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In acknowledgment of Women’s History Month, I have drawn upon timeless concepts from Jane Jacobs’ seminal 1961 book The Death and Life of Great American Cities1 to describe emerging ideas in neuroimmunology and how we may collectively move the field forward.
Entering a new scientific field is difficult and daunting. Here I relate my personal journey as a fish immunologist and how neuroimmunologists welcomed me with open arms (and brains), giving me the sense of belonging that we all need as scientists.
Since the discoveries of autoantibodies in neurological diseases, women have had a fascinating journey in neuroimmunology. At a time when groundbreaking advances are being made, let’s continue the conversation about women in science.
Many immunologists strongly support the drive for inclusion and diversity in the workplace, but factors beyond their control are making this an ever more difficult goal.