The Society for Neuroscience (SfN), with nearly 35,000 members in 95 countries, is the world’s largest professional organization for brain researchers. SfN’s annual meeting provides a forum for scientists from around the globe to present the results of their research, discover new ideas, engage with colleagues, and learn about new tools and techniques they can use in their labs. Over 25,000 people attended the Neuroscience 2023 meeting in Washington, DC, this year.

Since 2017, AFTD has had the opportunity to leverage the popularity of the SfN annual meeting to increase awareness of FTD research and our grant programs by hosting the FTD Social. In addition to scientists with an interest in FTD and related disorders, this networking event is also open by invitation to AFTD members and volunteers, providing a unique opportunity for those affected by FTD to speak directly to researchers and, conversely, for researchers to learn first-hand about the lived experience of FTD.

On November 11, Debra Niehoff, PhD, AFTD’s Director of Research and Grants, and Research Administrative Assistant Samantha Garner welcomed more than 70 people to the 2023 FTD Social, held at the Westin Downtown DC Hotel. Attendees included several current and prior recipients of AFTD grants; Dr. Frank Shewmaker, Program Director for FTD at the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); NINDS Program Manager Dr. Amber McCartney, and AFTD volunteer Amanda Milochik.

“The FTD Social has been a valuable way to increase awareness of AFTD funding opportunities, especially our Holloway Postdoctoral Fellowships and Pilot Grants,” notes Debra Niehoff. “We have several examples of grant recipients who first learned about these programs by attending the Social.”