Could you briefly introduce yourselves, job roles and research areas?
Danielle: I am a postdoctoral researcher in NDCN, based at the Oxford University Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN). I am part of the Pain and Aversive Learning group led by Prof. Ben Seymour. My research investigates how somatosensory perception (particularly pain and touch) is dynamically shaped by sensory, cognitive, and contextual factors. I use multimodal neuroimaging and neurophysiology techniques (EEG, fMRI) to investigate these processes in both healthy volunteers and clinical populations with chronic pain. My recent work has used virtual reality to look at how ongoing pain changes our perception and behaviour related to approaching threats.
Maddalena: I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Neural Injury Group and a lecturer in Neurophysiology. My research focuses on understanding how rare genetic mutations contribute to the development of neuropathic pain, with the aim of identifying new molecular targets for treatments and therapies. My work is laboratory-based and spans a range of multidisciplinary techniques. Alongside my research, I teach and supervise students, contribute to the NDCN community, and am committed to supporting women in STEM through several initiatives.
What is the CNS and what does it aim to do?
M: The Clinical Neurosciences Society (CNS) is a “community within a community”, a society dedicated to strengthening connections within the department through a variety of social, fundraising, and academic events. All events are open to everyone, and we warmly welcome participation, whether by attending, supporting the committee, or contributing to our initiatives.
The CNS is a “community within a community”, a society dedicated to strengthening connections within the department through a variety of social, fundraising, and academic events.
D: The CNS is the departmental society. It is for everyone in the department – both staff and students – including those in professional services, technicians, researchers, and clinicians. Unlike typical societies, you don’t have to join the CNS – if you are part of the department, you are automatically a member, and you are free to join any of the events.
We are run by a volunteer committee from across the department. We organise a schedule of fundraising, social and academic events throughout the year. These have ranged from ‘bring and share’ food exchanges to pub trips and karaoke nights, plus our annual Careers Day, which has been hugely successful in bringing together internal and external speakers to share a wide range of career paths.
The CNS Careers Day
What does the role of chair entail?
D: As chair, I run the committee meetings, set agendas, and make sure that tasks are delegated and completed – from booking rooms to ordering catering. We make sure that the direction of events that we are doing are in line with our terms of reference as the society (the rules around what we are supposed to do). Together with Maddalena and our treasurer Adham, I apply for departmental funding and meet with other committees and working groups in the department to avoid duplication of events and spot opportunities to collaborate.
M: The chairs work closely together to coordinate the committee’s activities, ensuring that different opinions and perspectives within the CNS are acknowledged and respected. Diplomacy and understanding are key skills for this role. Chairs are also expected to step in whenever needed (often at short notice!) especially in the run-up to events, as well as to collaborate with the chairs of other committees across NDCN.
Why did you decide to be a chair?
M: I joined the NDCN department just a few months before the Covid pandemic. When we eventually returned to the lab, I felt a strong need for a sense of belonging and wanted to contribute in a concrete way. I’ve always enjoyed working in a collaborative environment, so when the position of CNS chair was advertised, it felt like the perfect opportunity to work alongside colleagues and friends while being part of something “bigger” within the department.
D: I decided to apply for the chair position as I care about making sure that people have a sense of belongingness where they work or study. I know how isolating it can be when you don’t feel that sense of community so I wanted to make sure that we created something that would provide that for people in NDCN.
Ultimately, though, I really like organising things! During my PhD at the University of Liverpool, I co-founded the Postgrad Society to bring Masters and PhD students together across the University – to break out of research silos and build a supportive community. I ran the committee for 3 years and found it really rewarding – I made some amazing friends that I have to this day and felt like we really made a difference in the postgrad community. We were awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution During the Pandemic’ (05/2022) and ‘Biggest Impact on the City of Liverpool’ (05/2020) for improving the postgraduate student experience at the University (and many Zoom quizzes and virtual game nights). I was also the chair of the Psychology Society back in my undergraduate days, so you could say that I have a history of running societies based around organised fun.
What have you got out of from being chairs of the CNS?
D: I have met lots of brilliant people across the department that I would not have met otherwise – in particular my fantastic co-chair Maddalena! I’ve gained a better understanding of how NDCN operates behind the scenes and how different teams work together. The role has helped me develop leadership, organisational, and event-planning skills, as well as confidence in making decisions and experience in strategic thinking. Most importantly, it's been hugely rewarding to see events come together and know that they have helped to build a stronger sense of community in the department.
I’ve gained a better understanding of how NDCN operates behind the scenes and how different teams work together.
M: Being part of the CNS has been a rewarding, and at times challenging, experience. The pressure leading up to an event can be intense, as you never want to let down colleagues and friends. I believe the synergy within the committee, and especially between the co-chairs, is key to making it all work. Having an incredible co-chair like Danielle gave me confidence; we were able to lean on each other, and our complementary personalities made the experience fun and enjoyable. Through this role, I’ve learned a great deal about myself too: how I collaborate within a team, how I can step up to leadership when needed, and how to manage responsibility under pressure. I’ve also realised that it isn’t always possible to please everyone, and that’s okay.
How much time commitment is involved?
M: Being part of the CNS requires time and effort. As event deadlines approach, the weeks leading up to them can become particularly busy, with logistics and organisational details demanding attention. The overall time commitment depends on the number and scale of events; ultimately success relies on having a cohesive and dedicated team willing to invest their energy in making things happen! The chairs play a central role in coordinating the society’s activities while also stepping in to help with any task, especially the last-minute ones that inevitably arise as events draw near.
D: We meet for an hour every two months, with about two hours of preparation beforehand. The workload varies — it’s busier before major events like fundraising or Careers Days, and quieter at other times. Overall, it’s not a huge time commitment, but you can invest more if you want to.
Would you recommend to NDCN members get involved with the CNS committee and why?
D: I would absolutely recommend that NDCN members get involved with the CNS committee, especially for those who haven’t been on a committee before. It’s a great way to develop your leadership, event planning, and collaborative problem-solving skills. You get to be creative by suggesting new ideas for events that you care about and making them happen. It’s also a great way to expand your circle within NDCN and learn how things in the department are organised.
If you are passionate about contributing to the department in a meaningful way and open to taking on a new challenge, the CNS is a great opportunity for you.
M: If you are passionate about contributing to the department in a meaningful way and open to taking on a new challenge, the CNS is a great opportunity for you. It offers the chance to step into a leadership role, develop your listening and communication skills, and work collaboratively with other members to find common ground and ensure all voices are heard. Along the way, you will also gain valuable insights about yourself, which is something that will serve you well in any future setting.
What CNS achievement are you most proud of?
D: We have raised almost £3000 for charity – with around £1500 for the MS Society and around £1300 for the MS Society. This was though a series of bake sales, raffles, a fun run, and a book swap. This was only possible thanks to the generosity of NDCN members who got involved, donated prizes to the raffles, baked us delicious things, and donating to the charities. Thanks to everyone for getting involved for these worthy causes.
M: Personally, the CNS career and networking events were especially impactful. Finding your place in academia, or beyond, can feel daunting, at times like a job in itself. That’s why it was so rewarding to see how well both career days were received, with strong attendance and positive feedback continuing even weeks after the events. On a personal level, I’m proud that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to help organise something on this scale (with over 80 attendees!) and grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many colleagues and friends.
If you'd like to apply for the role of Chair or Co-Chair or join CNS, apply here for 2025/26
Find out more about CNS and read the terms of reference: https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/about/working-in-our-department/staff-and-student-clubs/clinical-neurosciences-society