Welcome to Developing a Community of Neuroscientists (DCNS), a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) funded R25 program. As Directors of this program, combined we have multiple decades of experience mentoring the next generation of scientists through multiple research training programs. Analyses have shown that, through attrition at transition points in training, far too many talented neuroscience graduate students and postdoctoral fellows ultimately do not become principal investigators of independent research programs.
Thus, the goal of this longitudinal mentorship program is for individuals engaged in neuroscience research to become successful future leaders in the neuroscience field. To achieve this goal, participants will be provided with essential professional development opportunities, trained to develop leadership skills, attain a peer support network, and be mentored through career transition points to ultimately have ownership and confidence in their future neuroscience research careers.
Participants will come together in-person three times a year. The program will pay for all participant expenses (travel, lodging, and meals) to attend these events, which will include professional development, mentoring, and research enhancement sessions.