Monique Smith
@moeneuro.bsky.social
Assistant Professor, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion Professor, UC San Diego. First Gen. Mother. She/Her/Hers
Reposted by Monique Smith
La lumière, nouvelle méthode antidouleur chez les animaux.
It was great to collaborate with Guillaume Sandoz @univcotedazur.bsky.social @cnrsbiologie.bsky.social
and other colleagues on this exciting project
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
It was great to collaborate with Guillaume Sandoz @univcotedazur.bsky.social @cnrsbiologie.bsky.social
and other colleagues on this exciting project
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
January 28, 2026 at 10:35 AM
La lumière, nouvelle méthode antidouleur chez les animaux.
It was great to collaborate with Guillaume Sandoz @univcotedazur.bsky.social @cnrsbiologie.bsky.social
and other colleagues on this exciting project
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
It was great to collaborate with Guillaume Sandoz @univcotedazur.bsky.social @cnrsbiologie.bsky.social
and other colleagues on this exciting project
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Monique Smith
National media should really be covering the fact thay every major school, museum, and arts institution in the Twin Cities, and hundreds of local businesses are closed tomorrow to protest federal occupation.
Nothing like this at this scale has happened anywhere in America anytime in living memory.
Nothing like this at this scale has happened anywhere in America anytime in living memory.
January 22, 2026 at 8:25 PM
National media should really be covering the fact thay every major school, museum, and arts institution in the Twin Cities, and hundreds of local businesses are closed tomorrow to protest federal occupation.
Nothing like this at this scale has happened anywhere in America anytime in living memory.
Nothing like this at this scale has happened anywhere in America anytime in living memory.
Reposted by Monique Smith
The NIH also hints at future restrictions on research involving human embryonic stem cells
go.nature.com/3YUZfwe
go.nature.com/3YUZfwe
NIH ends support for some human fetal-tissue research – dismaying scientists
The US biomedical funding agency also hints at future restrictions on research involving human embryonic stem cells.
go.nature.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:13 PM
The NIH also hints at future restrictions on research involving human embryonic stem cells
go.nature.com/3YUZfwe
go.nature.com/3YUZfwe
Reposted by Monique Smith
Thirteen of the US NIH’s advisory councils, which must review grant applications before funding is awarded, are on track to have no voting members
go.nature.com/4r6TiIp
go.nature.com/4r6TiIp
Exclusive: key NIH review panels due to lose all members by the end of 2026
Thirteen of the agency’s advisory councils, which must review grant applications before funding is awarded, are on track to have no voting members.
go.nature.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Thirteen of the US NIH’s advisory councils, which must review grant applications before funding is awarded, are on track to have no voting members
go.nature.com/4r6TiIp
go.nature.com/4r6TiIp
Reposted by Monique Smith
PSA on Competitive, Not Discussed NIH proposal outcomes drugmonkey.wordpress.com/2026/01/23/p...
PSA on Competitive, Not Discussed NIH proposal outcomes
As you know, Dear Reader, the current and following rounds of NIH study section meetings have adopted temporary* new triage/streamlining rules. Previously, approximately half of proposals are Not D…
drugmonkey.wordpress.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:52 PM
PSA on Competitive, Not Discussed NIH proposal outcomes drugmonkey.wordpress.com/2026/01/23/p...
Reposted by Monique Smith
Personalized vaccines against cancer, made with mRNA technology, are showing promising results even five years after treatment. Go deep with our recent feature on what might come next for the technique
Personalized Cancer Vaccines Are Almost Here—But Federal Funding Cuts Could Derail Them
Vaccines based on mRNA can be tailored to target a cancer patient’s unique tumor mutations. But crumbling support for cancer and mRNA vaccine research has endangered this promising therapy
www.scientificamerican.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Personalized vaccines against cancer, made with mRNA technology, are showing promising results even five years after treatment. Go deep with our recent feature on what might come next for the technique
Reposted by Monique Smith
US federal agencies were gutted in 2025, losing ~20% of their staff relative to 2024.
January 22, 2026 at 11:57 AM
US federal agencies were gutted in 2025, losing ~20% of their staff relative to 2024.
Reposted by Monique Smith
On a call with NIH PO this morning - I knew NOSIs were no longer a thing, but wasn't aware they now have these "Highlighted Topics". Not clear how it exactly interfaces with funding and/or how you highlight alignment, but good to keep an eye on!
grants.nih.gov/funding/find...
grants.nih.gov/funding/find...
Highlighted Topics | Grants & Funding
grants.nih.gov
January 22, 2026 at 2:51 PM
On a call with NIH PO this morning - I knew NOSIs were no longer a thing, but wasn't aware they now have these "Highlighted Topics". Not clear how it exactly interfaces with funding and/or how you highlight alignment, but good to keep an eye on!
grants.nih.gov/funding/find...
grants.nih.gov/funding/find...
