About the Society

The Social & Affective Neuroscience Society (SANS) is committed to research investigating the neural basis of social and affective processes. The Society was founded in 2008 and now comprises over 400 members.

Leadership

Jennifer Kubota

Jennifer Kubota

President

Pin-Hao (Andy) Chen

Pin-Hao (Andy) Chen

Vice-President

Dominic Fareri

Dominic Fareri

Past-President

Yuan Chang Leong

Yuan Chang Leong

Treasurer

Elisa Baek

Elisa Baek

Director-at-Large

Catalina Camacho

Catalina Camacho

Director-at-Large

Caroline Charpentier

Caroline Charpentier

Director-at-Large

Oriel FeldmanHall

Oriel FeldmanHall

Director-at-Large

Chelsea Helion

Chelsea Helion

Director-at-Large

Eshin Jolly

Eshin Jolly

Director-at-Large

Meghan L. Meyer

Meghan L. Meyer

Director-at-Large

Candace Raio

Candace Raio

Director-at-Large

Mark Thornton

Mark Thornton

Director-at-Large

Society Committees

Awards Committee

Jennifer Kubota, University of Delaware
Pin-Hao (Andy) Chen, National Taiwan University
Dominic Fareri, Adelphi University

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee (EDIJ)

Co-Chair:
Damian Stanley, Adelphi University
Richard Lopez, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Kahiau Among, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Emilie Caspar, Ghent University
Jasmin Cloutier, University of Delaware
Marla Dressel, Georgetown University
Jillian Franks, Brandeis University
Melanie Kos, Temple University
Ava Ma de Sousa, UC Santa Barbara
Joao Moreira, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Hannaneh Yazdi, Karolinska Institute

Partnerships Committee

Co-Chair:
Candace Raio, New York University
Eshin Jolly, University of San Diego

Social Media Committee

Co-Chair:
Mark Thornton, Dartmouth University
Elisa Baek, University of Southern California

Begüm Babür, University of Southern California
Rachael Kee, University of California Davis
Ava Ma de Sousa, University of California Santa Barbara
Jillian O’malley, University of Connecticut
Meihui “Lily” Wu, University of Southern California

Trainee Committee

Chair: Cat Camacho, Washington University in St. Louis

Maria Lucia Cavallo, Université Libre de Bruxelles
Jordan Dejoie, Adelphi University
Shawn A. Rhoads, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Chun-Che Hung, University of Florida
SangEun Lee, Hanyang University
Kathryn McNaughton, University of Maryland
Nikki A. Puccetti, The Ohio State University
Lisa Shen, University of California Los Angeles
Xinyi Xu, University of Macau

Engagement Committee

Co-Chairs:
Caroline Charpentier, University of Maryland
Kalina Michalska, University of California

Code of Conduct

As a scientific community, SANS aims to provide a supportive space for scientific dialogue. We believe scientific progress depends on the free exchange of ideas in an environment where all participants are treated equitably and with respect. To this end, we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive community in which all scientists can contribute fully, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other applicable basis proscribed by law. Harassment of any form has no place in a healthy scientific enterprise. We expect all our members, as well as other attendees at SANS-organized events, to behave in ways that promote the supportive and productive exchange of ideas. This code of conduct outlines the society’s expectations for all conference attendees and participants, including members, speakers, vendors, media representatives, commentators, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers.

Expected Behavior

SANS expects event participants to communicate professionally and constructively, whether in person or over electronic media, and to handle dissent or disagreement with an open mind that is respectful of alternate points of view. Likewise, when sharing information about the organization or any attendees, SANS expects participants to share responsibly and clearly distinguish individual opinion from fact.

Sexual Harassment and Other Forms of Harassment

SANS does not tolerate harassment in any form.

Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other virtual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Behavior and language that are welcome and acceptable to one person may be unwelcome and offensive to another. Consequently, individuals must use discretion to ensure that their words and actions communicate respect for others. This is especially important for those in positions of authority, since individuals with lower rank or status may be reluctant to express objections or discomfort about unwelcome behavior.

Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior that is unwelcome, personally offensive, or that debilitates morale and can interfere with work effectiveness. The following are examples of behavior that, when unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment: sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal/virtual comments or physical actions of a sexual nature; sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; a display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; sexually explicit jokes; unnecessary and unwelcome touching.

Harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. This conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following: epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and the display or circulation of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group.

Procedures for Reporting a Concern.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses’ harassment, or has concerns about an individual’s conduct at the meeting, is encouraged to report it directly to:

  • Any member of the SANS Executive Committee at the meeting––President, President-Elect, Past President, Secretary/Treasurer.
  • SANS Meeting Program Co-Chairs (current year).

Alternatively, you may submit reports to .

SANS will handle all reports with sensitivity and will share information only on a need-to-know basis to investigate and resolve the report. SANS will honor requests for anonymity to the extent possible, consistent with its ability to maintain a safe environment for all attendees.

How Allegations Will Be Assessed and Consequences for Violations.

The SANS Executive Committee (President, Vice-President, Past-President, and Treasurer) will review reports promptly. Consistent with the SANS Code of Conduct, a substantiated violation will result in removal from the conference without refund and a ban from future SANS events, activities, and membership. SANS reserves the right to notify an individual’s home institution or employer of a report of serious misconduct and will cooperate with any resulting external investigation. Retaliation against a person who reports a concern or participates in a review is itself a violation subject to the same range of consequences.

All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all SANS-sponsored venues, including online and social events.