Society for Neuroscience

“Sfn is a member-driven society that currently consists of approximately 30,000 scientists and physicians devoted to advancing the understanding of the brain and the nervous system from across the united states and the world.”

“Regular members are eligible to vote in the sfn elections for the society's president, treasurer, secretary, and councilors. These elections are held annually by an independent third party vendor to ensure voting anonymity.”

“Any changes to our governing bylaws must be approved by a majority in a vote open to the voting membership. A member vote is required to change or amend the bylaws, with a simple majority passing the changes and/or amendments. No other decisions are subject to a member vote.”

“The form 990 was prepared by the outside accountants and reviewed by the executive director and the chief financial officer. The schedule k disclosures are reviewed by bond counsel. The 990 was reviewed by the executive committee of council (e.c.) prior to filing. The e.c. Is comprised of the president, past president, and president-elect and is authorized by council to act on its behalf between meetings of the council.”

“In order to adhere to our conflict of interest policy, staff ensures the annual dissemination of the conflict of interest policy to all councilors (members of the society's board of directors) and committee chairs at the society's annual meeting and, with sfn's general counsel, monitors the return of the disclosures of the forms. In addition, sfn's council members are apprised of their fiduciary responsibilities during the council orientation session that is conducted each summer for new members. Sfn's conflict of interest policies specifically state the action(s) that are to take place if a perceived conflict of interest occurs. Depending on the situation, this includes recusing oneself from the discussion or decision, airing the perceived conflict of interest to the president or chair of the committee, and then allowing either general counsel or the appropriate committee to deem whether a conflict of interest does exist, involving the executive committee and secretary as deemed necessary. In addition, all senior staff complete and sign a conflict of interest disclosure form annually, which is reviewed by the executive director.”

“The process for determining compensation of the senior staff group, including the executive director was: 1. Conducted by persons independent of the affected class of employees; 2. Based on externally-generated survey data comparing similar positions in comparable peer organizations; and 3. Documented and substantiated decisions in writing at the time of those decisions. The executive director's compensation was reviewed and approved by the compensation committee. Key employees' compensation was reviewed and approved by the executive director. The date of the last compensation review for the executive director and all other senior staff was december 2024.”

“The society places its mission, strategic plan, list of councilors (board of directors), bylaws, and annual report directly on its public-facing website. The annual report provides an overview of sfn accomplishments, efforts, and activities for the fiscal year, and includes information about sfn's annual meeting, the journal of neuroscience and eneuro, membership, chapters, professional development, outreach, advocacy, and the audited financial statements. The organization's conflict of interest policy is available to the public on a request basis. Conflict of interest policy statements are also included in the society's submission requirements for author submissions to the journal of neuroscience and eneuro, abstracts presented at the annual meeting, as well as the required council, committee chair, and employee conflict of interest policy requirements previously disclosed.”

“Marina picciotto received honoraria for work completed on program and training modules. This compensation is unrelated to her duties as a board member.”

“And by encouraging translational research and the application of new scientific knowledge to develop improved disease treatments and cures. 2. 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 a diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. 3. 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. 4. Inform legislators and other policymakers about new scientific knowledge and recent developments in neuroscience research and their implications for public policy, societal benefit, and continued scientific progress.”