Walk the talk: concrete actions to promote diversity in neuroscience in Latin America

Building upon the webinar «What are the main barriers to succeed in brain sciences in Latin America?» (February 2021) and the paper «Addressing the opportunity gap in the Latin American neuroscience community» (Silva, A., Iyer, K., Cirulli, F. et al. Nat Neurosci August 2022), this ALBA-IBRO Webinar is the next chapter in our journey towards fostering inclusivity and diversity in neuroscience in Latin America.

The webinar is designed to go beyond theoretical discussions and provide tangible solutions. We will showcase 3-4 best practice case studies, shining a spotlight on real-life actions and campaigns implemented at the institutional level, be it within government bodies, universities, or other organisations. Our goal is to empower neuroscientists across Latin America by equipping them with practical knowledge they can apply in their own institutions and countries.

Examples of best practices:

1. COLNE: development of the Colegio Colombiano De Neurociencias (COLNE) in recent years and the significant contributions made by this society to the neuroscience research community in Colombia. 
2. The Social Inclusion Program of the University of Sao Paulo: implemented by the Pro-Rectorate for Inclusion and Belonging at the University of Sao Paulo, this program proposes, coordinates and supports inclusive policies pertaining to equity, intersectionality, mental health and accessibility for students, faculty, and staff.
3. The Micaela Law in Argentina: named after Micaela Garcia, a victim of femicide, this law – approved by the Argentine Chamber of Deputies in December 2018 – mandates gender training for all state officials and workers – including University staff. 

Panelists

• Adrian Palacios (CINV – Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile) – Chair of the webinar & Chair of the IBRO Latin America Regional Committee
• Lina Vanessa Becerra Hernández (Universidad del Valle, Colombia) – President of Colegio Colombiano de Neurociencias – COLNE
• Elaine Del-Bel (University of Sao Paulo- Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil) – ALBA Advisor & Member of the IBRO Latin America Regional Committee
• Ana Quaglino (Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales – Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina) – Secretaria de Promoción de la Equidad y Géneros

The webinar «Walk the talk: concrete actions to promote diversity in neuroscience in Latin America» is designed to go beyond theoretical discussions and provide tangible solutions, by showcasing institutional initiatives fostering equity and inclusion in neuroscience research in Latin America and exploring how these can serve as best practices to be applied in other contexts and countries. It will allow participants to gain actionable knowledge about community building, measures to counter gender-based violence and setting up inclusion programs, to be part of the movement to promote diversity in their working environment.Date and Time: 

7 June 2023 – 9-10.30 AM CST / 10-11.30 AM COT / 11 AM-12.30 PM CLT / 12-1.30 PM BRT / 5-6.30 PM CEST

You can find more information and register on the ALBA website: https://www.alba.network/ALBA-IBRO-Webinar-LA