Neuroscientists recognize the importance of diversity and that diversity by itself leads to excellence in research.
Commitment to Diversity
Realizing the promise of neuroscience will require diverse voices and many perspectives. From its inception in 1969, the Society has led the way in bringing together scientists of diverse backgrounds to achieve this goal, and diversity is integrated into the Society’s mission and strategic plan.
In the U.S., only 7.7 percent of the scientific community is composed of underrepresented minorities. While studies show that minorities share an interest in careers in science and technology at similar rates as white and Asian students, they do not graduate at the same rate. This phenomenon has been labeled the “leaky pipeline.”
Worldwide, scientists from diverse backgrounds are making significant contributions to research, yet confront unique challenges accessing teaching and training resources, and strive to bring unique perspectives to the field’s growing knowledge base. They seek engagement with the global community.
Neuroscience Scholars Program
The Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP) is a multi-year fellowship for underrepresented and diverse graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in neuroscience. Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the goal of the program is to increase the likelihood that diverse trainees who enter the neuroscience field continue to advance successfully in their careers.
Diversity Events at the Annual Meeting
Diversity Fellows Poster Session
This poster session is an opportunity for trainees to present their research while networking with fellow neuroscientists. Participants include those supported by the Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP), Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences (ENDURE), Specialized Neuroscience Research Program (SNRP), and the Summer Program in Neuroscience, Ethics & Survival (SPINES).
Diversity Reception
A celebration and networking opportunity for those involved and interested in SfN diversity programs and activities.
External Resources
SfN encourages underrepresented and diverse neuroscientists at all stages of their career to explore opportunities offered by the following:
- Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
- Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences (ENDURE)
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
- Summer Program in Neuroscience, Ethics & Survival (SPINES)
