Report: “Restructuring for renewal: Empowering young scientists and modernising ANA”

Proposed activities/goals in the proposal

Phase 1GoalCompletion
aDiscussions with ANA members80%
bDiscussions with young scientists from ANA60%
cElectronic survey for ANA members20%
dElectronic survey for young scientists20%
Phase 2GoalCompletion
aCommunication strategy60%
bSattelital board conformation50%
cDefinition of sattellital board purpose50%
dOfficial creation0%

Detailed explanation

Phase 1

  1. To define the activities, approach and purpose of the satellite boards, there have been discussions with different members of the Austrian Neuroscience Association (ANA). It is important to note the executive board members with whom discussions have been intensive: Secretary Johannes Passecker and Vice-Secretary Bruno Benedetti. The presentation of the proposal in the general assembly of the ANA in the summer of 2024 also facilitated the discussion with other members of the executive board and, in general, the community.
  2. Similar discussions have happened with young scientists, ANA members, the SHSC (Student Host Society committee of the FENS, convened only for students and young scientists), and the Young Association of the Immunology Association. Two “Questions and Answer” sessions are being organised for Autumn.
  3. An electronic survey to understand the challenges to be faced by the satellite boards is being created
  4. Same as c.

Phase 2

  1. Proper communication between ANA, the satellite boards and the neuroscience community is necessary. To that extent, we are organising a directory with direct contact with several institutions and programs related to neuroscience and part of the neuroscientific community in Austria, which is the main target of the ANA.
  2. Until now, we have candidates from Vienna, Innsbruck, and partially Linz to form the first satellite boards. We are trying to engage the young students from Salzburg and Gratz.
  3. This is being done in conjunction with the executive above board members and some of the candidates for the Satellite board.
  4. To be determined, the plan is to end in 2024.

Activities in 2024

  • Socialisation of the proposal with the ANA executive board (Spring 2024)
  • Socialisation of the proposal with young students and some ANA members (end of Spring 2024)
  • Presentation of the proposal to the ANA community in the general assembly (See Appendix – slides of the presentation of the proposal) in the context of the International Neuroscientific Conference (FENS) (Summer 2024)
  • Conformation of a Slack communication channel for the Satellite boards and young scientists belonging to ANA (Summer 2024, done primarily by the SHSC)

Budget

No money has been spent from the awarded prize (800 euros)

Final notes

Thank you very much to the VWGÖ for the support and the opportunity to work for a more diverse and equal society.

Best,

Hugo Malagon.

Appendix