There are seven places on the BNA Scholars Programme available each year. Successful BNA Scholars will remain on the Programme for three years* and the programme confers the following minimum benefits for the full three years*:
BNA Scholar attendance at BNA Festivals of Neuroscience
We expect the successful BNA Scholar candidates to attend the biennial BNA Festivals of Neuroscience. These events will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, whilst offering the opportunity to present a poster and network.
If a successful BNA Scholar has already registered and submitted a poster abstract for BNA Festival of Neuroscience, then the BNA will issue a refund. In the case of successful BNA Scholar candidates who have not registered or submitted a poster abstract, we will offer a special abstract submission window in which they can do so. The poster abstract will be subject to peer-review prior to acceptance.
*If the Scholar completes their neuroscience degree and thereafter does not remain in the neuroscience sector (where ‘the neuroscience sector’ includes any neuroscience-related role in the public, charity or commercial sector, including both academia and industry) before the three years are completed, they will receive free BNA Associate membership for the remainder of the three years but no other benefits. If the Scholar is still in process of completing their neuroscience degree after the three years have finished, then ongoing inclusion on the Programme will be reviewed on a year by year basis. We will take into consideration any required career breaks (e.g for caring responsibilities) on a case by case basis.
Expectations of BNA Scholars are as follows:
There is an expectation of 4-6 meetings between the Scholar and Mentor per year. The format of meeting can be decided between the Scholar and mentor, whether they take place online, over the phone or in person (when permitted).
Scholar applicants must be:
To ensure fairness in the selecting process, all application form data will be anonymised. A review panel, chaired by the BNA National Committee member for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), has been set up to assist in the initial Scholar selection process and the mentor matching process.
If there are a greater number of applicants who meet all criteria than there are scholarships available, then factors including the following will be considered when selecting the successful applicants:
