A Program Administered by the American Psychological Association and
Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs
Funded by The National Institute of Mental Health to support Postdoctoral Training in Neuroscience Benefits
Purpose
We invite individuals of all races/ethnicities to apply whose career goals are consistent with one or both of the following goals:
- To increase ethnic/racial diversity among neuroscience researchers with a special emphasis in increasing the numbers of under-represented ethnic minorities.
- To increase numbers of neuroscientists whose work is related to the federal initiative to eliminate health disparities.
About the Diversity Program in Neuroscience (DPN)
Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the APA Diversity Program in Neuroscience has been in existence since 1987 and has, over the years, partnered with the Association of Neurosciences Departments and Programs, and others, to help increase the ethnic/racial diversity among neuroscience researchers. Our mission is also consistent with the mission of NIH, which includes, but is not limited to the elimination of health disparities in the U.S. Our program provides financial support, professional development activities, and professional guidance to students pursuing doctoral degrees in neuroscience and whose ultimate career goal is to become an independent research scientist.
Training Areas
Although the Diversity Program in Neuroscience is a program administered by the American Psychological Association, Fellows may receive their training in a range of academic departments provided their primary training and career aspirations are research oriented.
Basic Eligibility
- Applicants must be American citizens or permanent resident aliens with an alien registration card (I-151 or I-551). Individual on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
- Applicants should be engaged full-time in postdoctoral training in neuroscience under the guidance of an established, grant-funded research mentor or sponsor. Individuals not currently matched with such a mentor/research environment may apply provided they obtain a postdoctoral appointment by the fall immediately following the application deadline.
- Recipients must have a Ph.D. or M.D., with appropriate research experience in neuroscience or an applied discipline, such as cell or molecular biology or immunology.
- Those students identified as under-represented ethnic minorities in the neurosciences are strongly encouraged to apply.
DPN Benefits
A DPN fellowship is more than a simple scholarship that only provides financial support. A DPN fellowship is a professional training appointment into a community of students and professionals who hold similar professional interests. Indeed, the DPN provides stipends, or living allowances, but we also facilitate professional development and provide professional guidance.
Specific DPN benefits include:
- Financial support (2 years maximum. Must be renewed annually)
- Travel funds to attend the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting
- Ancillary training opportunities and enrichment experiences
- Access to information and resources
- Lifetime professional association with our network
How to Apply
Download the application instructions
(PDF format). They are also available when you click on Help in the online application form.
Apply for this
fellowship online.
(Note: Sponsor instructions and
recommender instructions will be available
on their respective help pages in the online system.)
Applications are accepted beginning in the fall and must be submitted by January 15 of the year in which support is being sought. For more information, contact:
APA/DPN
Postdoctoral Neuroscience Application
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-6127
Fax: (202) 336-6012
E-mail: DPN
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the fellowship last?
Each Fellow is provided a stipend for up to 2 years. However, stipend support for two years is provisional and must be renewed each year. Reappointment is contingent upon the satisfactory academic progress of the Fellow and continued support from our federal funding agency. Beyond the 2 years of stipend support, Fellows are expected to maintain a career-long relationship with the DPN for professional development, guidance, and association.
How do Fellows renew their appointments?
Each Fellow currently receiving a stipend must complete a progress report and return it to the DPN in January. Progress reports are reviewed by the DPN Advisory Committee in February and reappointment decisions are announced in April.
How much is the stipend?
The stipend coming directly from the DPN varies each year and is based on the National Research Service Act (http://grants1.nih.gov/training/nrsaguidelines/nrsa_toc.htm) or NRSA Guidelines for postdoctoral funding. The DPN also tries to ensure the financial support of its Fellows by requesting various types of “in-kind” support such as health insurance, research/office space, research supplies, etc. from the universities at which they are training.
Are Fellows obligated to pay back?
Postdoctoral Fellows are obligated to conduct pay back service for the first year of support. If a Fellow engages in a second year of training, research or teaching, the second year is considered pay-back.
If I receive support from another federally-funded training grant, may I also accept funding from the DPN?
No. Individuals supported by other federal training grants are not eligible for support from the DPN.
What if the funding is from a private foundation, the state, or the university?
Please contact our office for guidance. Funding eligibility in these instances have to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
What are the criteria used to select Fellows?
Selection is based upon evidence in the application of:
- Scholarship
- Research experience and potential
- Research proposal
- Suitable laboratory and mentor
- Commitment to a research career in neuroscience
- Writing ability
- Appropriateness to program goal.
May I apply to more than one MFP Fellowship?
No. You may apply to only one MFP Fellowship.
Other MFP Fellowships (Note: Applicants may apply to only one of the MFP fellowships)
The Diversity Program in Neuroscience Predoctoral Fellowship provides predoctoral research fellowships in neuroscience.
The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Fellowship is aimed at those pursuing doctoral degrees in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, or other mental health services areas. Deadline January 15th
The MHSAS Postdoctoral Fellowship is aimed at early career doctoral recipients who are interested in developing a career in mental health services research. Deadline January 15th
