The BNA Scholars programme was launched at the beginning of 2021. The programme was created in consultation with BNA members and others interested in improving representation, diversity and equity in neuroscience, to support students from currently under-represented ethnic groups in neuroscience and build a supportive community through networking opportunities, bursaries and mentorship.
This emerged as a top priority and key way to make a difference when discussing ways to improve representation in neuroscience e.g. at our open webinar 'Empowering and including you in UK neuroscience' and talking to individuals about what they needed for their careers.
Expectations of BNA Scholars are as follows:
Commitment to engage with the programme and attend mentoring meetings with your mentor
To feedback to the BNA (both formally and informally) based on your experiences for evaluation purposes
To engage with the BNA and participate in related activities e.g. to contribute to an article in the BNA Bulletin
To attend the BNA Festival of Neuroscience and present a poster at the Festival if possible
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).
Eligibility of Scholars
Scholar applicants must be:
A Final Year Undergraduate, Masters (including integrated Masters) or PhD student
Affiliated with UK Higher Education Institution (and planning to remain affiliated for at least the next year)
Self-identify as Black, Asian, or minority ethnic
Interested in pursuing a future career and have research interests in neuroscience and/or the wider neuroscience sector
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:
Geographical spread across the UK
Ethnic group
Commitment to the BNA scheme and to mentoring future cohorts
Likelihood of and commitment to pursuing a career in neuroscience or related to neuroscience
We expect the successful BNA Scholar candidates
to attend the biennial BNA Festival of Neuroscience. The event 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.
Make a lasting impact on someone's future career and the future of neuroscience!
Expectations of mentors 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).
We are welcoming mentor applications
from all ethnicities and all career stages.
BNA Scholar candidates will be asked of their mentor preferences during their application stage and successful candidates will be matched with a mentor through a review panel.
BNA Scholar and mentor matching process:
After the announcement of successful BNA Scholars, the mentor matching process will take place.
There will be a no-commitment introduction meeting between the BNA Scholar and mentor before a final decision is made. We want to reassure applicants that the BNA is committed to ensuring the BNA Scholar feels well-matched with their mentor.
If you are interested in becoming a supporter, please contact office@bna.org.uk
What is an ally?
We at the BNA view the concept of an ally as a co-collaborator or accomplice who stands up against racial injustice and promotes equity by being actively anti-racist. Being an ally means that you will fight for systemic improvements in both workplace and non-workplace policies, cultures, and practices.
We must also acknowledge intersectional identities – individuals that are part of more than one marginalised group. These individuals are susceptible to discrimination and prejudice on more than one level, how women of colour are diminished within groups.
I
t is your responsibility to educate yourself by reading, watching, and listening to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of systemic racism and how individual behaviours have perpetuated discrimination. We have a number of resources available on our resources page for you to utilise, if you believe that there is anything we have missed or think of any resource that could be useful for others to have access to please do not hesitate to contact office@bna.org.uk with your resources.
