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Cyrus Mower
The new Clinical Neurosciences Society's structure is a more open, committee-supported model in which all NDCN staff can propose events for CNS review and endorsement, with funding allocated from the society’s budget. CNS will also continue to coordinate fundraising, including an annual vote to choose the department charity, while publishing an annual report on activities and fund use.
New co-chairs Chiara Toschi and Simon Guillot explain more about CNS' purpose and what they're hoping to achieve with their tenure.
What first drew you to the Clinical Neurosciences Society, and why did you want to take on the role of co-chair?
Chiara: "I was drawn to CNS because I think it is really important to create a sense of community within the department. NDCN is full of brilliant people, but it can be easy to only interact with colleagues in your own team or at your own site. I wanted to help organise events that give people a chance to get to know each other beyond scientific talks, lectures, and meetings — ideally over something fun, relaxed, and not involving error bars and p-values."
Simon: "I was drawn to the Clinical Neurosciences Society because it brings together people who might never otherwise meet. In such a large, diverse and spread‑out department, that really matters. I wanted to be co‑chair because building a connected, supportive community doesn’t just happen, it needs people to make space for it. CNS felt like the right place to help do that."
For colleagues who may not be familiar with CNS, how would you describe its purpose within NDCN?
C: "I would describe CNS as a way of bringing people in the department together through social and educational events. It is about creating opportunities for colleagues who might not normally cross paths to meet, chat, learn something new, and hopefully have a good time. We also fundraise for a charity of choice, which adds another meaningful dimension to what we do."
S: "CNS brings people together within NDCN. Through social, cultural, and fundraising, it gives the opportunity to meet colleagues from other teams and buildings, with whom we would never have crossed paths otherwise."
CNS has a remit to promote social and developmental events for everyone in NDCN. What does that mean to you in practice?
C: "In practice, it means organising events that are interesting, welcoming, and not just about work. That could be something purely social, like a pizza and poker night (which we did some months ago), or something more skills-based, like the gathering we organised where people shared their knowledge on how to build an app. We also have an event in the pipeline about being financially mindful and making smarter decisions around personal finances. For me, the best events are the ones where people can talk about things they genuinely care about, whether or not they are directly related to their job."
S: "To me, this means coordinating events that are genuinely accessible and relevant to the whole department. From social to more work-related events, it is about making sure everyone can find something that resonates with them."
How do you hope CNS can help bring together people across different sites, roles, and career stages in NDCN?
C: "By creating more opportunities for people to be in the same room — ideally with food, drinks, games, or an interesting topic to talk about. People from different sites, roles, and career stages may not naturally meet during the working day, so CNS can help make those introductions happen in a more relaxed and informal way.
S: "I hope CNS can be a simple way for people across NDCN to meet beyond their usual circles. By mixing up locations, offering hybrid options, and creating events that encourage conversation, we wish to help colleagues from different sites, roles, and career stages feel part of one connected department."
There is a new structure where NDCN staff can propose events. What kinds of ideas would you like people to bring forward?
C: "Honestly, anything that people think others might enjoy or find useful. Game nights, wine and cheese evenings, educational sessions, informal talks, creative workshops, skills-sharing events — anything really. If someone has an idea that could bring people together, we would love to hear it."
S: "All ideas are welcomed. Creative workshops, yoga, informal talks, game nights…If you have an idea that could bring people together, share it with us. We would love to hear it!"
What types of social or developmental events do you think would be most valuable for the department?
C: "Events where people do not feel like they are “at work” are especially valuable. Anything that gives people a chance to have fun, relax, learn something new, and most importantly get to know each other better. I think the department benefits when people have opportunities to connect as people, not just as colleagues."
S: "Events that are inclusive, low‑barrier, and varied tend to have the biggest impact. Event ideas that are coming from you, for you. The goal is to offer a wide range of events where everyone can find something that suits them."
How will you make sure CNS events feel inclusive and relevant to people across the whole department?
C: "By keeping the door wide open to suggestions from absolutely anyone. We know that one type of event will not appeal to everyone, so the more ideas we receive from across the department, the better and more varied the programme can be. We want CNS to feel like something people can shape, not just something they are invited to attend."
S: "It starts with listening to the department. Anyone from the department can suggest event ideas; the more ideas are submitted, the more varied they will be! Not every event will be appealing to everyone, but the overall programme, with your ideas shaping it, will make it more welcoming and representative of NDCN."
What message would you like to share with NDCN staff who have not previously engaged with CNS?
C: "Send us your ideas! Whether it is a social event, a skills session, a fundraiser, or something completely different, we would love to hear from you. If you have an idea, CNS can help make it happen...and hopefully make it fun!"
S: "CNS works best when it reflects the people in NDCN. If you haven’t taken part before, this is your chance to influence what it becomes. Your ideas and your involvement, big or small, help shape the culture of our department."