Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP): Preparing the Next Generation of Neuroscience Leaders

The path forward to a stronger neuroscience research workforce involves addressing persistent challenges and emerging opportunities in an evolving professional environment. Building on the existing strengths and identified needs of neuroscience trainees, the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is initiating a five-year continuation of the Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP) aimed at supporting the retention and career success of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the neuroscience field. NSP’s extensive program experience and recent external evaluations indicate a timely opportunity for the next program cycle to focus on two primary themes to meet needs of neuroscience researchers as they navigate their career paths: (a) to equip participants with resources to develop leadership skills and navigate professional environments more effectively, and (b) to cultivate a sense of community among neuroscience leaders and scholars, promoting belonging within a multidisciplinary global network of NSP participants, alumni, and neuroscience leaders from various institutions. To address these themes over the five-year project period, Aim 1 focuses on retaining neuroscience graduate students and postdoctoral fellows by providing at least 80 NSP Fellows with intensive in-person and online networking, mentoring, skills development, and funding for research experiences. Aim 2 aims to enhance career-building efforts by offering up to 500 NSP Associates online professional development programs complemented by targeted in-person experiences. Aim 3 focuses on supporting the continued career trajectories and professional success of more than 1,500 NSP Alumni as leaders and mentors within the NSP and neuroscience community. The primary delivery methods of the program will include new courses for skills development, with an emphasis on leadership and management, an updated library of existing courses, ongoing access to hands-on research experiences, and an expanded mentoring program that incorporates a peer mentoring system. This approach is anticipated to help NSP Fellows and Associates to strengthen their identity as neuroscientists and increase their confidence in their professional leadership roles, contributing to increased retention and career success for trainees. Ultimately, NSP aims to enhance the research workforce, addressing complex research questions and translating scientific findings into clinically significant interventions that advance neuroscience and related fields.