Diversity in Neuroscience

More Fellowships for Minorities SfN encourages neuroscientists at all stages of their career to explore the following opportunities for minorities in neuroscience: APA Minority Fellowship Program Meharry/Vanderbilt Alliance for Research Training in Neuroscience Texas Consortium in Behavioral Neuroscience Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs National Center for Institutional Diversity Program

News and Announcements

Grant Proposal Mentoring Program- NEW! SfN is currently accepting applications for a Grant Proposal Mentoring pilot program to intensively coach talented underrepresented minority postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty who are prepared to submit K or R awards in February or March, 2011. Selected participants will receive an individual coach to guide the participant through proposal preparation, a mock review of their grant, and coaching on the mock review response. Applications are due September 1, 2010.

Join our special events at Neuroscience 2010 to promote diversity in the field of neuroscience:

• Diversity Reception - A celebration and networking opportunity for those involved in SfN diversity programs and activities.
  
• Mentoring: A Networking Event - The SfN mentoring program, centered around the annual meeting, pairs experienced professionals with students and young professionals.
  
• SfN/APA Diversity Fellows Poster Session - This poster session includes participants from the Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP), the American Psychological Assocation’s (APA) Diversity Program in Neuroscience, the Texas Consortium in Behavioral Neuroscience, the Meharry/Vanderbilt Alliance for Research Training in Neuroscience, and the Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs. If you are a URM, graduate student or postdoctoral fellow and are interested in participating, contact abusse@sfn.org for more information. 
  

On-site child care and youth programs at Neuroscience 2010 for children ages 6 months to 12 years. KiddieCorp, a national firm with more than 20 years experience in on-site conference child care, will provide attendees with flexibility in their meeting schedules and with a reliable, affordable and trustworthy option for child care during the annual meeting. Details, pricing, and reservation information are available on the KiddieCorp-Neuroscience 2010 Web page. KiddieCorp established all policies and fees and can answer all questions regarding the service. Space is limited — reserve early!

Strategy

SfN is committed to increasing diversity in neuroscience through education, training, and professional development among underrepresented minorities, as stated in the SfN's diversity strategy and professional development strategy.

Committee

Programs to promote diversity in neuroscience are managed by the Professional Development Committee (PDC) and its Diversity in Neuroscience Subcommittee (DINS).

For more information about the creation of the PDC, see frequently asked questions.

Programs and Activities

• Grant Proposal Mentoring Program- NEW!  SfN is currently accepting applications for a Grant Proposal Mentoring pilot program to intensively coach talented underrepresented minority postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty who are prepared to submit K or R awards in Feb. or March, 2011. Selected participants will receive an individual coach to guide the participant through proposal preparation, a mock review of their grant, and coaching on the mock review response. Applications are due Sept. 1, 2010. 
  
   
• Neuroscience Scholars Program  The Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP) is a three-year fellowship for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral minority students in neuroscience which provides SfN annual meeting travel assistance, funds for enrichment opportunities, SfN meeting and membership benefits, and mentoring. The NSP began in 1981 and is funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). SfN is pleased to announce the renewal of NSP. NIH/NINDS has granted SfN funding that will allow the program to continue for an additional five years.  For recent news about the Scholars, please visit the Neuroscience Scholars Program Newsletter. 
  
  
• Diversity Events at the SfN Annual Meeting
  
  
  • Diversity Reception - A celebration and networking opportunity for those involved in SfN diversity programs and activities.
    
  • Career Development Topics: A Mentoring and Networking Event  -  At the annual meeting, the mentoring program features many experienced professionals whobe available to discuss a number of topics in a round-table format. Participants from diverse backgrounds, fields, and work sectors are encouraged to attend.
    
  • SfN/APA Diversity Fellows Poster Session - This poster session includes participants from NSP, APA’s Diversity Program in Neuroscience, the Texas Consortium in Behavioral Neuroscience, the Meharry/Vanderbilt Alliance for Research Training in Neuroscience, and the Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs.

Organizations and Resources

• Increase the diversity of speakers at your institution.  Use our Minority Neuroscientist Speaker List.
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans (SACNAS)
• Support Of Mentors And their Students from Underrepresented Minority Groups in the Neurosciences (SOMAS-URM)
• Advancing Biomedical Research Workforce Diversity: NIGMS Workshop for Postdocs Transitioning to Independent Positions
• Read about Addressing Cultural Caveats: Tips for Mentoring Underrepresented Groups.
• A new National Science Foundation report shows an increase in the number of academic degrees awarded to minority students since 2004, the last time such data were published.
• See minority fellowship opportunities in sidebar at top of page.

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