The IBRO Governing Council, representing 69 scientific societies and federations from 57 countries, has announced the appointment of Tole as President Elect. Established in 1961, the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) is a global association dedicated to supporting neuroscience education, research, outreach, and the publication of two journals, *Neuroscience* and *IBRO Neuroscience Reports*.
Starting January 1, 2025, Tole, along with newly elected officers, will join the IBRO advisory board in an elect status for one year. After earning her PhD from CalTech in the US, Tole joined TIFR as a faculty member in 1999 and will officially assume her role as president on January 1, 2026. Her presidency will conclude on December 31, 2028, followed by a two-year term on the advisory board as past president.
Traditionally, IBRO presidencies have been held by individuals from Europe or North America. This marks the first time someone from a developing country will take on a leadership role.
“Working in the developing world comes with various constraints,” Tole stated. “Each country and organization faces challenges, such as limited access to resources and networking opportunities. I am well aware of the constraints in India and have insights into those in neighboring countries.”
As reported by Hindustan times, Tole noted that challenges can arise in everything from planning experiments and dealing with funding delays to attending international conferences and navigating visa processes. She suggested solutions, including organizing conferences and international workshops in regions where travel poses difficulties. “These and other creative solutions are achievable,” she emphasized.
Tole has held significant roles in the IBRO Asia-Pacific Regional Committee and the Society for Neuroscience and currently serves as the president of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience. She has also chaired the Women in Science Committee of the Indian Academy of Sciences and actively participates in the ALBA network, which advocates for diversity in neuroscience.
“The exciting aspect is that Prof. Tole represents the largest region of IBRO in terms of geography, number of countries, and population. Her unique perspective is vital for ensuring that IBRO remains relevant and impactful across all global regions,” stated Lars Kristiansen, Executive Director of IBRO, in an email.
Tole completed her BSc at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and has received prestigious accolades, including the Infosys Science Foundation Award for Life Sciences in 2014 and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, India’s highest scientific honor awarded by CSIR, Government of India, in 2010.