Neuroscience & Society

Welcome to Neuroscience and Society, an interdisciplinary initiative at Wake Forest University that harnesses our institution’s deep and broad expertise in the study of the mind and brain. Through collaborative research, innovative curriculum development, and new faculty hires, Neuroscience and Society aims to expand and enhance our vibrant community dedicated to advancing neuroscience for the benefit of individuals and society at large.

Wake Forest is committed to advancing neuroscience that addresses the pressing needs of our world. Guided by our motto, Pro Humanitate—“for humanity”—we believe in research that not only deepens understanding but also fosters health, equity, and well-being across diverse communities. Our partnership with Advocate Health embodies these principles, working to elevate health, inspire hope, and promote healing for all. This focus on neuroscience reflects our core values and institutional commitments to society, particularly as we recognize:

• The foundational role of the brain and mind in shaping every dimension of modern life,
• The profound impact of neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative conditions on global health, and
• The profound influence that our increasingly interconnected society exerts on brain function and health.

A Community of Interdisciplinary Expertise

Wake Forest’s strengths in neuroscience span multiple schools and programs, with contributions from faculty in medicine, law, divinity, and business, as well as in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Our collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach connects teacher-scholars across fields, supported by prominent centers like:

• Reynolda Campus: Translational Science Center, Center for Molecular Signaling, Center for Bioethics, Health, and Society, Wake the Arts Center, Humanities Institute, and Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability.
• School of Medicine: Center for Artificial Intelligence, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention, Neuroscience Clinical Trial and Innovation Center, Wake Forest Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity.

Together, these resources empower our faculty to engage in pioneering research that bridges disciplines and creates real-world impact. Our faculty leverage cutting-edge technology, including super-resolution imaging, computational modeling, and machine learning, to deepen insights and drive innovation in neuroscience.