Reposted by Monique Smith
Important story from Max Kozlov. Loss without replacement of council members is a serious concerns which could be a huge problem in the future, but this is uncertain.
🚨 New from me: Grant review at more than half of NIH's institutes could be frozen by the end of the year.
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
Exclusive: key NIH review panels due to lose all members by the end of 2026
Thirteen of the agency’s advisory councils, which must review grant applications before funding is awarded, are on track to have no voting members.
www.nature.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Important story from Max Kozlov. Loss without replacement of council members is a serious concerns which could be a huge problem in the future, but this is uncertain.
Reposted by Monique Smith
Is anyone else having incredible angst about whether or not their labs will continue to be able to do science? I submit-revise-resubmit grants and hope upon hope something with get funded so I can continue to have a lab, but I get waves of panic and sadness over the current state of things. 😢🧬🔬
a cartoon of spongebob with the words me when my tank is close to e
Alt: a cartoon of spongebob with the words me when my tank is close to empty
media.tenor.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Is anyone else having incredible angst about whether or not their labs will continue to be able to do science? I submit-revise-resubmit grants and hope upon hope something with get funded so I can continue to have a lab, but I get waves of panic and sadness over the current state of things. 😢🧬🔬
Reposted by Monique Smith
Our latest profile is here! Dr. Zoe Donaldson (@neurozoe.bsky.social) studies the neural circuits that govern social bonding & social loss, and how variations in these circuits shape emotional outcomes.
Follow the link to listen! #StoriesOfWiN #WomenInNeuroscience
storiesofwin.org/profiles/202...
Follow the link to listen! #StoriesOfWiN #WomenInNeuroscience
storiesofwin.org/profiles/202...
Dr. Zoe Donaldson — Stories of WiN
studies the neural circuits that govern social bonding and social loss, and how variations in these circuits shape emotional outcomes
storiesofwin.org
November 27, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Our latest profile is here! Dr. Zoe Donaldson (@neurozoe.bsky.social) studies the neural circuits that govern social bonding & social loss, and how variations in these circuits shape emotional outcomes.
Follow the link to listen! #StoriesOfWiN #WomenInNeuroscience
storiesofwin.org/profiles/202...
Follow the link to listen! #StoriesOfWiN #WomenInNeuroscience
storiesofwin.org/profiles/202...
Reposted by Monique Smith
Two weeks left to apply! MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor, working with nonhuman animals in some way. Application deadline is Dec. 1. Full posting: academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30586
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Job #AJO30586, Assistant Professor level or higher, Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
academicjobsonline.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Two weeks left to apply! MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor, working with nonhuman animals in some way. Application deadline is Dec. 1. Full posting: academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30586
Reposted by Monique Smith
It’s that time of year for me to dust this thing off and encourage you to apply to be a Leading Edge fellow, this year named in honor of Zara Weinberg
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
It’s that time of year for me to dust this thing off and encourage you to apply to be a Leading Edge fellow, this year named in honor of Zara Weinberg
Reposted by Monique Smith
Thrilled to share my PhD work showing dopamine and serotonin form a gas-brake system for reward has won Stanford's Sammy Kuo Paper of the Year Award!
I'm at #sfn25 presenting new work that uncovers a key circuit mechanism underlying this opponency. Stop by poster AA3 Monday morning to learn more!
I'm at #sfn25 presenting new work that uncovers a key circuit mechanism underlying this opponency. Stop by poster AA3 Monday morning to learn more!
November 16, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Thrilled to share my PhD work showing dopamine and serotonin form a gas-brake system for reward has won Stanford's Sammy Kuo Paper of the Year Award!
I'm at #sfn25 presenting new work that uncovers a key circuit mechanism underlying this opponency. Stop by poster AA3 Monday morning to learn more!
I'm at #sfn25 presenting new work that uncovers a key circuit mechanism underlying this opponency. Stop by poster AA3 Monday morning to learn more!
Reposted by Monique Smith
At the pre #SfN @storiesofwin.bsky.social Symposium. Inspiring, entertaining, motivating, and encouraging to hear all these honest stories from these women scientists who truly are making an impact on their environment and science in general.
November 15, 2025 at 6:56 PM
At the pre #SfN @storiesofwin.bsky.social Symposium. Inspiring, entertaining, motivating, and encouraging to hear all these honest stories from these women scientists who truly are making an impact on their environment and science in general.
Reposted by Monique Smith
Congrats to the @thetransmitter.bsky.social Rising Stars of Neuroscience, including our own @drnancypadilla.bsky.social and @megkirch.bsky.social! 🌟
www.thetransmitter.org/early-career...
www.thetransmitter.org/early-career...
