Navigating A Changing Landscape FY2006 Annual Report 2005–2006 Society for 2005–2006 Society Past Presidents Neuroscience Council for Neuroscience Committee Chairs Carol A. Barnes, PhD, 2004–05 OFFICERS Anne B. Young, MD, PhD, 2003–04 Stephen F. Heinemann, PhD Darwin K. Berg, PhD Huda Akil, PhD, 2002–03 President Audit Committee Fred H. Gage, PhD, 2001–02 David Van Essen, PhD John H. Morrison, PhD Donald L. Price, MD, 2000–01 President-Elect Committee on Animals in Research Dennis W. Choi, MD, PhD, 1999–00 Carol A. Barnes, PhD Irwin B. Levitan, PhD Edward G. Jones, MD, DPhil, 1998–99 Past President Committee on Committees Lorne M. Mendell, PhD, 1997–98 Bruce S. McEwen, PhD, 1996–97 Michael E. Goldberg, MD William J. Martin, PhD Treasurer Committee on Diversity in Neuroscience Pasko Rakic, MD, PhD, 1995–96 Carla J. Shatz, PhD, 1994–95 Christine M. Gall, PhD Rita J. Balice-Gordon, PhD Larry R. Squire, PhD, 1993–94 Treasurer-Elect Judy Illes, PhD (Co-chairs) Committee on Women in Neuroscience Ira B. Black, MD, 1992–93 William T. Greenough, PhD Joseph T. Coyle, MD, 1991–92 Past Treasurer Michael E. Goldberg, MD Robert H. Wurtz, PhD, 1990–91 Finance Committee Irwin B. Levitan, PhD Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic, PhD, 1989–90 Secretary Mahlon R. DeLong, MD David H. Hubel, MD, 1988–89 Government and Public Affairs Committee Albert J. Aguayo, MD, 1987–88 COUNCILORS Darwin K. Berg, PhD Laurence Abbott, PhD Mortimer Mishkin, PhD, 1986–87 Information Technology Committee Bernice Grafstein, PhD, 1985–86 Joanne E. Berger-Sweeney, PhD William D. Willis, Jr., MD, PhD, 1984–85 Edward G. Jones, MD, DPhil Marie-Francoise Chesselet, MD, PhD International Affairs Committee/ Gerald D. Fischbach, MD, 1983–84 US National Committee Dominick P. Purpura, MD, 1982–83 Hollis T. Cline, PhD David H. Cohen, PhD, 1981–82 David H. Cohen, PhD Carol A. Mason, PhD Investment Committee Eric R. Kandel, MD, 1980–81 Solomon H. Snyder, MD, 1979–80 Kenneth I. Maynard, PhD Freda D. Miller, PhD Torsten N. Wiesel, MD, 1978–79 Timothy S. McClintock, PhD (Co-chairs) Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD Membership and Chapters Committee W. Maxwell Cowan, MD, PhD, 1977–78 Floyd E. Bloom, MD, 1976–77 William T. Newsome, III, PhD Robert W. Williams, PhD Neuroinformatics Committee Robert W. Doty, PhD, 1975–76 Edward V. Evarts, MD, 1974–75 Stephen F. Heinemann, PhD Theodore H. Bullock, PhD, 1973–74 Nominating Committee Walle J.H. Nauta, MD, PhD, 1972–73 Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD Neal E. Miller, PhD, 1971–72 Program Committee Vernon B. Mountcastle, MD, 1970–71 William E. Cameron, PhD Edward R. Perl, MD, 1969–70 Jeffrey Rothstein, MD, PhD (Co-chairs) Public Education and Communication Committee Sacha B. Nelson, MD, PhD Scientifi c Publications Committee Navigating A Changing Landscape F Y 2 0 0 6 Annual Report This drawing, published in 1904, depicts the six layers of the mouse neocortex, labeled A through F, by Santiago Ramón y Cajal. It was used as the basis for a mural in the new SfN headquarters building (See page 21). The mural was fabricated through a collaborative project with the Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning. Mission n Advance the understanding of the brain and the nervous system by bringing together scientists of diverse backgrounds, by facilitating the integration of research directed at all levels of biological organization, and by encouraging translational research and the application of new scientific knowledge to develop improved disease treatments and cures. n Provide professional development activities, information, and educational resources for neuroscientists at all stages of their careers, including undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral fellows, and increase participation of scientists from diverse cultural, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds. n Promote public information and general education about the nature of scientific discovery and the results and implications of the latest neuroscience research. Support active and continuing discussions on ethical issues relating to the conduct and outcomes of neuroscience research. n Inform legislators and other policymakers about new scientific knowledge, recent developments, and emerging opportunities in neuroscience research and their implications for public policy, societal benefit, and continued scientific progress. Mission Contents 2 Mission C h a p t e r 1 4 Vision & Values C h a p t e r 2 6 Message from the President C h a p t e r 3 10 The New Strategic Plan S c i e n c e i n S o c i e t y 12 Neuroscience of Aging C h a p t e r 4 16 The Annual Meeting S c i e n c e i n S o c i e t y 20 History of Neuroscience C h a p t e r 5 22 The Journal of Neuroscience S c i e n c e i n S o c i e t y 26 Neuroscience of Meditation C h a p t e r 6 0 Public Education & Professional Development C h a p t e r 7 4 Science Advocacy C h a p t e r 8 8 Business & Membership Highlights C h a p t e r 9 44 Financial Highlights