News & Comment

A pioneer in oculomotor neuroscience, Edward L. Keller identified key elements of the brainstem circuits that produce eye movements and provided the foundation for decades of research on neural control of gaze. He passed away on 4 July 2025.

This Comment calls on scientists to acknowledge how insufficient communication and limited engagement beyond academia have deepened the divide between science and the public. Restoring trust requires a paradigm shift in which scientists accept that the responsibility to champion science lies with us. We propose a new model in which public communication and advocacy are considered as essential to our mission as rigor and reproducibility — critical not only for safeguarding science, but also for ensuring that its benefits reach all segments of the societies we serve.

The promise of genomics-focused neuroscience to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples depends on ensuring more equitable data relationships though culturally appropriate data governance and the technical infrastructure to enable its implementation. Although ethical frameworks and legal policy mechanisms affirm Indigenous rights, there is a persistent gap in translating these commitments into practice. Here we discuss how embedding Indigenous data governance across research infrastructures and data ecosystems is needed to strengthen the field’s capacity to deliver beneficial outcomes for all.

Researchers’ access to scientific research findings remains inequitable owing to financial and geographical barriers, highlighting the need for more sustainable and inclusive modes of communication to complement existing journals and conferences. Free, online webinar platforms offer a powerful way to democratize scientific knowledge and support career development globally. Drawing from our experience building Open Box Science — a not-for-profit grassroots organization that has hosted over 250 webinars for audiences from more than 70 countries — and examining other successful initiatives, we share practical insights on how to build thriving communities for scientific exchange and call for the continuous support of such platforms. We also highlight how early-career scientists can leverage such platforms to expand their network and enrich their perspectives.