The WWN Global Connectome was a new initiative launched in 2025 that fosters a worldwide network of women scientists dedicated to promoting their research on a local and global stage. Inspired by the concept of a connectome—a map of neural connections—the program serves as a metaphorical bridge, linking women across borders to share knowledge, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Through its recognition of impactful projects it celebrates innovation while promoting diversity and collaboration in neuroscience.
Global Connectome Events 2026
Work–Life Integration and Leadership Development for Women in Cognitive Neuroscience
Bengaluru, India | 4, 6 March
The First International Conference on Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, “Brain Health: From Theory to Practice,” 5-7 March, 2026 was organized by Dr. Jamuna Rajeswaran (Organizing Chair) and WWN member Dr. Shantala Hedge (Organizing Secretary) in the Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, Bengalaru, Karnatka, India. Many WWN members attended and presented at the conference. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet so many colleagues. Dr. Emmeline Edwards (WWN Chair) and Dr. Jean King (WWN co-chair) presented on “Neuromusicology,” and also on “Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches for Stress Management.” In the Professional Pathways Series, there was a WWN panel discussion on Worklife Integration and Leadership Development for Women in Cognitive Neuroscience, with panelists Drs. Phalguni Alladi, Emmeline Edwards, and Jean King, moderated by Dr. Pamela Butler. Dr. Hegde, an accomplished singer as well as neuroscientist, gave a beautiful musical performance. In keeping with one theme of neuroscience and the arts, there was also a celebration of Indian music, performed by the father (Pandit Pravin Godkhindi; https://pravingodkhindi.com/) son (Shri Shadaj Godkhindi; https://shadajgodkhindi.com/) flautist duo.
The New Mexico Brain Bee Outreach Initiative
University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Medicine, USA | 7 March
The New Mexico Brain Bee Outreach Initiative aimed to inspire high school students in underserved communities by introducing them to neuroscience through engaging outreach activities. The initiative, organized by WWN subcommittee memebrs Dr. Elif Tunc-Ozcan, took place at high schools in Cuba, Farmington, Las Vegas, and Grants, New Mexico. Graduate students led hands-on activities and presentations, focused on brain-body interactions and encouraged participation in the Brain Bee, a prestigious national and international competition for 9th-12th graders. This event targeted students who may have limited access to science enrichment, addressing a critical need in a state with some of the lowest education rankings and high levels of poverty. By offering this exposure, the initiative sought to broaden students’ educational horizons and foster their interest in science. This event bridged the gap between neuroscience and society by making foundational concepts in neuroscience accessible to high school students, emphasizing its relevance to everyday life and human health. The initiative aimed to break down barriers to participation in neuroscience, specifically engaging students from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Brain in Action – From Endogenous to Induced Brain Plasticity
University of Coimbra, Portugal | 26 March
This one-day event brought together leading international and national experts to discuss how brain plasticity can be harnessed for regeneration and repair, providing a unique opportunity for Portuguese and regional researchers to engage directly with world leaders in neuroscience. Organized by WWN members Drs. Catarina Miranda and Sara Xapelli, the scientific program was structured into four sessions, each exploring complementary aspects of brain plasticity across different scales and contexts. The symposium culminated in a Round Table on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Neurosciences, organized with the support of WWN. This session provided a dynamic forum for discussing concrete strategies to promote gender equity, empower women and early-career and underrepresented scientists, and strengthen participation from low- and middle-income countries in international collaborations. Moderated by Susana Solá (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon), the panel included a gender-balanced, internationally diverse group of speakers. The DEI Round Table represents a central pillar of the symposium, embodying its mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and globally connected neuroscience community.
NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide
International Brain Initiative (IBI), Canada | 30 March
This three-part series of panel discussions – a collaborative effort between the International Brain Initiative (IBI), World Women in Neuroscience (WWN), and Neuroethics Canada at the University of British Columbia – will bring together a wide range of voices in dialogue on the impact of women in neuroscience innovation. The series will feature distinguished women neuroscientists to explore (1) the intersections of AI and the brain, (2) brain technology, and ethics, and (3) neuroscience, diversity, and society. Through brief presentations and dynamic audience engagement, this series will create a space where ideas are strengthened through conversation across disciplines and borders. The first event of the series took place on 30 March and was recorded and posted on the UBC Neuroethics YouTube Channel.
Voices in Network: Women and Neuroscience in Latin America. From diagnosis to action, towards a more inclusive scientific community.
Universidad de San Andrés, Argentina | 22 April
This event brought together a diverse community of researchers, students, and advocates committed to advancing gender equity in neuroscience across the region. Organized by Dr. Florencia Altschuler (Universidad de San Andrés, Argentina) alongside co-organizers Valeria Macías, Ana María Castro-Laguardia, Pamela Lopez Da Cunha, and Sandra Milena Castelblanco, the hybrid event created a collaborative space for dialogue and action. The program highlighted persistent structural barriers faced by women in Latin American neuroscience, including disparities in leadership, funding opportunities, and access to publishing. Through a series of presentations and interactive discussions, participants examined how these challenges shape academic careers and explored practical strategies to address them. Key themes included strengthening mentorship, improving access to publication resources, and fostering regional collaboration. The event concluded with the development of a collective document outlining proposals to promote equity and inclusivity in Latin American science, reinforcing a shared commitment to building stronger, more connected networks of women in neuroscience.
Empowering Women through Capacity Building Mentorship, and Ubuntu Philosophy in Neuroscience
University of Rwanda, Rwanda | 22-23 April
This two-day neuroscience workshop was successfully held at the School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda (Huye Campus), bringing together 50 female faculty members and students from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. The event, hosted by Dr. Owoisinke Victor Archibong, addressed the critical need to strengthen local neuroscience capacity while tackling the persistent gender gap in STEM and neuroscience fields in Rwanda. Participants engaged in a dynamic program that combined lectures and seminars on neuroscience research and gender diversity with hands-on training in animal handling, neurobehavioral studies, and fundamental research techniques. The workshop also fostered meaningful dialogue through mentorship sessions and a panel discussion on overcoming barriers to female participation in neuroscience across Africa. Grounded in principles of capacity-building and the Ubuntu philosophy, the event encouraged reflection on the vital role of women in advancing brain science. By equipping participants with practical skills, knowledge, and professional networks, the workshop laid the foundation for a growing community of female neuroscientists poised to inspire, educate, and lead future generations.