Neuroscience Scholars Program
Graduate and postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds 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 online training program to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds, such as individuals from underrepresented populations, those living with disabilities, or those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
NSP participants have access to:
- Live events and webinars
- Online group for career connections
- Guidance from mentors and NSP Alumni
- Educational resources
Applications
NSP Application open January 15—February 21, 2025.
Learn more about NSP applications and eligibility
Participants
NSP is comprised of two opportunities: Fellows and Associates
-
Fellows
Expandable and Collapsible Container Up to 16 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
-
Associates
Expandable and Collapsible Container 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
History of NSP
SfN and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke released a 30-year retrospective to honor NSP’s continued commitment to advancing diversity in science.
NSP Central
NSP Central is the hub for all tools and resources available to NSP participants.
Applications and Eligibility
The 2025 NSP applications are open January 10–February 21, 2025.
Selection notifications for the 2025-2027 cohort will be sent in Summer 2025.
Application Requirements
NSP applications must include:
- Resume/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
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
- Enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program or postdoctoral fellowship
Additionally, NIH recognizes the following as underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences:
- 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.
