November 25, 2020 | This blog is based on Patrick McGovern's Opening Remarks at the launch of the NeuroAbilities Webinar Series on November 17, 2020.
Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, depending on where you are. Great to see all of you.I'm Patrick McGovern. I'm delighted to be here representing the Patrick J McGovern foundation. I'd like to welcome the NeuroAbilities community tuning in from around the world. I want to begin by recognizing the terrific G3ict team behind the NeuroAbilities program, especially Axel Leblois, who spent many years working closely with my father Pat McGovern as both President and CEO of IDG Communications, and IDC. Today, Axel is a champion of the rights of persons with disabilities in the digital age. Axel, thank you for your leadership and collaboration. The foundation is honored to be part of this initiative to create a more equitable, inclusive and accessible world.
On behalf of all the trustees I want to thank the community gathered here today for what promises to be a fascinating conversation. Our foundation carries on the legacy of my father who had a lifelong fascination with the human brain. He established one of the world's leading neuroscience research institutes at MIT, the McGovern Institute for brain research, and he was also years ahead of his time in recognizing that technology can be used for the betterment of humanity. With his trademark optimism, he believed technology could democratize information, accelerate human achievement, and solve our greatest challenges.
NeuroAbilities uniquely brings together this cutting edge of neuroscience and technology for the betterment of humanity. It is nothing short of extraordinary to consider the impact this technology can have on future generations. My father was also a master communicator and convener, who traveled the world bringing diverse groups of people together. He had a deep commitment for sharing knowledge, insights and ideas for public good. And that spirit, I believe you'd be thrilled to see NeuroAbilities is here creating a space for advocates, neuroscientists, and persons with disabilities to come together to promote research and innovation and prioritize the perspective of those who use these technologies.
At the Patrick j McGovern Foundation, we are carrying the torch of my father's optimism. And one of the most promising frontiers of tech for good is the assistive technology that improves lives and enhances human potential. I'm really excited for today's opportunity to learn from the perspective of a neuroscientist and a user with neurotechnology stands today and the promise it holds for the future. Thank you again for for joining us today.
Author information:
Patrick McGovern is a Trustee and the current Chair of the Board of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a philanthropy focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Throughout his career, Patrick has demonstrated a deep commitment to emerging tech solutions. From 1999 to 2005, he ran SourceForge, a large and influential open-source development website and has since taken on various marketing leadership roles, including VP of Marketing at Splunk, CMO at Skout, and VP of Marketing at Risk I/O (now Kenna Security).
An entrepreneur, Patrick also launched his own mobile company, WhereApps, and actively consults for various Silicon Valley-based and global tech companies on their marketing strategy. Patrick is also a Trustee at The People’s Portfolio and the Chair of the Board at The Tech for Global Good Executive Council. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of San Francisco.