Advancing the Research Careers of Women and PEERs in Brain Science

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The representation of women and persons excluded due to ethnicity and race (PEER) in neuroscience research at undergraduate, graduate and early postdoctoral levels has improved, but these gains are slow, and they have had little effect at senior levels. Data show PEER and women are lost from the talent pool disproportionately toward the end of their postdoctoral studies and at entry to independent positions. The root causes that lead to the attrition of talented individuals, with great potential and promise, are ongoing and accumulate over the course of each individual's career, but actions can be taken to lower these barriers. We will leverage Brown’s commitment to equity and inclusion, successes in enhancing diversity and inclusion at undergraduate and pre- doctoral level training, and the participation of faculty from across brain and quantitative sciences to enhance the pool of highly qualified neuroscientists contributing to neuroscience research. We propose new programming focused on three key areas: 1) structured mentorship, 2) professional and quantitative skills development, and 3) supported research experiences. This plan aims to: cultivate a cohort of highly competitive and successful PEER and female postdoctoral trainees and junior faculty who excel in neuroscience research and who successfully transition to the next career phase (Aim 1); create a dynamic program that responds to training and mentoring needs of our participants, that continually incorporates best practices from across the country, and that disseminates the results and know-how beyond Brown (Aim 2); contribute to a culture at Brown and beyond that strives for equity and inclusion in all aspects of scientific training and mentorship, and access to opportunities (Aim 3). A system of multi-level input from participants, mentors, internal and external advisors include regular assessment and feedback that inform ongoing program improvements. A comprehensive dissemination plan will ensure broad impact and contribute to fundamental cultural change, at Brown University and beyond, that prioritizes equity and inclusion in all aspects of scientific training. By building inclusive practices into the fabric of mentoring, research, and training, participating faculty and mentoring teams will support the continued growth of such a culture. These actions will develop cohorts of talented neuroscientists who will progress in research careers to advance discoveries, technology development, and innovations that contribute to diagnoses, treatments and cures for diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system.