Assets $ 64,482,548 $ 62,194,996

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 45 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES ( as of June 30, 2010)

2010 2009 Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Total Total revenue Membership dues $ 4,920,257 $ - $ 4,920,257 $ 4,643,634 The Journal of Neuroscience 6,254,572 - 6,254,572 5,952,069 Annual meeting 10,450,765 - 10,450,765 11,678,803 Investment income (loss) (Note 2) 3,520,629 133,149 3,653,778 (4,894,285) Property management revenue (Note 6) 2,850,602 - 2,850,602 2,809,100 General program revenue 821,987 - 821,987 639,375 Net assets released from donor restrictions (Note 5) 188,682 (188,682) - - Total revenue 29,007,494 (55,533) 28,951,961 20,828,696

expenses Program Services: The Journal of Neuroscience 5,085,582 - 5,085,582 5,373,335 Annual Meeting 9,156,612 - 9,156,612 8,984,465 Grants 417,456 - 417,456 230,934 General Programs 5,408,473 - 5,408,473 5,235,839 Total program services 20,068,123 - 20,068,123 19,824,573

Supporting Services: Membership Development 388,126 - 388,126 310,633 Property Management Expenses 4,638,868 - 4,638,868 4,645,838 Total supporting services 5,026,994 - 5,026,994 4,956,471

Total expenses 25,095,117 - 25,095,117 24,781,044

Change in net assets before other items 3,912,377 (55,533) 3,856,844 (3,952,348)

other items Unrealized loss on interest rate swap (Note 10) (1,823,357) - (1,823,357) (2,718,063) Transfer of ANDP (Note 15) 108,104 - 108,104 -

Total other items (1,715,253) - (1,715,253) (2,718,063) Change in net assets 2,197,124 (55,533) 2,141,591 (6,670,411)

Net assets at beginning of year 15,979,027 1,162,499 17,141,526 23,811,937

Net assets at end of year $ 18,176,151 $ 1,106,966 $ 19,283,117 $ 17,141,526

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

46 Looking Beyond the Horizon CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS ( as of June 30, 2010)

cash flows from operating activities 2010 2009 Change in net assets $ 2,141,591 $ (6,670,411) Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash provided by operating activities: Loss on disposal of equipment 2,403 - Depreciation and amortization 1,771,535 1,676,692 Net (appreciation) depreciation of investments (2,904,140) 6,008,110 Unrealized loss on interest rate swap 1,823,357 2,718,063 (Increase) decrease in: Accounts receivable 54,356 (49,175) Prepaid expenses 13,411 (125,744) Deferred rent receivable (50,146) (280,556) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (179,604) 528,061 Deferred revenue 109,272 583,423 Net cash provided by operating activities 2,782,035 4,388,463 cash flows from investing activities Sales and maturities purchases of investments, net (573,040) (1,604,867) Purchase of property, furniture, equipment and improvements (602,180) (1,859,017) Net cash used by investing activities (1,175,220) (3,463,884) cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from line of credit 1,117,936 2,645,783 Payments on line of credit (2,225,000) (2,809,182) Payments on note payable (500,000) (483,333) Net cash used by financing activities (1,607,064) (646,732)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (249) 277,847 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 736,764 458,917

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 736,515 $ 736,764 supplemental information: Interest Paid $ 1,554,692 $ 1,609,212

