Equity, Diversity & Inclusion supporter

BNA’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion supporter

Following the huge success of the initial ‘Founding Supporters’ initiative for the inaugural year of the BNA's Scholars Programme*, we invite organisations to work with us to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in neuroscience.  

We are looking for individuals and organisations who see this as the first step towards a longer term commitment of support, to help build a supportive neuroscience community through networking opportunities, bursaries and mentorship.

Expectations of and eligibility to be BNA EDI supporters

EDI supporters are expected to demonstrate the following:

  • Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion (applicants are asked to provide a copy of their EDI policy, or similar in their expression of interest)
  • Commitment to engage with, and actively amplify the programme; sharing news on company channels, and with own network
  • To engage with the BNA and participate in related activities e.g. to contribute to an article in the BNA Bulletin

Application process

Please email sophie@bna.org.uk with approximately 200 words on your company/academic activities and research interests, as well as 200 words on why you want to support the programme, and what you think your company could contribute, including financial support. Please attach your equality, diversity and inclusion policy, or similar.

Please contact Sophie Jerrold if you want to discuss this work, and other ways in which your organisation could support the Programme.

About the BNA Scholars Programme

The BNA Scholars Programme was launched at the beginning of January 2021 and the inaugural cohort was announced in March of the same year. The Programme was created in consultation with BNA members and others interested in improving EDI in neuroscience, to support students from currently under-represented ethnic groups in neuroscience and build a supportive community through networking opportunities, bursaries and mentorship.  

There are seven places on the BNA Scholars Programme per year. Successful BNA Scholars remain on the Programme for three years and the programme confers the following benefits for the full three years:

Mentorship remains at the core of the BNA Scholars Programme. However, support for the Scholars has grown in breadth to include:  

  • Membership of the BNA 
  • Networking opportunities through the BNA and BNA events 
  • Opportunities to connect with key individuals within the BNA, for instance members of the BNA Council and Committee, and the Editorial Board of the BNA Journal, Brain and Neuroscience Advances 
  • Free registration and funding towards BNA Festival of Neuroscience attendance 
  • £300 career development grant from Hello Bio  

We always welcome and encourage any feedback or comments related to the BNA Scholars Programme. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Enquiries: please contact the BNA office with any questions or comments 

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