Neuroscience Scholars Program

The Neuroscience Scholars Program is a two-year training program open to underrepresented graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Building on a 30 year history, the program supports annual travel awards, mentoring, and the professional development of up to 18 candidates known as NSP Fellows.

In addition, all eligible applicants will be invited to become NSP Associates, including those selected as NSP Fellows. The extensive two-year training program provides live events and webinars, a rich library of educational resources, and an online diversity affinity group for seeking career connections and guidance from mentors and NSP Alumni. Events, webinars, and resources will focus on career advancement issues, topics related to the research process, and cutting-edge scientific content.

The online forms associated with the NSP are currently not available due to a website upgrade. Please contact the SfN staff at NSP@sfn.org.

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
• These include Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders and individuals with disabilities, defined as physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities

All eligible applicants will be invited to become NSP Associates in an extensive two-year training program that provides live events and webinars. 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. Selected Associates are notified at the beginning of the two-year program.

In addition to the NSP Associates program, up to 18 applicants will be selected for the NSP Fellows Program. Highlights include:

• 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.
• 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

Candidates are selected according to the following criteria:

• 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 advisor and institution
• Plans to improve community and/or promote diversity in neuroscience