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 47 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND Cash and cash equivalents - GENERAL INFORMATION The Society considers all cash and other highly liquid investments with Organization - initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is a non-profit organization, incor- At times during the year, the Society maintains cash balances at financial porated in the District of Columbia. The primary purposes of SfN are to institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) advance the understanding of the nervous system, including the part it limits. Management believes the risk in these situations to be minimal. plays in determining behavior, by bringing together scientists of various backgrounds and by facilitating the integration of research directed at Investments - all levels of biological organization; to promote education in the field of The Society invests in shares held in individual securities or investment neuroscience; to inform the general public on the results and implications funds, which include bonds, stocks, money market funds held for investment of current research in this area. purposes, and limited partnerships. The 1121 Properties, LLC (the LLC) is a limited liability company, incorpo- Investment fund managers trade in various domestic and foreign finan- rated in the District of Columbia on July 7, 2005. The primary purpose of the cial markets, which carry a certain amount of risk of loss. Investments are LLC is to engage in the business of performing services as directed by SfN for stated at fair value based on quoted market prices at the reporting date, or leasing and maintaining the leases of offices and other retail space in the in absence of such quoted market price, a reasonable estimate of fair value premises known as 1121 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. as approved by management. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the activity included in investment income in the Consolidated Statement of Activities of the Society for Neuroscience and 1121 Properties, LLC (collectively, the and Change in Net Assets. Society) as of June 30, 2010. The financial statements of the two organiza- The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to vari- tions have been consolidated because they are under common control. All ous market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. Credit risk intercompany transactions have been eliminated during consolidation. from financial instruments relate to the possibility that invested assets within a particular industry segment may experience loss due to market conditions. Basis of presentation - The Society has diversified its financial instruments to help ensure that no The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented on one industry segment represents a significant concentration of risk. the accrual basis of accounting, and in accordance with FASB ASC 958-010, Although management uses its best judgment at estimating fair value Not-for-Profit Entities, Consolidation. of the underlying assets for its investments, there are inherent limitations in The consolidated financial statements include certain prior year sum- any valuation technique. Therefore, the value is not necessarily indicative of marized comparative information in total but not by net asset class. Such the amount that could be realized in a current transaction. Future events will information does not include sufficient detail to constitute a presentation in also affect the estimates of fair value, and the effect of such events on the conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, such estimates of fair value could be material. information should be read in conjunction with the Society’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2009, from which the sum- Accounts receivable - marized information was derived. Accounts receivable are stated at their fair value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based upon an annual review of account Recently issued accounting standards - balances, including the age of the balance and the historical experience with In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the customer. FASB ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the sole source of authorita- Property, furniture, equipment and improvements - tive generally accepted accounting principles. Pursuant to the provisions of Property, furniture, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. FASB ASC 105, the Society has updated references to GAAP in its consoli- Property, furniture, and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis dated financial statements issued for the year ended June 30, 2010. The over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally three to ten adoption of FASB ASC 105 did not impact the Society’s consolidated financial years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remaining life of the position or results of operations. lease. The building and building costs are recorded at cost and are depreci- ated over thirty-nine years. Expenditures for major repairs and improvements with useful lives greater than one-year and in excess of $3,000 are capitalized, and expen- ditures of lesser amounts for minor and maintenance costs are expensed when incurred.

