Be A Scholar

Annual award cycle

  • October: Scholar and Mentor applications open
  • December: Scholar applications close
  • February: Mentor applications close
  • Spring: Scholars announced
  • Spring: Mentors matched with Scholars

Eligibility of Scholars

Scholar applicants must be:

  • A Final Year Undergraduate, Masters (including integrated Masters) or PhD student. Or an early career research technician/assistant (positions must be held after an undergraduate or master’s degree). 
  • 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

Selection process

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
  • Socioeconomic background
  • Degree of potential impact of joining the Scholars Programme
  • Commitment to the Programme and to mentoring future cohorts
  • Likelihood of and commitment to pursuing a career in neuroscience or related to neuroscience
  • Overall balanced representation

Expectations of BNA Scholars

Expectations of BNA Scholars are as follows:

  • To engage with the programme and attend regular 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 biennial 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).

How to apply

Please ensure you fill in the correct application form for either the BNA Scholar or Mentor position. 

BNA Scholar application form: You will be asked to provide general applicant details and information regarding your current degree programme/course. You will also be asked to provide 200 words on your research interests and plans for the future, as well as 200 words on why you want to be part of the Programme and how you think it might benefit you.