F Y 2 0 0 6 Annual Report Vision & Values Chapter 1 4 Navigating A Changing Landscape Vision & Values SfN’S SCIENTIFIC VISION social, ethical, and technical dimensions. Some n Identifying and serving the needs of SfN Guided by its mission and its values, the of these challenges are common to biomedical members as well as the field of neuroscience. Society for Neuroscience (SfN)’s vision is that research and its subdisciplines of bioinformatics n Continuing to promote greater diversity of the next decade should be one of breakthrough and scientific ethics. Others are unique to neu- representation of women, minorities, and discovery that will lead to the translation of roscience by virtue of the tremendous complex- young investigators, along with geographic and scientific advances to improve the health of ity of neural circuits and their role in controlling specialty balance, in SfN’s meetings, confer- people everywhere. behavior. These challenges prompt opportuni- ences, committees, and governance processes. As SfN represents the entire range of scien- ties, as well as responsibilities, to develop new n Seeking innovative ways to utilize technology tific research endeavors aimed at understanding, tools and approaches for integrating and advanc- to better serve members and to help manage treating, and preventing nervous system disor- ing the understanding of the nervous system. the problems of scale as a successful association ders, it fosters the broad interdisciplinarity of SfN will play a key role in confronting new in the 21st century. the field that uses multiple approaches to study issues by challenging and energizing the field n Fulfilling its Mission in a socially, economically the nervous systems of organisms ranging from through active dialogue with federal fund- and environmentally responsible fashion, invertebrates to humans across various stages of ing agencies, such as the National Institutes including minimizing SfN’s environmental development, maturation, and aging. SfN also of Health, National Science Foundation, and footprint through energy efficiency, recycling, facilitates the translation of research findings others, to define current needs and to develop and other initiatives, and being mindful of the into treatment strategies , encourages informa- strategies for meeting them. SfN’s perspective on broader impact of its day-to-day practices. tion transfer from the clinic back to the basic the field’s current nature and its future trajectory n Developing effective strategic relationships research arena, and contributes to the breadth permeates all the elements of the strategic plan and collaborative initiatives with appropriate of the field of neuroscience, and its creative use and will guide the initiatives aimed at enhanc- external partners, including other scientific so- of all the tools of modern biology to understand ing key scientific functions, including the annu- cieties and associations, health advocacy groups, neural function in health and disease. al meeting and The Journal of Neuroscience. This foundations, public agencies, government enti- Neuroscience is a rapidly evolving field that perspective will guide the ways in which SfN ties, educational institutions, corporate entities, benefits greatly from, and helps to drive, the will strive to serve its membership and frame the information technology service providers, etc. ongoing development of powerful new tools public outreach and governmental interactions. n Building a model of iterative planning into used to acquire and analyze experimental data. the fabric of SfN governance and management The effort to make efficient use of the staggering SfN’S ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES processes, incorporating regular evaluation amounts of diverse information known about In carrying out all of its activities, the Society of the impact and success of initiatives and the nervous system raises challenges that have for Neuroscience is committed to the following: activities and periodic revisiting programs. F Y 2 0 0 6 Annual Report Message from the President Chapter 2 6 Navigating A Changing Landscape Message from the President Throughout this past year, our leadership focused on new ways to strengthen neuroscience in accord with our mission while adjusting to a constantly changing landscape for science and the Society for Neuroscience. As our annual meeting continued to grow, development opportunities and new arguments building near Capitol Hill in Washington, DC the Society began to identify new opportunities for increasing biomedical research budgets. We will facilitate these initiatives as well as the to ensure that we serve our members effectively. are testing better methods to educate the public, continued updating of our strategic plan. In an era of open access that impacts the Congress and policymakers about the benefits This annual report includes articles on topics traditional subscription revenue model and and promise of neuroscience research.