48 Looking Beyond the Horizon Income taxes - Use of estimates - The Society is exempt from Federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Society qualifies for the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America charitable contribution deduction under Section 170(b)(1)(A) and has been requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the classified as an organization that is not a private foundation under Section reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated 509(a)(2) of the Code. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Society is during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from required to report unrelated business income to the Internal Revenue Service those estimates. and the appropriate state taxing authorities. The Society leases office space to several unaffiliated tenants. The activity Functional allocation of expenses - is considered to be unrelated business activity under Internal Revenue Ser- The costs of providing the various programs and other activities have vice regulations. Defined net income from the operations is taxable. To date, been summarized on a functional basis in the Consolidated Statement of there has been a loss from unrelated business activities. Activities and Change in Net Assets. Accordingly, certain costs have been al- As of June 30, 2010, there were net operating loss carryforwards of ap- located among the programs and supporting services benefited. proximately $467,015. No deferred tax asset has been recognized due to un- certainty realization. The net operating losses expire between 2028 and 2029. Risks and uncertainties - In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released The Society invests in various investment securities. Investment securities FASB ASC 740-10, Income Taxes, that provides guidance for reporting un- are exposed to various risks such as interest rates, market and credit risks. certainty in income taxes. For the year ended June 30, 2010, the Society has Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at documented its consideration of FASB ASC 740-10 and determined that no least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities material uncertain tax positions qualify for either recognition or disclosure in will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the the consolidated financial statements. amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. For the purpose of corporate tax reporting for the LLC, all financial trans- actions are reported under SfN’s filing status. Fair value measurements - The Society adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measure- Deferred revenue - ments and Disclosures. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a frame- Deferred revenue consists of member dues, journal subscriptions, and an- work for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the nual meeting-related fees. The Society recognizes member dues and journal quality of inputs (assumptions that market participants would use in pricing subscriptions on a pro-rata basis over an annual period, while annual meet- assets and liabilities, including assumptions about risk) used to measure fair ing fees are recorded at the time the annual meeting occurs. value, and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The Society accounts for a significant portion of its financial instruments at Net asset classification - fair value or considers fair value in their measurement. The net assets of the Society are reported in two self-balancing groups as follows: 2. INVESTMENTS ■ Unrestricted net assets include unrestricted revenue and contributions Investments consisted of the following at June 30, 2010: received without donor-imposed restrictions. These net assets are available Cost Market Value for the operation of the Society and include both internally designated and U.S. Government obligations $ 1,938,043 $ 1,991,532 undesignated resources. Fixed income 6,382,854 8,160,856 ■ Temporarily restricted net assets include revenue and contributions Equities 19,262,368 17,470,829 subject to donor-imposed stipulations that will be met by the actions of the Cash 586,483 586,483 Society and/or the passage of time. When a restriction expires, temporarily Total long-term investments $ 28,169,748 $ 28,209,700 restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported in the Consolidated Statement of Activities and Change in Net Assets as net Alternative investments are comprised of the following at June 30, 2010: assets released from restrictions. Investment Type Amount Liquidity Cayman Islands Exempted Company $ 1,533,966 Quarterly with 90 days Revenue recognition - prior notice Membership dues and journal subscription revenues are recorded as rev- Vintage Fund V Offshore LP 336,836 None until dissolution or enue in the year to which the revenue is related. Contributions and grants transfer to another party are recorded as revenue in the year notification is received from the donor. $ 1,870,802 Contributions and grants are recognized as unrestricted support only to the extent of actual expenses incurred in compliance with the donor-imposed re- As of June 30, 2010, the Society has no uncalled commitments. strictions and satisfaction of time restrictions. The Society recognizes annual Included in investment income are the following: meeting fees when the related event has occurred. Contracts and grants received from departments or agencies of the Interest and dividends $ 749,638 United States Government are considered to be exchange transactions (as Net appreciation of investments 2,904,140 opposed to contributions) and are not recorded as revenue until related costs are incurred. Total investment income $ 3,653,778 Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis. The leases call for rent abatement and/or annual rental payment escalations. The difference between rental income received and rental income recognized on the straight-line basis is recorded as deferred rents receiv- able in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Deferred revenue is recognized for rental payments received in advance of the period earned.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 49 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The investment management fee expense was $222,608 for the year 6. LEASE COMMITMENTS ended June 30, 2010, which is included in general programs expense. The LLC currently has a total of ten tenants leasing office space within Included in equities are alternative investments with an estimated market its premises. The period of the leases range from August 14, 2006 to May value of $1,870,802. The sale of these investments is subject to certain conditions. 31, 2018. Rental income from these leases is included in the accompanying The Society has resolved to use available funds and future earnings there- Consolidated Statement of Activities and Change in Net Assets in property on to establish a strategic reserve pool that represents at least one year of management revenue. Rental income from these leases totaled $2,307,655 expense budget. Based upon the intent of the Society, assets of the strategic for the year ended June 30, 2010 and is included in the accompanying reserve pool are classified as long-term. Consolidated Statement of Activities and Change in Net Assets in property management revenue. Property management revenue totaled $2,850,602, 3. PROPERTY, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS and includes income for garage and storage leasing fees and operating At June 30, 2010, property, furniture, equipment and improvements expense recoverables. consisted of the following: Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis. The difference Land $ 7,150,400 between rental income received and rental income recognized on the Building 23,086,859 straight-line basis is recorded as deferred rent receivable in the accompany- Building improvements 5,867,853 ing Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. As of June 30, 2010, the Furniture 1,154,224 deferred rent receivable totaled $708,137. Computer equipment 1,734,733 The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments to be Leasing commissions 1,062,410 received by the LLC: Other 281,346 40,337,825 Year Ended June 30, Tenants Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (6,796,379) 2011 $ 2,390,549 Property, furniture, equipment and 2012 2,108,901 improvements, net $ 33,541,446 2013 1,878,444 2014 1,937,019 Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,771,535 for the year 2015 1,987,607 ended June 30, 2010. Thereafter 4,473,186 $ 14,775,706 4. TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Temporarily restricted net assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2010: 7. RETIREMENT PLANS The Society maintains a defined contribution plan for employees meet- Julius Axelrod Prize $ 468,822 ing certain eligibility requirements. Eligible employees may contribute a Grass Traveling Scientist Program 14,368 percentage of their salary, subject to the maximum contribution as per the Ricardo Miledi Neuroscience Training Program 82,232 applicable IRS regulation. The Jacob P. Waletzky Award 536,744 The Society contributes 4% to 16% of a participating employee’s salary, Bernice Grafstein Award 4,800 depending upon the percentage of contribution made by the employees. $ 1,106,966 The Society’s contributions to the plan for the year ended June 30, 2010 totaled $631,247. Additional pension expense not directly contributed to the plan totaled $71,735 for the year ended June 30, 2010. 5. NET ASSETS RELEASED FROM RESTRICTIONS SfN also has a deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the The following temporarily restricted net assets were released from donor Internal Revenue Code for certain executive level employees. Contributions restrictions by incurring expenses which satisfied the restricted purposes to this plan totaled $33,000 for the year ended June 30, 2010. specified by the donors: 8. NOTES PAYABLE Julius Axelrod Prize $ 37,383 On February 1, 2006, the Society entered into an agreement to purchase Grass Traveling Scientist Program 20,091 the property at 1121 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. The purchase Ricardo Miledi Neuroscience Training Program 91,360 was financed through a $20,000,000 note payable from Bank of America, The Jacob P. Waletzky Award 37,448 N.A. The note called for interest-only payments until the building reaches Bernice Grafstein Award 2,400 stabilization of tenant income or once a period of eighteen months has elapsed since the closing. As of August 1, 2007, the latter criteria was met. $ 188,682 The Society entered into a swap agreement to artificially fix the interest rate (see Note 10). Future minimum principal payments are as follows:

Year Ended June 30, 2011 $ 550,000 2012 563,333 2013 592,500 2014 622,500 2015 656,667 Thereafter 15,606,667 18,591,667 Less: Current portion (550,000) Non-current portion $ 18,041,667

50 Looking Beyond the Horizon 9. BONDS PAYABLE 14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS On February 1, 2006, the District of Columbia agreed to issue its Variable In accordance with FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclo- Rate Revenue Bonds (Society for Neuroscience Issue) Series 2006 in the aggre- sures, the Society has categorized its financial instruments, based on the gate principal amount of $12,000,000, for the benefit of the Society through priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value Bank of America, N.A., in order to finance a portion of the costs of acquiring, hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices constructing, and furnishing the office building, including parking garage, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest located at 1121 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. The Society agreed to pay priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). the principal or purchase price and interest on the bonds. The bonds carry a If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within dif- fluctuating rate of interest per annum that approximates the BMA index (a ferent levels of hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level national index of seven-day floating tax-exempt rates). As of June 30, 2010, input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. the interest rate was 0.3%. Principal payments shall begin February 1, 2030. Investments recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are categorized based on the inputs to valuation techniques as follows: 10. INTEREST SWAP AGREEMENT Level 1. These are financial instruments where values are based on unad- To minimize the effect of changes in the variable rate, the Society entered justed quoted prices for identical assets in an active market the Society has into an interest rate swap contract with a commercial bank for both the note the ability to access. and bonds payable, which it pays interest at a blended fixed rate of 5.2%. Level 2. These are financial instruments where values are based on quot- The interest rate swap contract is considered a derivative financial instru- ed prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable ment, because it derives its value from the interest rate paid on the DC Bonds. either directly or indirectly for substantially the full-term of the investments. The fair value of the interest rate swap contract has been included as Level 3. These are financial instruments where values are based on prices a liability in the amount of $6,236,969 in the Consolidated Statement of or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable Financial Position as of June 30, 2010. The unrealized loss on the interest and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect rate swap of $1,823,357 is shown as an other item in the Consolidated State- assumptions of management about assumptions market participants would ment of Activities and Change in Net Assets. The liability amounts represent use in pricing the investments. These investments include non-readily mar- an estimate of what the Society would have to pay if the agreement was ketable securities that do not have an active market. cancelled as of June 30, 2010. Financial instruments recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Finan- The recorded amount of the liability or asset representing the fair value cial Position are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation technique of the swap contract will vary from year to year as (1) the variable rate as follows for the year ended June 30, 2010: received changes in relation to the fixed rate paid, (2) the principal amount is paid down, which reduces the corresponding amount of the swap contract Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total and (3) the remaining time until maturity of the swap contract which termi- Assets: nates in 2030 for the note payable and 2037 for the bond payable. Investments $ 26,338,898 $ - $ 1,870,802 $ 28,209,700

