Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations
“Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations” is a limited-series podcast featuring neuroscientists discussing ways to better embed rigor into every part of the scientific process, from experimental design to sharing with the public. These conversations highlight the past, present, and future of rigor in neuroscience and emphasize how individuals can contribute to creating a culture of rigor in their lab and beyond. This podcast is a part of the Society for Neuroscience’s Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program. Supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), FRN is designed to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career levels to enhance the rigor in their research and the scientific culture at large.
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Pathways to Enhance Rigor Trailer
02/26/2021
Pathways to Enhance Rigor Trailer
“Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations” is a limited-series podcast featuring neuroscientists discussing ways to better embed rigor into every part of the scientific process, from experimental design to sharing with the public. These conversations highlight the past, present, and future of rigor in neuroscience and emphasize how individuals can contribute to creating a culture of rigor in their lab and beyond. This podcast is a part of the Society for Neuroscience’s Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program. Supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), FRN is designed to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career levels to enhance the rigor in their research and the scientific culture at large.
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Setting the Foundations
02/26/2021
Setting the Foundations
The Society for Neuroscience’s (SfN’s) Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program aims to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career stages to enhance the rigor and reproducibility of their research. Begin this series with Oswald Steward and Lique Coolen as they cover the genesis of the FRN program, the objectives of the podcast series, and the resources that you can access to enhance rigorous research practices in neuroscience. Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations is a part of the Society for Neuroscience’s (SfN’s) Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program. This program is supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), grant number 5R25NS112922-02. The FRN program is designed to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career levels to enhance the rigor in their research and the scientific culture at large.
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Battling Bias in the Pursuit of Objectivity
02/26/2021
Battling Bias in the Pursuit of Objectivity
When developing a study, there are many sources of biases that can affect experimentation or interpretation of results. Join Christie Fowler, Olavo Amaral, and Kip Ludwig as they discuss the various considerations neuroscientists must face to conduct research while minimizing bias and maximizing objectivity. Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations is a part of the Society for Neuroscience’s (SfN’s) Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program. This program is supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), grant number 5R25NS112922-02. The FRN program is designed to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career levels to enhance the rigor in their research and the scientific culture at large.
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Dealing with Data
02/26/2021
Dealing with Data
Join neuroscientists Letisha Wyatt, Jane Roskams, and Maryann Martone as they delve into the challenges neuroscience has faced regarding data storage, management, and sharing. They discuss the historical transition from analog to digital data, the complexities of neuroscience data, and paths forward to foster more sound data stewardship for the larger scientific community. Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations is a part of the Society for Neuroscience’s (SfN’s) Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program. This program is supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), grant number 5R25NS112922-02. The FRN program is designed to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career levels to enhance the rigor in their research and the scientific culture at large.
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Creating a Culture of Rigor
02/26/2021
Creating a Culture of Rigor
How can researchers shape modern scientific culture to incentivize more sustainable, rigorous science? Hear from Michael Lehman, Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili, and Tanita Casci as they cover the critical importance of incentivizing rigorous research today, as well as ways you can advance rigorous research practices at any level in your career to invigorate the field. Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations is a part of the Society for Neuroscience’s (SfN’s) Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program. This program is supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), grant number 5R25NS112922-02. The FRN program is designed to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career levels to enhance the rigor in their research and the scientific culture at large.
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Rewarding Rigorous Science
02/26/2021
Rewarding Rigorous Science
Although there are many hurdles to enhancing rigor in neuroscience, one fact is clear: implementing rigorous research practices today will enhance the credibility of the field tomorrow. Wrap up this series with Emily Sena, Eric Nestler, and Walter Koroshetz as they discuss the rewards to conducting rigorous research, how institutions, journals, and funders can step up to enhance rigor across the field, and ways for individuals to shift the needle in tackling this collective challenge. Pathways to Enhance Rigor: A Collection of Conversations is a part of the Society for Neuroscience’s (SfN’s) Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (FRN) program. This program is supported by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), grant number 5R25NS112922-02. The FRN program is designed to inform and empower neuroscientists at all career levels to enhance the rigor in their research and the scientific culture at large.
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The History of Society for Neuroscience: 50th Anniversary
10/10/2019
The History of Society for Neuroscience: 50th Anniversary
A limited series podcast highlighting the stories from the 50-year history of the Society for Neuroscience, the world’s largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. We’ll discuss the significant moments, trailblazing ideas, and historical development of the Society throughout the decades, with some of its current, past, and future leaders.
