University of Washington Significant Opportunities in Addiction Research (UW-SOAR) Neuroscience Doctoral Readiness Program

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Project Summary Neuroscience research and training have seen tremendous growth in recent years. Of note, this progress has extended into the study of psychiatric disorders, which has increased our knowledge around the neurobiology and mechanisms underlying drug use and addiction. Nonetheless, this growth has not translated into training opportunities for historically marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, people from economically disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities. These disparities in training, mentoring and education are particularly concerning for the study of addiction, as the harms related to drug use and addiction disproportionally affect minority and underserved communities. Thus, it remains critically important that our mentoring of the next generation of neuroscientists is reflective of all the diverse groups in our society. We recognize that research experience is not only a key factor in bolstering awareness and interest in neuroscience careers, but also in the admittance and successful completion of neuroscience PhD programs. Furthermore, we believe that the historic underrepresentation of marginalized groups in neuroscience stems, in part, from a lack of research opportunities in these groups during their undergraduate education. Thus, the primary objective of the University of Washington Substantial Opportunities in Addiction Research (UW-SOAR) Doctoral Readiness Program is to close this gap of training by providing diverse groups with a mentored research experience in a world-class neuroscience laboratory in the UW NAPE (Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion) Center. This experience will be coupled to unique educational and professional development opportunities to facilitate their recruitment and success in neuroscience doctoral programs. To achieve this goal, our program aims to 1) increase representation across multiple dimensions of difference (race, ethnicity, gender, sex, geography, ability, etc.) among postbaccalaureate researchers to improve the quality and diversity of science, 2) advance the matriculation and retention of diverse groups of trainees in Neuroscience PhD programs, and 3) determine the effectiveness of the SOAR program through an evaluation process.