Oct. 2, 2025 ̶ ̶ Dr. Debra Burns, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) at the University of Memphis, has been invited to join the newly launched Neuroarts Academic Network (NAN), an international group of leading universities and organizations dedicated to exploring how the arts can improve health and well-being.
The NAN brings together a prestigious group of 38 institutions — among them Princeton University, Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania and University College London — to share research, develop training programs and build career paths in the emerging field of neuroarts, the study of how creative and artistic expression can be used in medicine, public health and education to improve lives.
Burns was personally invited to join NAN because of her international reputation as a leader in music therapy research and her work designing arts-based programs that cross traditional academic disciplines. She will represent the University of Memphis as part of this global network, helping shape the future of neuroarts education and research.
“Neuroarts education is starting to spread inward from the East and West Coast,” said Burns. “My membership in this organization places UofM on the map for innovative arts-based educational opportunities that, historically, haven’t been available in the central U.S. I will have the opportunity to shape the higher education curriculum in neuroarts and position CCFA and the University to be at the center of this initiative.”
The NAN is part of the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, led by the Johns Hopkins International Arts + Mind Lab and the Aspen Institute’s Health, Medicine & Society Program, with funding from The Music Man Foundation. Its mission is simple: to bring the healing power of the arts into everyday life. NAN members will work together to:
- Connect universities and programs already working in neuroarts.
- Encourage new research and training programs.
- Build career paths that combine arts and health.
- Strengthen the field so it can grow and make lasting impact.
“Neuroarts is a vibrant, interdisciplinary field grounded in arts-evidence–based knowledge and united by shared research principles, practices and values,” said Susan Magsamen, co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative and executive director of the Johns Hopkins International Arts + Mind Lab Center. “To fully realize its potential, we must learn from one another, develop a common language and build a collaborative framework that enables our disciplines to flourish individually while also working together to build the field.”
“We’re looking at a major paradigm shift,” added Sarah Lyding, president of The Music Man Foundation. “The new Neuroarts Academic Network will unite the people who are training the neuroarts workforce of tomorrow. Together we can bring the transformative power of the arts into every corner of society.”
Burns noted that UofM’s involvement in this new group “tightly aligns with President Hardgrave’s strategic goal of a ‘successful outcome for every student,’ as well as goals three and four of the Ascend strategic plan: Outcomes focused academics and strengthening the research enterprise.”
She added that NAN members plan to meet in the fall of 2026 to share ideas, plan research collaborations and continue building this exciting, interdisciplinary movement.
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
(O) 901.678.4822