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How Neuroscience Began: Bernice Grafstein on the Disciplines That Formed a New Field
10/10/2019
How Neuroscience Began: Bernice Grafstein on the Disciplines That Formed a New Field
Where would neuroscience be if, rather than sharing scientific knowledge as part of a broader field, disciplines like neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology still pursued specialized interests? In this episode, Bernice Grafstein, Vincent and Brooke Astor Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience at Cornell University, Trustee and Vice-President of the Grass Foundation — and the first female president of the Society for Neuroscience — recounts how the formation of the Society for Neuroscience brought together neuroscientists of diverse backgrounds. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. Alongside her scientific discoveries, Grafstein also offers a look at how SfN’s annual meeting has evolved, how the first Neuroscience Meeting Planner revolutionized the way attendees planned their meeting itineraries, and how that changed again with its digitization. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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January 1981, Vol. 1, No. 1: Marina Picciotto on the History of JNeurosci
10/10/2019
January 1981, Vol. 1, No. 1: Marina Picciotto on the History of JNeurosci
In this episode, Marina Picciotto, Charles B.G. Murphy Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University and the editor-in-chief of JNeurosci, notes how the journal has evolved in its nearly 40 years to mirror the changing ways in which research is shared. Throughout this narration of the history of SfN journals, Picciotto reflects on research trends that have captured the imagination of neuroscientists early in their careers, and on the future of scientific publishing. More personally, she shares how her many roles within the Society have been important to her personal and professional development. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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Going Global (and Digital): Mickey Goldberg on the Expansion of SfN
10/10/2019
Going Global (and Digital): Mickey Goldberg on the Expansion of SfN
In its 50 years, the Society for Neuroscience has become an international society representing the interests of scientists from diverse backgrounds across the globe. In this episode of History of SfN: 50th Anniversary, Mickey Goldberg, David Mahoney Professor of Brain and Behavior at Columbia University, and a past president of the Society for Neuroscience, describes how the Society and meeting have evolved, including through the digitization of abstract submissions. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. Alongside his scientific background and time as SfN president, Goldberg also offers a look at his involvement with science outreach and the importance of outreach to building public trust in science. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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Fire Together, Wire Together: Carla Shatz on Scientific Breakthroughs
10/10/2019
Fire Together, Wire Together: Carla Shatz on Scientific Breakthroughs
Highlighting scientific breakthroughs and achievements over the past 50 years, this episode features Carla Shatz, David Starr Jordan Director of Stanford Bio-X, an interdisciplinary biosciences institute, Sapp Family Provostial Professor of Biology and Neurology at Stanford University, and a past president of the Society for Neuroscience. Shatz, known for her discovery of the “fire together, wire together” phenomenon, discusses both the advent of neuroscience as a field and the history of SfN’s annual meeting, including its 25th anniversary meeting. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. With the arrival of neuroengineering, computer science, imaging technologies, and other tools, neuroscience has changed dramatically and in many ways is set to be “the field of the future.” Shatz additionally shares her hopes for neuroscience research over the next 50 years. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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Positioned to Lead: William Martin on Global Advocacy
10/10/2019
Positioned to Lead: William Martin on Global Advocacy
Much of science advocacy is local by nature, but it also has tremendous potential to bring neuroscientists together on a global scale. In this episode, Bill Martin, the president and chief operating officer of Blackthorn Therapeutics, traces the evolution of SfN’s role in global advocacy efforts throughout his time on its Government and Public Affairs Committee and continued involvement with the Society. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. In addition to the relationship between applied research and the science ecosystem at large, Martin discusses the successes of the BRAIN Initiative and development of new tools in its next phase, as well as the future of advocacy at SfN. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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Both Plastic and Robust: Eve Marder on Annual Meeting Programming
10/10/2019
Both Plastic and Robust: Eve Marder on Annual Meeting Programming
“In some ways, SfN as an organization parallels the adult nervous system: It must be both plastic and robust,” writes Eve Marder in her chapter of SfN’s History of Neuroscience in Autobiography, Volume 10. In this episode, Marder, Victor and Gwendolyn Beinfield Professor of Neuroscience at Brandeis University and a past president of the Society for Neuroscience, expands on this thought, sharing details from her time on SfN’s Program Committee and about the evolution of annual meeting programs, as well as her award-winning research on motor neurons. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. Marder’s career, the Society, and neuroscience grew in parallel, an observation on which Marder reflects as she looks forward to the future of the Society. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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Neuroscience for the People: Nick Spitzer on Education and Outreach
10/10/2019
Neuroscience for the People: Nick Spitzer on Education and Outreach
SfN’s public-facing website BrainFacts.org serves to educate and inspire site visitors. Since its launch in 2013, it has reflected creative additions including the 3D Brain and been used by scientists and nonscientists across the globe. In this episode, Nick Spitzer, Atkinson Family Chair Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at University of California, San Diego, and the inaugural editor-in-chief of BrainFacts.org, shares how BrainFacts.org came to be, his experience on SfN’s Public Education and Communication Committee, and the importance of scientific outreach. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. Alongside partnerships and additions to the site that facilitate learning, Spitzer describes his aspirations for the development and use of BrainFacts.org into the future, including how it may increase appreciation for the potential of neuroscience research to improve the health and well-being of people everywhere. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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Building Community Through Service: Bianca Jones Marlin on Volunteer Leadership
10/10/2019
Building Community Through Service: Bianca Jones Marlin on Volunteer Leadership
When Bianca Jones-Marlin started saying “yes” to service opportunities, she started giving to and building her community. “That's the way that the community grows,” she says, “but also it brings me joy. It makes me happy to know that the work that I do, my voice and my presence, will help influence change for the better.” In this episode, Jones-Marlin, a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute and the incoming chair of SfN’s Trainee Advisory Committee, talks about how she’s found community within the Society and her involvement with the Trainee Advisory Committee. History of SfN: 50th Anniversary is a limited series podcast highlighting stories from the history of the Society for Neuroscience, recounting groundbreaking moments in the growth of the Society from the perspectives of current, past, and future leaders. In addition to explaining how the committee serves as the voice of the newest generation of neuroscientists, Jones-Marlin shares her perspective on the rewards of volunteer leadership, how service can improve your scientific skills, and her aims for the future of volunteer leadership at SfN. Be sure to visit to learn more. Take our listener survey at The views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society for Neuroscience.
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