What We Do

Mission

To advance the international collaboration of young neuroscientists from all backgrounds by educating them about the brain and inspiring them to fight neurological diseases.

Programs and Initiatives

Mentorship

Pursuing neuroscience in high school can be confusing, but the IYNA’s mentorship program was developed to make this process easier. High school members of the IYNA will be paired with undergraduate, graduate, and professional mentors, who will help them fulfill their own educational and career goals. To learn more about the Mentorship program and join as a Mentee or Mentor, see here.

Pursuing neuroscience in high school can be confusing, but the IYNA’s mentorship program was developed to make this process easier. High school members of the IYNA will be paired with undergraduate, graduate, and professional mentors, who will help them fulfill their own educational and career goals. To learn more about the Mentorship program and join as a Mentee or Mentor,see here.

MYELIN

Currently, there are very few opportunities to study neuroscience before entering universities. The Modern Youth Education, Leadership, and Inquiry in Neuroscience (MYELIN) initiative is a student-led project which seeks to change this by developing a high school neuroscience curriculum. We hope to develop a classroom-ready course which will introduce students around the world to the wonders of the brain. When finished, MYELIN will be available for free to all teachers and students.

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Journal

The IYNA Journal is the world's biggest youth neuroscience journal. It is a bimonthly publication written, edited, and published entirely by student members of the IYNA. Our journal not only encourages writers to develop their scientific comprehension and communication skills, but also provides an excellent educational resource to readers.

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Chapters

IYNA chapters are groups of students, generally centered around schools or local communities, working together to explore their interests in neuroscience. They are supported by National Chapter Networks, which represent various countries and territories.

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Resources Database

The resources team compiles and produces resources which will make it easier for IYNA members to pursue their passions for neuroscience. The resources we post include introductory neuroscience guides, online course lists, internship lists, competitions and scholarships, and professional and lab guides.

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Web Development

The Web Development department is responsible for all aspects of the IYNA Website Network, which includes the IYNA website, the International Brain Bee website, and the NeuroAuth website. This team is a great way for high-school and undergraduate students to develop valuable real-life experience with modern technologies and processes for a future in software development.

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Hip Hop Stroke Ambassador Program

Founded in collaboration with Hip Hop Public Health, the Hip Hop Stroke Ambassador Program gives IYNA members in high school and above are able to use their neuroscience knowledge to educate their community about stroke. Ambassadors volunteer to connect elementary schoolers in their area with the Hip Hop Stroke education program. This offering is currently only available to IYNA members in the United States, though the program is currently pending a global release.

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Neuroethics Essay Contest

In collaboration with the International Neuroethics Society, the IYNA runs the high school portion of the annual Neuroethics Essay Contest. The contest aims to promote interest in neuroethics among students and postdocs early in their academic careers. Contest winners are recognized at the INS Annual Meeting and receive a free 1-year INS student membership.

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Partners

We collaborate with our partners on various projects, programs, and initiatives. If your organization is interested in partnering with the IYNA, please email us at partnerships@youthneuro.org or file a support ticket.

International Brain Bee
International Brain Bee

The International Brain Bee (IBB) was founded in 1998 by Dr. Norbert Myslinski. Since its inception, the organization has inspired thousands of students to study and pursue careers in neuroscience through its annual neuroscience competition. Together the IYNA and IBB educate and empower students to pursue their passions in neuroscience.

International Neuroethics Society
International Neuroethics Society

The International Neuroethics Society (INS) is a group of scholars who share an interest in the social, legal, ethical and policy implications of advances in neuroscience. The mission of the International Neuroethics Society is to encourage and inspire research and dialogue on the responsible use of advances in brain science. Together, the IYNA and INS host the high school portion of the annual INS neuroethics essay contest.

Hip Hop Public Health
Hip Hop Public Health

Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH), a 501(c)3 organization focused on closing the “engagement” gap between public health communication and urban life. In collaboration with the International Youth Neuroscience Association, HHPH hopes to expand the reach of Hip Hop Stroke. Hip Hop Stroke 2.0 is a multimedia programs that teaches pre-adolescent children important stroke concepts through music and cartoons. Participating children are then motivated to share stroke information with their parents and caregivers.