The Transmitter’s Rising Stars of Neuroscience 2025
We recognize the outstanding achievements of 25 neuroscientists who stand to shape the field for years to come.
www.thetransmitter.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Congrats to the @thetransmitter.bsky.social Rising Stars of Neuroscience, including our own @drnancypadilla.bsky.social and @megkirch.bsky.social! 🌟
www.thetransmitter.org/early-career...
www.thetransmitter.org/early-career...
What an absolute inspiration this morning was!!!! Thankful for all these amazing women in neuroscience
Thank you to all who joined us for our first in-person event! 💜 We hope you left feeling inspired and empowered!
#WomenInNeuroscience #StoriesOfWiN #SFN2025
#WomenInNeuroscience #StoriesOfWiN #SFN2025
November 15, 2025 at 11:22 PM
What an absolute inspiration this morning was!!!! Thankful for all these amazing women in neuroscience
Reposted by Monique Smith
8 high level positions at NIH posted including 6 institute director positions (NIMH, NIGMS, NICHD, NIDCR, NHGRI, NLM).
Only open for 2 weeks (applications due November 21).
Application materials include a) CV b) vision statement c) a photocopy of doctoral degree.
hr.nih.gov/careers/open...
Only open for 2 weeks (applications due November 21).
Application materials include a) CV b) vision statement c) a photocopy of doctoral degree.
hr.nih.gov/careers/open...
hr.nih.gov
November 7, 2025 at 10:20 PM
8 high level positions at NIH posted including 6 institute director positions (NIMH, NIGMS, NICHD, NIDCR, NHGRI, NLM).
Only open for 2 weeks (applications due November 21).
Application materials include a) CV b) vision statement c) a photocopy of doctoral degree.
hr.nih.gov/careers/open...
Only open for 2 weeks (applications due November 21).
Application materials include a) CV b) vision statement c) a photocopy of doctoral degree.
hr.nih.gov/careers/open...
Reposted by Monique Smith
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
Reposted by Monique Smith
Scientists point to a long list of findings that emerged out of fundamental research, the type of studies the US government is cutting, and went on to change the world. Nature lists a few of their examples. 🧪
7 basic science discoveries that changed the world
Ozempic, MRI machines and flat screen televisions all emerged out of fundamental research decades earlier — the very types of study being slashed by the US government.
go.nature.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Scientists point to a long list of findings that emerged out of fundamental research, the type of studies the US government is cutting, and went on to change the world. Nature lists a few of their examples. 🧪
Reposted by Monique Smith
The Leading Edge community has been a life-line as I navigate *points to everything*.
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
The Leading Edge Fellows gathered this week to celebrate Zara Weinberg, a beloved member of our community. Our 7th cohort of Leading Edge Fellows (2026) will be named in her honor.
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
The Zara Weinberg Leading Edge Cohort application is now open! Due Feb 2.
www.leadingedgesymposium.org/apply/
November 6, 2025 at 1:46 AM
The Leading Edge community has been a life-line as I navigate *points to everything*.
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
Zara was such a shining light of wisdom and warmth. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue in everyone who had the utmost privilege to interact with her.
Apply, apply, apply!!!!
Reposted by Monique Smith
Truly one of the best. We worked on various initiatives/wrote a paper together, and had the best conference meet ups. She was a bold and tireless advocate for change. Last time we met, we had a great time trying new cuisine and imagining a future that’s so different for trainees than we experienced.
Zara Weinberg was a brilliant, loving, and beautiful woman. She inspired everyone who she interacted with, and always strived to make the world a better place for everyone. Tho the world is a little less bright today without her, her memory will always be a blessing.
She was truly one of the best.
She was truly one of the best.
October 30, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Truly one of the best. We worked on various initiatives/wrote a paper together, and had the best conference meet ups. She was a bold and tireless advocate for change. Last time we met, we had a great time trying new cuisine and imagining a future that’s so different for trainees than we experienced.
Reposted by Monique Smith
100% all of this 👇. So grateful to have had you in my life, Zara, and I will miss you so much.
Zara Weinberg was a brilliant, loving, and beautiful woman. She inspired everyone who she interacted with, and always strived to make the world a better place for everyone. Tho the world is a little less bright today without her, her memory will always be a blessing.
She was truly one of the best.
She was truly one of the best.
October 31, 2025 at 1:05 AM
100% all of this 👇. So grateful to have had you in my life, Zara, and I will miss you so much.
Reposted by Monique Smith
Ahead of the 1st shutdown of US food aid to hungry Americans in 60 years, some of the 200,000 Little Free Library locations are converting into food pantries. Thanks @littlefreelibrary.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Ahead of the 1st shutdown of US food aid to hungry Americans in 60 years, some of the 200,000 Little Free Library locations are converting into food pantries. Thanks @littlefreelibrary.bsky.social