Community Engagement
As science becomes more interdisciplinary and collaborative, the Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS) supports UConn’s efforts to lead in team-based research that bridges divides and breaks boundaries.
The Institute connects UConn's research communities by:
- Enhancing communications internally and externally.
- Serving as a “hub of spokes” for different areas of study.
- Providing opportunities to underrepresented populations.
- Facilitating and sponsoring community events.
Here are just some of the examples of how the Institute brings people together.
Current Services and Initiatives
External Application Review Program
Investigators can receive mentorship from experienced colleagues as they develop external grant proposals, with feedback on written materials and mock review panels.
Outreach Fellowships
Four graduate student fellows per year host events and provide engagement activities to underrepresented populations to increase interest in education within the brain and cognitive science fields.
Science Alliance Mobile (SAM)
Our mobile laboratory is available to the UConn community for community outreach, training, clinical services, and research. The vehicle features a sound booth, space and cameras for behavioral testing, meeting room, computers for mobile equipment use, and more!
BrightPath Mansfield Child Care Fellowships
The Institute awards two fellowships per year that include 20 weeks of daycare to support Ph.D. students who become new parents during their graduate studies. The fellowships are possible through a partnership with the BrightPath Mansfield Child Care Center.
Mentoring Aspiring Graduate Students and Building an Inclusive Community (MAGIC)
Affiliated Institute investigators can receive mentorship from experienced colleagues as they develop external grant proposals, with feedback on written materials and mock review panels.
UConn KIDS (Kids in Developmental Science)
This group of researchers, many of the IBACS affiliates, represents more than 35 child development and behavior labs across UConn with a focus on child development. Research supports the development of new teaching strategies, therapies, and interventions of all kinds.
Community Events
The Institute hosts events that bring together the entire UConn research community. These events involve researchers at all levels—faculty, postdocs, and students—helping them to network, learn, and grow professionally.
We also organize public events for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and education levels. Many of these events feature hands-on learning and interactive activities. They aim to spark interest in brain and cognitive sciences and inspire future researchers.