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.
We are reopening our proposals for the WWN Global Connectome initiative. As a WWN Member, you are one of the first to receive the notification of our open call with the chance to submit an event/workshop proposal for 2027. This will be a combined initiative between you and WWN, in collaboration with IBRO.
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 Part I
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.
Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN-ACN) Conference
Montreal, Canada | 18-21 May
Drs. Jean King (Co-Chair of WWN) and Pamela Butler (Executive Committee Member) attended the CAN-ACN conference May 18-21 in Montreal. They were delighted to be two of the panelists at the Career Networking Event organized by Drs. Ciaran Murphy-Royal and Alex Lohman. Each panelist (see group picture) lead group mentoring sessions with participants at their table about career goals, struggles, achievements, and aspirations. Drs. King and Butler also had the opportunity to meet with Drs. Derya Sergin and Jenn Murray, CAN Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Chairs, and to attend their excellent EDI session “CAN Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion discussion: mobility requirements in academic hiring.” Pictured also are Drs. King (left of IBRO sign) and Butler (right of IBRO sign) with IBRO staff.
NeuroFuture: Conversations on Women Advancing Neuroscience Worldwide Part II
International Brain Initiative (IBI), Canada | 1 June
The second installment of the Global Connectome Event in collaboration with the International Brain Initiative and UBC Neuroethics Canada took place on 1 June. In a series of virtual panel discussions, the collaborative effort brings together a wide range of voices in dialogue on the impact of women in neuroscience innovation, and will feature distinguished women neuroscientists to explore the intersections of AI, brain, technology, and ethics, and 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. These free virtual events are open to the full neuroscience network of faculty members, students, research trainees, patient and public stakeholders, and other professionals from organizations located on all continents of the world. Beyond knowledge exchange, this initiative will foster global collaboration and mentorship. The second event was recorded and posted on the UBC Neuroethics YouTube Channel.
ComSciCon 2026: Learning Science vs Learning to Do Science
Bordeaux, France | 7-10 July
From 7–10 July 2026, WWN member Ms. Sonakshi Gupta represented WWN at the ComSciCon 2026 International Flagship Workshop in Bordeaux, France. This workshop brought together PhD researchers from different disciplines to develop practical science-communication skills through talks, writing sessions, and interactive workshops. In her presentation, Ms. Gupta presented the WWN–IBRO Skill Building Program, highlighting how it addresses often-overlooked aspects of scientific careers, including leadership, and research management, through accessible and interactive training. She shared the vision behind the program: making not only scientific knowledge, but also the practice of science, more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
Congratulations, Ms. Gupta, on representing WWN on the international stage, and thank you for helping amplify our mission.
Effective Allyship as an Essential Strategy for Professional Career Development
Barcelona, Spain | 9 July
WWN attended FENS 2026 Forum Congress to host a networking event designed to emphasize the importance of establishing professional and personal allyship relationships and highlight information sharing of the difference between Allyship in various contexts and settings. Panelists included Dr. Lihle Qulu-Appiah, Dr. Damien Eke, and Ms. Michaela de Kock. This session consisted of a 60-minute panel discussion, separated into short presentations followed by mentoring circle/ round table discussions. WWN and IBRO have consistently provided professional development opportunities to neuroscientists across the globe and having had a presence at the 2026 FENS meeting added value to both WWN and IBRO’s outreach efforts and expressed commitment to enhancing and promoting scientists throughout the globe (particularly in under resourced countries).