Crosscultural Working Group

The goal of this new Working Group is to bring together cross-cultural and non-Westernized strategies and ways of knowing and learning to advance the goals of the IBI for inclusive and global neuroscience. It draws upon the vision of the IBI, to create a better future for neuroscience globally by leveraging transdisciplinary strengths in the life sciences and humanities at an international level. The deliverables of this Working Group will provide pivotal steps forward in ensuring that stakeholders from cultures around the world have an explicit voice in IBI work ideas and products, and that diverse knowledges are woven into the fabric of the IBI.

To establish best practices, stakeholders will share perspectives on mind and brain using the following framework:

Learning and Acceptance. Cultural perspectives differ when it comes to brain and mental health. Often a holistic approach to health, including the incorporation of natural therapies and spirituality, is embraced. The best way to develop open and honest cross-cultural relationships and to create safe spaces will be discussed, as will views on the integration of Western and traditional practices in treatment pertaining to neurologic and mental health disorders.

Research Design and Methodology. Neuroscience research teams often develop research questions and approaches without consultation with the communities under investigation. However, research should be a true partnership with the community whereby the needs and desires of the community are known, where community has a voice in the design, and where the community gains benefit from the interaction. Building on some existing and evolving methods in Canada and elsewhere, the Working Group will examine and deliver recommendations to the IBI to achieve this priority goal for global neuroscience.

Analytical Approaches and Data Interpretation. Like the imperative for inclusivity in research design and methods, best practices for data sharing and data interpretation will be explored and discussed. 

Community Engagement in Neuroscience Results. There is a lack of trust in science and medicine due to a historic mistreatment of select communities. Best approaches to and alternate modes relationship-building for dissemination of results, education, and outreach will be a focus for and shared by this Working Group.