11. LINE OF CREDIT Liability: The Society has a line of credit with Citigroup Global Market, Inc. in the Interest Rate amount of $5,000,000, with a fixed interest rate based on the applicable Swap Obligation $ - $ - $ 6,236,969 $ 6,236,969 floating rate, which was 4.5% at June 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, the line of credit had outstanding borrowings in the amount of $494,497. The line of Level 3 credit is collateralized by investments held by Citigroup. The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Society’s financial assets for the year ended June 30, 2010: 12. REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE The Society has a revolving credit note with Bank of America, N.A. in the Investments Interest Rate amount of $400,000, with an interest rate per annum equal to the applicable Swap Obligation floating daily rate of the British Bankers Association (BBA), LIBOR plus 120 Beginning balance as of July 1, 2009 $ 1,146,132 $ 4,413,612 basis points. As of June 30, 2010, the revolving credit note had no outstand- Unrealized and realized gains 126,307 1,823,357 ing borrowings. Purchases 598,363 - Balance as of June 30, 2010 $ 1,870,802 $ 6,236,969 13. COMMITMENTS The Society is committed under an agreement for conference space in 15. TRANSFER OF ANDP 2013. The total commitment under the agreement is not determinable, as it Effective July 1, 2009, the Association of Neuroscience Departments and depends upon attendance and other unknown factors. There is a cancelation Programs (ANDP) became part of the Society’s programs and activities. The penalty that would be due if the agreement was canceled prior to the event net assets transferred to the Society totaled $108,104. date. The amount of the cancellation penalty increases through the date of the event. 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Society has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through September 24, 2010, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

Looking Beyond the Horizon 51 Sustaining Photography Associate Members PLATINUM SUSTAINING ASSOCIATE MEMBER Credits David Kopf Instruments

