Defining the Expertise Needed for the 21st Century Neuroscience
Workforce: A Workshop
October 28–29, 2014
Institute of Medicine
500 Fifth Street NW, Room 100
Washington, DC
Background:
From its very beginnings, neuroscience has been fundamentally interdisciplinary. As a result of rapid technological advance and the advent of large collaborative projects, however, neuroscience is expanding well beyond traditional subdisciplines and intellectual boundaries to include expertise from many other fields, such as engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics. Revolutionary tools are quickly becoming incorporated into the work of many labs. However, the importance and rapid proliferation of mission-critical technologies raises important questions on how to train the next generation of neuroscientists, not only to use particular tools, but to be prepared for a changing technological landscape. In addition, the advent of new types of data and the growing importance of large datasets raise additional questions about how to train the next generation in approaches to data sharing and proper analysis. These concerns dovetail with the need to teach improved scientific practices ranging from experimental design (powering of studies, appropriate blinding) to greater sophistication in statistics. As important is the increasing need for investigators who are able to bridge the translational
gap between basic and clinical neuroscience. Given the changing landscape resulting from technological advance and the growing importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative science, the goal of this workshop is to explore future diverse workforce needs and consider the changing needs of training programs.
Meeting Objectives:
- Explore future workforce needs in light of new and emerging tools, technologies, and techniques
- Consider what new subdisciplines and/or collaborations with other fields might be needed moving forward
- Describe opportunities and challenges for cross-training of neuroscience research programs with other areas (e.g., engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences) and across research environments (e.g., academia, industry)
- Identify current components of graduate training programs that could be leveraged and new components that could be developed that might lead to
- greater interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches,
- ehanced data handling and analysis capabilities,
- increased scientific accuracy and reproducibility,
- improved understanding of translational research, and
- enhanced awareness of ethical research practices.
- Examine roles of training program funders (e.g., government, fellowships), administrators, mentors, and mentees in developing and executing revised training programs to meet the needs outlined above.
- Consider mechanisms for updating researcher competencies at multiple levels (e.g., postdoctoral, independent investigators) to meet the needs outlined above.
DAY ONE
| 12:30 p.m. | Opening Remarks |
|
HUDA AKIL, Co-Chair Professor of Neurosciences Department of Psychiatry University of Michigan STEVIN ZORN, Co-Chair Executive Vice President Neuroscience Research Lundbeck Research USA |
|
| 12:35 p.m. | Challenges for the Next Generation of Scientists |
|
STORY LANDIS Former Director National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke |
|
| 12:55 p.m. | The Changing Neuroscience Research Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges |
|
EVE MARDER Professor of Biology Brandeis University |
|
| 1:15 p.m. | Imagining the Future Neuroscience Workforce |
|
CAROL MASON Professor Department of Pathology and Cell Biology Columbia University |
|
| 1:35 p.m. |
Discussion with Speakers and Participants
|
SESSION I: BASIC SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES AND FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE
Session Objectives: Identify current gaps in expertise necessary to advance fundamental knowledge and basic neuroscience research. Explore the impact of integrating additional disciplines into the basic neuroscience research enterprise. Examine innovative programs addressing these gaps. Consider potential strategies for creating and/or updating training of both current and future researchers.
| Session Moderator: |
KATJA BROSE Editor Neuron |
| 1:55 p.m. | Defining the Gap in Neuroscience Expertise Around Basic Scientific Principles and Fundamental Knowledge |
|
JOAN FERRINI-MUNDY Assistant Director Directorate for Education & Human Resources National Science Foundation |
|
| 2:15 p.m. |
Addressing the Gaps Through Cross-Training and Collaboration
|
|
TERRY SEJNOWSKI Professor Computational Neurobiology Laboratory Salk Institute for Biological Studies |
|
| 2:35 p.m. |
Program Example
|
|
DARCY KELLEY Professor Biological Sciences Columbia University |
|
| 2:55 p.m. |
Discussion with Speakers, Panelists, and Participants
|
| 3:20 p.m. | BREAK |
SESSION II: DATA HANDLING AND ANALYSIS
Session Objectives: Identify current gaps in expertise necessary to advance the ability to handle and analyze data. Explore the impact of integrating additional disciplines into the basic neuroscience research enterprise. Examine innovative programs addressing these gaps. Consider potential strategies for creating and/or updating training of both current and future researchers.
