Neuroscience Scholars Program
Underrepresented graduate or postdoctoral researchers have the opportunity to join this award-winning program to enhance their career and build community.
The 2023 NSP application is currently closed.
Selection notifications for the 2023-2025 cohort will be sent in Summer 2023.
Please contact nsp@sfn.org with questions.
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Application Requirements
NSP applications must include:
- Résumé/CV
- Adviser's Biosketch
- Two-year plan (500 words)
- Professional goals statement (500 words)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts:
- Graduate students - both undergraduate- and graduate-level
- Postdoctoral researchers - graduate-level only
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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
- 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
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the criteria defined in the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity.
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About the Program
The Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP) is a two-year online training program open to underrepresented graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Building on a 40 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
Participants
The Neuroscience Scholars Program is comprised of two opportunities: NSP Fellows and NSP Associates
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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 Neuroscience Scholars Program 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. 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.
Enhancing Neuroscientific Discovery Through Diverse Communities
As a part of a multifaceted approach to increase connectivity during these difficult times, SfN hosted this virtual conference for NSP Scholars, NSP Alumni, and members of NSP partner programs.
During the keynote address, Dr. Lisa Savage discussed addressing systemic injustices in academia. Following the keynote, attendees came together in various breakout rooms to discuss community building, ability and access, balancing career and personal life, advocacy, social responsibility, racial injustice.
Resources:
- NINDS Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity
- View BRAINS overview
NSP History
In honor of NSP’s continued commitment to advancing diversity in science, the Society for Neuroscience and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke released a 30-year retrospective.
