ANA Social Impact Pledge
ANA's mission aligns with two UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) empowering communities, and driving systemic change for a more informed and healthier world:
​
​
​​​
​
​
​
Professional Members of the Applied Neuroscience Association (ANA), recognise the responsibility of using their knowledge, skills, and expertise to contribute to the advancement of society.
They acknowledge that their actions have the potential to impact the broader community and commit to engaging in ethical and socially responsible practices that promote social impact. equity, and the greater good. In doing so, they affirm their dedication to one of the following social pledges:
- Advance Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness
- Promote innovative applications of neuroscience in healthcare, education and industry
- Foster multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborations for sustainable solutions
- Creating lifelong learning opportunities, including CPD
- Bridging the knowledge translation gap between the LAB (discovery) and you (demand)
- Championing inclusive and equitable education
ANA Members
Choose Your Social Impact Pledge
1
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
- I will actively promote equity and inclusion in my academic and professional interactions, such that individuals from diverse, underserved or marginalised backgrounds can gain access to the benefits of applied neuroscience and allied disciplines.
- I will strive to create environments where individuals feel inclusive, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, or any other characteristic.
- I will challenge discriminatory practices, using my platform and knowledge to advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness and justice.
2
Public Education and Awareness
- I will engage in activities that promote public education and awareness about the applications and benefits of applied neuroscience, and allied disciplines, striving for accurate, evidence-based information.
- I will use my expertise to dispel neuro myths, reduce stigma, and promote informed decision-making within relevant communities.
- I will contribute to public conversations in a way that is responsible, balanced, and respectful of diverse viewpoints, avoiding sensationalism, manipulation or the misuse of scientific information.
​
3
Advocacy for Mental Health
and Wellbeing
- I will advocate for policies and practices that promote mental health and related emotional well-being and cognitive development, in individuals and communities, including vulnerable or underserved populations.
- I will support initiatives that increase access to mental health services, including programmes that address social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, trauma, and education disparities.
- I will work to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and related emotional well-being and cognitive development at local and national levels, influencing public policy where possible.
4
Socially Responsible Research and Innovation
- I will ensure that the research I conduct or contribute to is designed and carried out with a clear awareness of its potential social impact, aiming to prioritise at least one project each year that has the potential to benefit society.
- I will consider the ethical and social implications of new technologies and innovations in applied neuroscience, and allied disciplines, advocating for responsible development, and deployment that avoids exacerbating inequalities.
- I will aim to engage in collaborative research that supports pressing societal challenges, such as mental health disparities, and the impact of neurotechnologies on public life.​
5
Environmental Sustainability
- I will strive to ensure that my work, including academic and professional research and practices, is conducted in a manner that minimises environmental harm and promotes sustainability.
- I will seek to reduce waste, conserve resources, and use environmentally friendly methods in research and practice, recognising the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental health.
- I will advocate for sustainable practices in the institutions and organisations I work within and contribute to the global effort to mitigate the impact of environmental degradation.​​
6
Ethical Leadership
& Role Modelling
- I will lead by example in my work, demonstrating ethical leadership, and upholding standards of integrity and transparency in my academic and professional life.
- I will strive to use my membership within ANA and the broader professional community to mentor and support others in developing a commitment to ethical practices and meaningful social impact.
- I will take deliberate steps to encourage my peers and colleagues to adopt socially responsible practices. By integrating social impact into my work, I will strive to demonstrate the value of creating sustainable and equitable solutions that can benefit society as a whole.
7
Volunteering & Community Engagement
- I commit to using my skills and knowledge to give back to communities through volunteering and outreach efforts that promote, for example, mental health and wellbeing.
- I will participate in, or support at least one programme, that provides services to underserved populations, contributing my time and expertise to those who may not have access to professional support or resources.
- This might include partnerships with local organisations, schools, and community groups that could include pro-bono services or open-access workshops that promote areas such as cognitive health, emotional resilience, and mental health awareness.
​
8
Reducing Barriers
to Access
- I will strive to reduce barriers to accessing applied neuroscience and allied disciplines programmes, especially for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalised or underserved.
- I will support initiatives and advocacy efforts that strive to make applied neuroscience and allied disciplines more affordable, accessible, and equitable for all, considering financial status or geographic location, for example.
- I will endeavour to engage with policymakers and stakeholders to promote the expansion of applied neuroscience and allied disciplines programmes in areas where they are most needed, advocating for systemic change that aims to address any disparities.
9
Ethical Use of Neurotechnologies
- I will advocate for the responsible and ethical use of neurotechnology so that its application in society promotes public well-being and does not infringe on individual rights or freedoms.
I will work on relevant neurotechnological advancements that are being applied to improve human flourishing while opposing uses that could lead to harm, inequality, or social control.
- I will participate in public discussions about the ethical and social implications of neurotechnology, providing thought leadership and guidance to support innovations aligning with ethical and inclusion principles.​
What is B Corp?
Why Does ANA Care?
​
B Corporation (B Corp) is a certification awarded to organisations that meet high social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. It represents a commitment to using business as a force for good—balancing profit with purpose.
At The Applied Neuroscience Association, we align closely with these values as we work to empower ethically applied neuroscience for meaningful social impact. Achieving B Corp status would reflect our dedication to creating positive change in society while upholding the highest ethical and sustainable practices.
This vision inspires us as we scale a global community and establish global Chapters driven by ethical leadership, enhancing lives, through the work of our Members and the ANA Network.
