Neuroscience Scholars Program
Underrepresented graduate or postdoctoral researchers have the opportunity to join this award-winning program to enhance their career and build community.
About the Program
The Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP) is a two-year training program open to underrepresented graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Building on a 30 year history, NSP provides resources focused on career advancement issues, the research process, and cutting-edge scientific content. NSP participants have access to:
- Live events and webinars
- Educational resources
- An online group for those seeking career connections
- Guidance from mentors and NSP Alumni
Apply
Thank you for your interest in the Neuroscience Scholars Program. The application window will open in mid-January 2020.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
- Enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program or postdoctoral fellowship
- According to the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health, candidates must be from a group recognized as underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences, including:
- Blacks or African Americans
- Hispanics or Latinos
- American Indians or Alaska Natives
- Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders
- Individuals with disabilities, defined as physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
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Selection Criteria
Consideration is given based on:
- Academic accomplishments
- Research performance and productivity
- Potential strength and impact of the Neuroscience Scholars Program on the applicant
- Career goals and two-year plan
- Letters of recommendation
- Strength of research adviser and institution
- Plans to improve community and/or promote diversity in neuroscience
Participant Categories
The Neuroscience Scholars Program is comprised of two programs: the NSP Fellows Program and NSP Associates Program.
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Fellows
Up to 18 applicants will be selected for the NSP Fellows Program. Highlights include:
- Two years of complimentary SfN membership
- Travel award to attend the SfN annual meeting each fall during the two-year program
- Up to $1,500 in enrichment funds to support allowed professional development activities
- A mentoring team consisting of a senior mentor and a member of the Diversity in Neuroscience Subcommittee. The team will discuss a fellow's research, career plans, and overall experience.
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Associates
All eligible applicants will be invited to become NSP Associates, including those selected as NSP Fellows. Features of the NSP Associates Program include:
- An online diversity affinity group of NSP mentors and alumni for seeking career connections and guidance
- Webinars and resources that focus on career advancement issues, topics related to the research process, and cutting-edge scientific content
- An invitation to present research at the Diversity Poster Session and attend the Diversity Reception at the annual meeting
- The opportunity to receive a professional development award to support travel to the SfN meeting during their second year in the program.
