From Declaration to action workshop series
The ALBA Declaration on Equity and Inclusion serves as a vital call to action within the neuroscience community, yet feedback, gathered through a survey sent to all Declaration organisational signatories, indicates a pressing need to make these goals more accessible and actionable. To address this, we are launching a three-part webinar series designed in a workshop format to provide practical guidance on implementing these principles in daily practices. Each webinar will feature experts with hands-on experience in action items listed in the Declaration.
These online workshops are open to all scientists who wish to change their work environment to build a more inclusive academic culture, but also to institutional decision-makers. Based on feedback gathered at the ALBA General Assembly 2024, special emphasis will be placed on engaging young people to promote these values within their institutions.
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Workshop #1: Recognising and mitigating bias in selection
15 May 2025 - 09:00-11:00 EDT | 15:00-17:00 CEST | 18:30-20:30 IST
How to address bias in processes for recruitment and career progression
Bias—whether conscious or unconscious—affects critical decisions in hiring, promotions, grants, and other areas of academic life, perpetuating inequality in academia. For underrepresented individuals in science and academia, career progression can be a very different experience. This workshop explores how biases influence decision-making and encourage participants to examine their definition of scientific excellence. Participants will learn actionable strategies to prevent gatekeeping and mitigate bias in evaluation processes by providing a different perspective on evaluation criteria. Beyond unconscious bias training, the session will clarify the notions of equity vs. equality and equip attendees with tools to challenge systemic barriers and transform evaluation processes.
Watch the recording
Learn more about this workshop
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Workshop #2: Fostering inclusion: strategies to transform academic work cultures
12 September 2025 - 08:00 MDT | 10:00 EDT | 16:00 CEST | 19:30 IST
Fostering a culture of belonging is key to creating inclusive and supportive academic workplaces where all researchers can thrive. Yet building such a culture requires more than good intentions — it demands concrete, sustained efforts at both structural and interpersonal levels.
This workshop will spotlight real-world initiatives that have successfully improved workplace climate across organisations. From mentoring and inclusive leadership to flexible working policies, participants will explore a wide range of strategies that promote equity, transparency, and wellbeing in their lab, society, department etc.
Through practical examples, lived experience, and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will gain actionable tools they can adapt to their own institutional contexts. Particular emphasis will be placed on cost-effective, scalable approaches that support cultural change across diverse settings.
This session is for anyone committed to turning the values of the ALBA Declaration on Equity and Inclusion into tangible improvements in academic work culture.
More information and registration
These workshops are organised with the support of the International Brain Research Organization, a founding partner of the ALBA Network.