Transparency

At the IYNA, we firmly believe that full transparency is the best way for nonprofits to operate. Therefore, we strive to be as open as possible about our operations, providing a variety of financial and legal documents for open examination. Some personal data, namely addresses, has been redacted. If you would like access to a document not listed here, or have any questions/comments/concerns, feel free to contact us at info@youthneuro.org

Financials

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with annual gross revenue under $50,000 USD, the IYNA files IRS form 990-N for each fiscal year. All our filings of Form 990-N are available here for public inspection.


Delaware Annual Report 2018

Delaware Annual Report 2017

Form 990N 2017

Legal Documents

The 501(c)(3) Determination Letter from the IRS certifies that we are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, further categorized as a 509(a)(2) Public Charity. Form 1023-EZ is the application form we filed to obtain tax exempt status. The Certificate of Incorporation is the document we filed with the Delaware Secretary of State to become an incorporated legal entity.


501(c)(3) Determination Letter

1023-EZ Application

Articles of Incorporation

IYNA Bylaws

The IYNA Bylaws are our legal governing document, dictating how the IYNA is run. Its purpose is to protect the interests of the IYNA and our mission. Our bylaws are reviewed each year by the IYNA Board of Directors.


IYNA Bylaws

IYNA Policies

Our policies are secondary governing documents that provide operational guidelines for our organization. As with the bylaws, their purpose is to protect the interests of the IYNA and our mission.


Board Meeting Policy

Board Meeting Minutes

The IYNA Board of Directors meets regularly to be updated on and discuss the current state of affairs of the IYNA. At these meetings, minutes are recorded and made available here so that our staff and the public can be kept up to date.


Board Business 11/23/2019

Board Business 10/26/19

Board Business 9/14/19

Board Business 8/04/19

Board Business 7/14/19

Board Business 6/22/19

Board Business 5/19/19

Board Business 3/24/19

Board Business 2/17/19

Board Business 12/08/18

Board Business 11/03/18

Board Business 09/29/18

Board Business 08/04/18

Board Business 6/30/18

Board Business 5/26/18

Board Business 04/07/18

Board Business 02/16/18

Board Business 01/20/2018

Board Business 12/28/2017

Board Business 06/18/2017

Board Business 07/13/2017

Board Business 05/20/2017

Board Votes

The IYNA Board of Directors formally votes when an action is to be taken. These votes are recorded and made available here.


Vote to approve the October 26th Meeting Minutes

Vote to ratify new Non-Compete Disclosure Policy

Vote to Add Dr. Olajide Williams to the IYNA Advisory Board

Vote to set the length of a single term for Board Governance committee as one year

Vote to Add Sharon Samuel to the Board of Directors

Vote to Add Khayla Black to the Board of Directors

Vote to Appoint Jacob Umans as Board Vice-Chair

Vote to Appoint Alexander Skvortsov as Board Chair

Vote to Reappoint Yasmeen Hmaidan as Treasurer

Vote to Reappoint Aayush Setty as Secretary

vote to accept Alexander Skvortsov as an official member of the Board of Directors

Vote to appoint Julia Shi as CEO of the IYNA

Vote to Reconfirm Daniel Lucas to the Board of Directors

Vote to Reconfirm Jacob Umans to the Board of Directors

Vote to Reconfirm Yasmeen Hmaidan to the Board of Directors

Vote to Reconfirm Sojas Wagle to the Board of Directors

Vote to Reconfirm Aayush Setty to the Board of Directors

Vote to add Anita to the Board of Directors

Vote to Reconfirm Kyle Ryan to the Board of Directors

Vote to Reconfirm Julia Shi to the Board of Directors

Vote to Ratify Updated Bylaws

Vote to Appoint Yasmeen Hmaidan as Interim Treasure

Vote to lift Kyle Ryan's Suspension

Vote to Remove Onur Tanglay from the Board

Addition of Julia Shi to the Board of Directors

Addition of Yasmeen Hmaidan to the Board of Directors

Approval of Document Retention Policy

Approval of Whistleblower Policy

Approval of Conflict of Interest Policy

Approval of Meeting Policies

Vote to Delay Elections

Approval of Bylaws

Approval of Board and Committee Officers