The Neuro Next Initiative is committed to growing a community of research and practice dedicated to multidirectional public engagement. We aim to broaden access to neuroscience knowledge and innovations as well as brings a plurality of views and voices into dialogue about the future of neuroscience and neurotechnology. We aim to fuel impact and empower society through partnerships with educators, patients and families, and the public.
Advances in these fields impact many individuals and families, so it is vital that the voices of people living with neurological differences, disorders, and disabilities be integrated into the research environment and elevated in our communities. Community engagement activities generate rich dialogue among diverse groups of scholars and publics. Members of the Neuro Next community engage in public conversations, research demonstrations, classroom visits, and other events to share their knowledge, discoveries, and ideas about neuroscience, neurotechnology, and their societal implications. In particular, we recognize the value of the arts to engage a broad public and to inspire curiosity, enhance understanding, and encourage reflection.
Previous Events
"Step the Brain Along The Path" was a commissioned piece of modern dance themed around neurotechnology and neuroethics that premiered at the Georgia Tech Ferst Center for the Arts in the fall of 2022. The performance was the result of a collaboration between Georgia Tech, Emory University, and Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. The piece was choreographed by Troy Schumacher (NYC Ballet) with interactive media designed by Sergio Mora-Diaz. It was performed by Terminus Modern Ballet Theater and made possible through generous funding from the Dana Foundation.
Many academic collaborators contributed to the work, including Christopher Rozell, (GT Electrical & Computer Engineering), Chethan Pandarinath (GT Biomedical Engineering), and Karen Rommelfanger (Institute of Neuroethics and Emory University’s Department of Neurology and Psychiatry). Other researchers involved in the initial stages of this work were Annabelle Singer, Lena Ting, and Garrett Stanley from Biomedical Engineering at Emory and Georgia Tech, and Doby Rahnev from the Georgia Tech Psychology department.
Science ATL / Atlanta Science Festival
Neuro Next has partnered with Science ATL, a local organization dedicated to increasing equitable access to science in metro Atlanta. In addition to public programming throughout the year, each March they host the Atlanta Science Festival where members of the Georgia Tech neuroscience community share their research with families at GT Science and Engineering Day and the Exploration Expo in Piedmont Park. Science ATL hosts opportunities throughout the year for scientists and engineers to volunteer in school and youth programs and to share research with public audiences.