Cover: During the ninth week of gestation, neurons that will eventually form the human neocortex — home to many aspects of perception, cognition, language, movement and memory — start to gather in a dense band called the corti- cal plate. Reaching up into this layer is a bipolar cell, probably a precursor that divides to create cortical neurons and transforms into a radial glial cell, over which new neurons migrate into the cortical plate. GOLD SUSTAINING Courtesy, with permission: Irina Bystron, PhD, University of Oxford, UK. From: Bystron, I., Blakemore C., and Rakic P. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS (2008) Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9:110-122. Research supported by Hill Foundation, Zvi & Ofra Meitar Family Fund, US Public Health Service and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience at Yale. Elsevier Inside Cover: Human cerebral wall at GW12. The subplate (SP) in humans is a separate layer that forms shortly after the Olympus America Inc. emergence of the cortical plate (CP) 30, 64, 66. Here we provide examples of the complexity of this zone in humans. TU20 sanofi-aventis staining, which reveals both neurons and their processes, suggests that the spaces between SP cells are filled with axons. Sutter Instrument Company Figure reproduced, with permission: Bystron, I., Rakic, P., and Blakemore, C. Early development of the cortical subplate in human and non-human primates. Program No. 674.10. Neuroscience 2007. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2007. Page 2: Human cerebral wall at GW12. Figure reproduced, with permission: Bystron, I., Rakic, P., and Blakemore, C. Early development of the cortical subplate in human and non-human primates. Program No. 674.10. Neuroscience 2007. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2007. SILVER SUSTAINING Page 3, 41: Copyright 2006, Society for Neuroscience. All rights reserved. Photos by Joe Shymanski. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Page 3, 9, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27: Copyright 2009, Society for Neuroscience. All rights reserved. Photos by Joe Shymanski. Charles River Page 3, 25, 31, 33, 35: Copyright 2010, Society for Neuroscience. All rights reserved. Photos by Joe Shymanski. F. Hoffman-LaRoche Ltd. Millipore Corporation Page 5: AKAP79–YFP localizes in dendritic spines of a cultured hippocampal neurons. The postsynaptic scaffold protein Nikon Instruments Inc. AKAP79 regulates dendritic spine maturation through binding to PSD-95 family MAGUK scaffold proteins. Courtesy, with Permission: Holly R. Robertson, Emily S. Gibson, Timothy A. Benke, and Mark L. Dell’Acqua, 2009, The Journal of Neuroscience 29: 7929-7943. Page 6: Copyright 2010, Society for Neuroscience. All rights reserved. Photo by Marty Saggese. Page 15: Copyright 2010, Photo by Matt Antonino/Shutterstock.com NONPROFIT SUSTAINING Page 16: Courtesy, with permission: K. Reissner, et al.; The Journal of Neuroscience 2010, 30(26): 8797–8806. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Page 17: Courtesy, with permission: Thomas J. Carew, PhD, University of California, Irvine. Cambridge University Press Page 29: Copyright 1995, Edward H. Adelson, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Montreal Neurological Institute Page 36: Data courtesy of National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Reports Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental National Institute on Drug Abuse Illnesses 2009. Page 37, 38, 39: Courtesy, with permission: National Institute on Drug Abuse. Inside Back Cover: In a 50-day-old human embryo, a bundle of neuronal processes (stained gold for β3-tubulin) extends through the mesenchyme from the developing olfactory placode (bottom left) towards the forebrain. The cell bodies of immature neurons are seen migrating over this bundle. The green stain (for anti-phosphohistone) marks dividing mesenchymal stem cells. Courtesy, with permission: Irina Bystron, PhD, who works with Colin Blakemore, PhD, at the University of Oxford, UK, in collaboration with Pasko Rakic, PhD, MD, at Yale University. Research supported by Hill Foundation, Zvi & Ofra Meitar Family Fund, US Public Health Service and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience at Yale. Back Cover: Transverse section through the neonatal spinal cord of a double-transgenic mouse engineered so that ubiquitous expression of a β-galactosidase/neo fusion protein is replaced by that of GFP specifically in cells that express glial fibrillary acidic protein. Section is labeled with antibodies against GFP (green), the neuronal marker NeuN (red), and β-galactosidase (blue). Courtesy, with Permission: Andrew M. Garrett and Joshua A. Weiner, 2009, The Journal of Neuroscience 29: 11723-11731

Beyond the Horizon Image Credit (Pages 9, 13, 19, 23, 24, 31, 34, 41): GABAA receptor δ subunit expression in the hip- pocampus. Color-transformed images of GABAA receptor δ subunit expression in the hippocampus of a virgin wild-type mouse (left panels) and pregnant mice (right panels), show a high density of expression in the dentate gyrus molecular layer in wild-type mice. GABAA receptor δ subunit expression is reduced in hippocampus during pregnancy. Courtesy, with Permission: Jamie Maguire, Isabella Ferando, Charlotte Simonsen, and Istvan Mody, 2009, The Journal of Neuroscience 29: 9592-9601

