Announcing the results of Knowing Neurons' NeuroPolicy Paper Competition, generously sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists!

Early-career neuroscientists submitted short-form policy papers that advocated for specific, actionable policies related to neuroscience. Submissions that met Knowing Neurons' editorial standards received feedback from our editing staff as part of our editorial process (detailed on our Submissions page), and have been evaluated by an anonymous panel of expert judges.

First and second place winners will receive cash awards, items from our Shop, and an opportunity to appear on Knowing Neurons' podcast. Selected authors may also be supported in advocating for their proposed policies in partnership with key science policy and advocacy organizations.

First Place

Establishing a Framework for Global Mental Health Diplomacy

By Manaswini Kar, Keerthana Manikandan, and Jonathan Klonowski

Establishing a Framework for Global Mental Health Diplomacy

Jonathan is a current PCGC & CDDRC graduate student fellow researching the genetic etiology of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) through bioinformatics and the analysis of ‘omics data. A biologist-by-training, he is interested in a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of disease, from developmental biology and genetics to molecular biology and biochemistry. As the president emeritus of the Allegheny Science Policy and Governance (ASPG), he enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge of Science Policy, Advocacy, Communication and Diplomacy (Sci-PACD) to help others develop in their field(s) of interest. Recently having stepped away from his role working towards increasing the participation and uplifting the voices of underrepresented groups at the National Science Policy Network’s (NSPN) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, he is preparing to start an internship with the Special Competitive Studies Project think-tank. When not applying himself to the aforementioned endeavors, he is either cycling, snowboarding, or hiking.