Brain Facts THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCEBrain Facts PRIMER ON THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE‘THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE ‘The Society for Neuroscience is the world’s largest organization of sci entists and physicians dedicated to understanding the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. [Neuroscientsts investigate the molecular and cellular levels of the nervous system; the neuronal systems responsible for sensory and ‘motor function; and the basis of higher order processes, such a8 cog nition and emotion. This research provides the basis for understand ing the medica fields that are concerned with treating nervous systema disorders. These medical specialties include neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and ophthalmology. Founded in 1970, the Society has grown from 500 charter members tomore than 29,000 members. Regular members are residents of Canada, “Mexico and the United States—where more thin too chapters onganize local activities. The Society's membership also includes many scientists from throughout the world, particularly Europe and Asia, ‘The purposes ofthe Society are to: 1» Advance the understanding of the nervous system by bringing together scientists ftom various backgrounds and by encouraging research in all aspects of neuroscience «= Promote education in the neurosciences, 1 Inform the public about the results and implications of new research. ‘The exchange of scientific information occurs at an annual fall meeting that presents more than 14,000 reports of new scientific findings and includes more than 35,000 participants. This meeting, the largest ofits kind in the world, is sécarena for the presentation of new results in neuroscience. ‘The Societys bimonthly journal, The Jounval of Neurosiene,con~ tains articles spanning the entire range of neuroscience research and has subscribers worldwide. A series of courses, workshops and sym- pposia held at the annual meeting promote the education of Society members: The Neuressience Newdertrinforms members about Society A major mission of the Society isto inform the public about the progress and benefits of neuroscience research. The Society provides information about neuroscience to school teachers and encourages ite members to speak ta young people about the human brain and nervous system,