The Dana Foundation is excited to announce a funding opportunity for trainees interested in neuroscience and society: Professional Development Awards! 

More details: https://dana.givingdata.com/portal/campaign/PDAwards2025?panelMode=signIn

Applicants may request up to $5,000 in funding to support professional development in neuroscience and society. The funds could be used to support the following (note that these are examples and not an exhaustive list):  

• Attending a conference or workshop in neuroscience and society.   
• Neuroscience and society coursework. 

Past professional development awards have been used for: 

• Attending the International Neuroethics Society Annual Meeting (undergraduate trainee majoring in neuroscience).  
• Attending the Human and Mammalian Brain Atlas Consortium meeting hosted by the Allen Institute (post-baccalaureate trainee with an ethics background).  
• Taking an online Neuroethical Considerations course offered by Queen’s University (graduate trainee focusing on neuroscience). 
• Training and experience in computer-generated art to better communicate neuroscience to the public (postdoctoral trainee in neuroscience).  

Eligibility 

The proposed activity must be interdisciplinary in nature. That is, it must include the field of neuroscience AND another field outside of the natural sciences or engineering. This can include, but is not limited to, ethics, law, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, social sciences, public health, arts, and the humanities. 

To be eligible for the award, you must meet both of the following conditions: 

• Currently affiliated with an academic or nonprofit institution in the United States.    
• Currently enrolled in a training program, or employed by a non-profit organization, as an undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, graduate, or post-doctoral trainee. 

The Foundation will host virtual office hours/Q&A sessions on June 23, 2025, at 5 pm ET, and July 9, 2025, at 8 pm ET. These Zoom sessions are an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask Foundation staff members clarifying questions about the professional development awards. You are welcome to attend either or both Zoom sessions. Please note that the office hours sessions will not be recorded. 

Register here to receive the Zoom meeting details for the June 23rd office hours session. 

Register here to receive the Zoom meeting details for the July 9th office hours session. 

The deadline for submissions is July 27, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET. 

If you have any questions, please email cbalusu@dana.org.