52 Looking Beyond the Horizon Society for Neuroscience Staff

Marty Saggese C. Elizabeth Holcomb Meeting Services Operations & Executive Director Government & Public Affairs Elvia Gonzalez Governance Robert M. Doucette Coordinator Assistant Director of Exhibits & Julie Orlando-Castro Deputy Executive Director Laura Martin Registration Director of Operations & Governance Eun-Joo Chang Government & Public Affairs Dawn Keane Rachel Miller-Bleich Senior Director, Education & Member Coordinator Assistant Director of Housing & Operations & Governance Manager Development Logistics Melanie McGraw Kate Hawker Grants & Development Elizabeth Rumsey Operations & Governance Coordinator Senior Director, Planning & Bryan Boeskin Assistant Director of Annual Meeting Jenna Welch Information Director of Grants & Development Program Operations & Governance Assistant Paula Kara Christina Rush Sharon Kerley Bowles Logistics Manager Senior Director, Meeting Services Grants & Development Coordinator Professional Allison Burns Mona Miller Development Programs Exhibits Manager Senior Director, Communications & Human Resources & Mary Maul Public Affairs Ramona Sawyer Administration Director of Professional Development Lara C. Moninghoff Marlene Poole Registration Manager Programs Senior Director, Finance & Director of Human Resources & Francine Asche Andrew Wallace Administration/CFO Administration Annual Meeting Program Coordinator Professional Development Programs Jennifer Grant Stephanie Embrey Coordinator Finance Office Manager Meetings Coordinator Liz Larabell Matthew Barager Tonya Chapman Megan Cifrino Professional Development Programs Director of Finance Human Resources Coordinator Annual Meeting Program Assistant Coordinator Janice Ford Juanita Young Janel Johnson Accounting Manager Receptionist Annual Meeting Program Assistant Public Information & Craig Reed Outreach Budget & Financial Systems Manager Information & Member Communications Todd Bentsen Director of Public Information & Irena Reese Decision Support & Creative Services Outreach Financial Reporting & Compliance Melissa A. Garcia Melissa D. Ferrari Manager Director of Information & Decision Director of Member Communications Debra Speert, PhD Paul Troxell Support & Creative Services Public Information Manager Procurement Manager Karen Callwood Nicole Deoudes Corinne Dreskin Robert Hayes Database Analyst Creative Services Manager Public Education Manager Staff Accountant - Accounts Jessica M. Wesley Lori Bocek Sarah Bates Receivable Information & Decision Support Member Communications Coordinator Media Officer Rena James Coordinator Leslie Church Kat Snodgrass Staff Accountant - Payroll & Benefits Tiffany Park Web Editor Media Officer Arvind Lemuel Information & Decision Support Amit Kumar Andrea Powers Financial Analyst Coordinator Graphic Designer Public Information Coordinator Brian McMichael Robert Laws Sarah Ames Staff Accountant - Accounts Payable The Journal of Web Editor Public Education Assistant Emily Richardson Neuroscience Nadia Maseda Procurement Assistant Suzanne Rosenzweig Production Coordinator Technology Services Director of Scientific Publications Beryl Roda Matthew Dickens Global Affairs & Alexander Collery Junior Graphic Designer Director of Technology Services Program Evaluation Production Manager Jack Koulinkovitch Mark Storey Jackie Perry Membership & Marketing Network Manager Director of Global Affairs & Program Editorial Manager Wendy Sturley Nelson Miranda Evaluation Keith Layson Director of Membership & Marketing Network Administrator Jacob Laden Subscriptions Coordinator Francine Johnson Scott Moore Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist Sola Yu Membership Manager Development Manager Production Coordinator Marcia Leach Yan Zhu Government & Sam Culver Sales & Marketing Manager Senior Web Developer Public Affairs Editorial Assistant Danielle Hanafin Rigo Espinosa Stacy Barton Alina Foo Membership & Chapters Coordinator Web Developer Director of Government & Public Editorial Assistant Rachel Luciani Affairs Sarah Lake Membership & Sales Assistant Mark Cason Editorial Assistant Government & Public Affairs Manager 1121 14th Street, NW Suite 1010 Washington, DC 20005

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