| Session Moderator: |
RICHARD MOHS Vice President Neuroscience Clinical Development Eli Lilly and Company |
| 3:30 p.m. | Defining the Gap in Neuroscience Expertise Around Data Handling and Analysis Knowledge |
|
MARYANN MARTONE Co-Director National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research University of California, San Diego |
|
| 3:50 p.m. |
Addressing the Gaps Through Cross-Training and Collaboration
|
|
BRIAN LITT Director Penn Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics University of Pennsylvania |
|
| 4:10 p.m. |
Program Example
|
|
MICHAEL SPRINGER Assistant Professor of Systems Biology Department of Systems Biology Harvard Medical School |
|
| 4:30 p.m. |
Discussion with Speakers, Panelists, and Participants
|
SESSION III: TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
Session Objectives: Identify current gaps in neuroscience expertise around translational science. Explore the impact of greater understanding and knowledge in furthering innovative therapeutic development. Examine current programs focused on improving translational neuroscience research. Consider potential strategies for creating and/or updating training of both current and future researchers.
| Session Moderator: |
ATUL PANDE President Verity BioConsulting |
| 4:55 p.m. | Defining the Gap in Expertise Around Translational Science Knowledge |
|
FRANK YOCCA Vice President Neuroscience iMed AstraZeneca Neuroscience |
|
| 5:15 p.m. |
Addressing the Gaps Through Cross-Training and Collaboration
|
|
HOWARD FEDEROFF Executive Dean School of Medicine Georgetown University |
|
| 5:35 p.m. |
Program Example
|
|
ANTHONY RICCI Edward C. and Amy H. Sewall Professor Stanford School of Medicine |
|
| 5:55 p.m. |
Discussion with Speakers, Panelists, and Participants
|
| 6:15 p.m. | Day One Wrap-Up and ADJOURN |
|
HUDA AKIL, Co-Chair STEVIN ZORN, Co-Chair |
DAY TWO
| 8:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
|
HUDA AKIL, Co-Chair STEVIN ZORN, Co-Chair |
SESSION IV: EXPERIMENTAL RIGOR AND QUANTITATIVE SKILLS
Session Objectives: Identify current gaps in neuroscience expertise to improve experimental rigor and quantitative skills. Explore the impact of greater expertise in this area on the neuroscience research enterprise. Examine innovative programs addressing these gaps. Consider potential strategies for creating and/or updating training for both current and future researchers.
| Session Moderator: |
RICHARD BORN Professor Department of Neurobiology Harvard Medical School |
| 8:40 a.m. |
Defining the Gap in Expertise Around Experimental Rigor and Quantitative Skills
|
|
EMERY BROWN Professor of Computational Neuroscience Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|
| 8:55 a.m. |
Addressing the Gaps Through Cross-Training and Collaboration
|
|
MARK COHEN Professor Department of Bioengineering University of California, Los Angeles |
|
| 9:15 a.m. |
Program Example
|
|
JAMES BARRETT Professor and Chair Department of Pharmacology and Physiology College of Medicine, Drexel University |
|
| 9:35 a.m. |
Discussion with Speakers and Participants
|
| 10:00 a.m. | BREAK |
SESSION V: EMERGING TOOLS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND TECHNIQUES
Session Objectives: Explore challenges and opportunities for integrating emerging tools, technologies, and techniques into current neuroscience research practice. Examine innovative programs training neuroscience
researchers to use and incorporate new and emerging tools, technologies, and techniques into current research programs. Consider potential strategies for developing a neuroscience research enterprise that seamlessly disseminates and incorporates new and innovative tools, technologies, and techniques.
| Session Moderator: |
JOHN MORRISON Professor Department of Neuroscience Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai |
| 10:15 a.m. | Challenges and Opportunities in Neuroscience Research for Real-Time Integration of Emerging Tools, Technologies, and Techniques |
|
DOUGLAS WEBER Program Manager Biological Technologies Office Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency |
|
| 10:35 a.m. |
Mechanisms for Integrating Emerging Tools, Technologies, and Techniques
|
|
MARIE-FRANCOISE CHESSELET Charles H. Markham Professor of Neurology Reed Neurological Research Center University of California, Los Angeles |
|
| 10:55 a.m. |
Discussion with Speakers, Panelists, and Participants
|
- How could programs be designed for both current and future researchers to meet the challenges and develop an inter- and multidisciplinary research enterprise?
