Announcing the sixth annual mentoring and career-enhancement program, SEEDS (Scholarships to Enhance and Empower the Development of Scientists), for early-career neuroscientists. The program begins with an intensive workshop to be held at the Howard University College of Medicine on August 9-13, 2026, to be followed with 6-10 months of individual career-development coaching. Eligible SEEDS participants are early-career M.D., M.D./Ph.D. and Ph.D. scientists in neuroscience-related fields. The program is open to all early career neuroscientists regardless of background or identity. We especially encourage applications from members of groups that are historically underrepresented in neuroscience, including racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. “Early career” includes senior postdoctoral researchers, assistant professors, assistant research professors, and other pre-tenure level academic positions.
Applications for SEEDS will be accepted through April 3, 2026.
SEEDS is a privately funded program whose goal is to increase the successful transition to and retention of early career neuroscientists into academic positions. The program will provide early career neuroscientists with long-term mentoring and professional enrichment, with a particular emphasis on assistance with preparation, submission and revision of career development and research grant applications to NSF and NIH. In the initial workshop, participants will form small grant-coaching groups, facilitated by a senior faculty member. These groups will meet in person during the workshop and then engage in virtual meetings for 6-10 months to revise and hone grant applications prior to submission. Therefore, applicants should be planning to submit a career development (e.g., NIH K or NSF Career Award) or research grant (e.g., NIH R or NSF standard) application within 6-10 months of the workshop. Other structured activities during the workshop will address issues that impact the persistence of neuroscientists in academic careers, such as the perception that they do not belong in the scientific community, imposter syndrome, isolation and solo status, and negotiating institutions and tenure.
How to Apply for SEEDS
Applications should be submitted online at the following link:
https://voices.uchicago.edu/seeds/applications/
1. The application should include the following:
- Curriculum vitae
- One-page description of proposed grant application (Specific Aims page for NIH applicants; Project Summary for NSF applicants) including planned submission deadline
- One-page personal statement describing your commitment to an academic career, your research area, availability of scientific advisors, and expectations of the workshop
- Two letters of reference
2. Applications deadline: April 3, 2026.
Financial support for SEEDS
Significant financial support is available from IBRO, the American Psychological Foundation, the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund, and the Alzheimer’s Association for those accepted to the SEEDS workshop.