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Professor Shubha Tole Becomes First President-Elect from a Developing Country at IBRO

(IBRO)

In a historic moment for the global neuroscience community, Professor Shubha Tole was elected as the president-elect of the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) on October 6, 2024, during the organization's annual meeting held in Chicago. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as Professor Tole becomes the first president-elect from a developing country, setting a new precedent in the field.

What is IBRO?

Founded in 1961, the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) is a renowned global network dedicated to advancing the field of neuroscience through education, training, research, and public outreach. With 69 member societies from 57 countries, IBRO aims to foster collaboration and share scientific knowledge across borders. The organization publishes two prominent scientific journals, Neuroscience and IBRO Neuroscience Reports, which play a vital role in disseminating groundbreaking research findings worldwide.

New Leadership Structure

The newly elected leaders, including Professor Tole, will begin their official terms on January 1, 2026. However, they will first serve a one-year advisory period starting in 2025 to transition into their roles effectively. Their leadership terms will extend until the end of 2028. Other newly elected officers include Professor João Relvas, who will take on the role of Secretary General Elect, and Professor David Belin, who has been chosen as Treasurer-Elect. Together, they will form a team that aims to steer IBRO towards achieving its goals of promoting scientific excellence and inclusivity in neuroscience.

About Professor Shubha Tole

Professor Tole is a distinguished neuroscientist with an impressive academic background, including a PhD from the California Institute of Technology (CalTech). Since 1999, she has led impactful neuroscience research initiatives in India, significantly contributing to the field's growth within the country. Throughout her career, Professor Tole has collaborated with various neuroscience organizations and has been an advocate for diversity, actively promoting the inclusion of women and underrepresented groups in science.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

As the first president-elect from the developing world, Professor Tole intends to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion during her leadership at IBRO. Her vision is to ensure that the organization remains a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, which is crucial for the advancement of neuroscience globally. She believes that fostering a more inclusive community will lead to more comprehensive scientific progress and a better understanding of brain research across different cultural and geographic contexts.

IBRO’s Confidence in the New Leadership

The current president of IBRO, Professor Tracy Bale, expressed confidence in the newly elected officers, emphasizing their potential to lead the organization in supporting initiatives that drive diversity and scientific development. The recent elections witnessed a record number of nominations, indicating a rising level of interest and engagement within the neuroscience community. This momentum bodes well for the future of IBRO under its new leadership.

Professor Shubha Tole’s election as president-elect not only brings pride to the global neuroscience community but also signals a shift towards more inclusive leadership within international scientific organizations. As she prepares to take on this important role, the future of IBRO looks promising, with a renewed focus on empowering diverse talent and driving forward critical advancements in brain research.