SESSION VI: DEVELOPING A DIVERSE NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH ENTERPRISE THROUGH COLLABORATION
Session Objectives: Explore challenges and opportunities associated with developing a diverse neuroscience research enterprise with greater incorporation of collaborative science approaches. Consider the role of cross-disciplinary training of future scientists in increasing collaborative and innovative science.
| Session Moderator: |
WALTER KOROSHETZ Acting Director National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke |
| 11:30 a.m. | Challenges and Opportunities in Neuroscience Research for Collaborative and Diverse Science |
|
DENNIS CHOI Director Neurosciences Institute Stony Brook University |
|
| 11:50 a.m. | What role can the Big Data Projects (BRAIN, Human Brain Project, Allen Institute) play in developing new opportunities to enhance cross-disciplinary training, and boost the likelihood and ease of future novel collaborations in neuroscience? |
|
JANE ROSKAMS Executive Director, Strategy and Alliances Allen Institute for Brain Science |
|
| 12:10 p.m. | LUNCH |
| 1:10 p.m. |
Increasing Innovative Neuroscience Research Through Collaboration
|
|
DAVID LOPES CARDOZO Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Director, Division of Medical Sciences Harvard Medical School |
|
| 1:30 p.m. |
Discussion with Speakers, Panelists, and Participants
|
| 1:55 p.m. | BREAK |
SESSION VII: DEVELOPING AND EXECUTING REVISED TRAINING PROGRAMS
Session Objectives: Examine the roles of neuroscience training program funders, administrators, mentors, and mentees in developing and executing revised training programs focused on diverse expertise in the areas identified in previous sessions. Consider specific challenges and opportunities related to the potential training program components outlined.
| Session Moderator: |
NANCY DESMOND Associate Director Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science National Institute of Mental Health |
| 2:10 p.m. | Developing and Executing New Neuroscience Training Programs |
|
OSWALD STEWARD Director, Reeve-Irvine Research Center Senior Associate Dean for Research University of California Irvine School of Medicine |
|
| 2:30 p.m. |
Perspectives and Panel Discussion: Integrating New Training Components
|
|
Training Program Funder |
|
|
THOMAS INSEL Director National Institute of Mental Health |
|
|
Department Administrator |
|
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RICHARD TSIEN Druckenmiller Professor of Neuroscience Director, Neuroscience Institute Chair, Department of Physiology and Neuroscience New York University Langone Medical Center |
|
Mentor |
|
|
INDIRA RAMAN Professor Department of Neurobiology and Physiology Northwestern University |
|
| 3:15 p.m. |
Mentor and Mentee Response Panel
|
|
DIANE LIPSCOMBE Professor of Neuroscience Center for Neurobiology of Cells and Circuits Brown University |
|
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KATHERINE PRATER Graduate Student University of Michigan |
|
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SOFIA JURGENSEN Postdoctoral Researcher Laboratory of Pablo E. Castillo Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
|
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MARGUERITE MATTHEWS Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Behavioral Neuroscience Oregon Health & Science University |
|
| 4:00 p.m. | Discussion with Speakers, Panelists, and Participants |
SESSION VIII: NEXT STEPS FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESARCH
Session Objectives: Explore priority areas for updating the knowledge and expertise of current and future scientists in an effort to address future neuroscience workforce needs. Identify tangible next steps for developing and integrating new concepts and expertise into current and future training programs. Discuss the role of funders, administrators, mentors, and mentees in this process.
| 4:50 p.m. | Panel Discussion |
|
Session Moderators |
|
| 5:30 p.m. | Final Comments |
| HUDA AKIL, Co-Chair STEVIN ZORN, Co-Chair |
|
| 5:45 p.m. | ADJOURN |
