In recent years, meaningful progress has been made toward fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in neuroscience. But today, those advances are increasingly under pressure. From growing political opposition to EDI initiatives, to skepticism about their value and accusations of tokenism or "lowering the bar," there is a real risk of backsliding. In this session, we examine how to strengthen our foundations and stay the course in times of challenge.

This 45-minute session, hosted by the ALBA Network, will address persistent criticisms of EDI efforts—such as the belief in pure meritocracy, resistance to targeted programs, or concerns around quotas—and unpack the assumptions behind them. Through a critical lens, we will debunk common myths and explore how privilege, context, and access shape opportunity and success in science.

Speakers will offer evidence-based responses to EDI pushback, highlight effective practices for embedding equity into institutional structures, and reflect on how we can build resilience—personally and collectively—to sustain EDI work amid fatigue, political pressure, and institutional inertia.

Whether you’re just beginning to engage with EDI or are already leading change, this session will provide tools, language, and solidarity to continue the work with clarity and purpose.