BRAINS impacts a diverse community of neuroscientists nationwide and is transforming the neuroscience landscape.
BRAINS enhances retention, career advancement and diverse leadership in neuroscience
As of 2025:
- 230 BRAINS participants since 2013
- 95% of of Fellows and 98% of Affiliates continue to pursue science careers
- 102 Fellows and 27 Affiliates participants are tenure-track neuroscience faculty
- 56 participants have advanced to associate professor, full professor, chair and provost positions
BRAINS disseminates the program model, develops theory and inspires independent programming by participants
- The BRAINS Team has published peer-reviewed papers to share the program model and contribute to academic theory.
BRAINS empowers participants and transforms their career experiences
- “I have never felt more relevant or like I belong in this field than I feel now. This program has provided me with literally every tool, resource, network, that I need to survive as a URM in neuroscience.” - 2019 Fellow
- “[When I entered the BRAINS program] I was very close to leaving academic science and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am now without BRAINS. And, more importantly, I wouldn’t be happy with my career even if I was here.” - 2013 Fellow
- “This family is unlike anything I’ve ever known. The trust, the connection, the emotional & scientific encouragement/engagement, and unconditional support provided by BRAINS is unmatched.” - 2017 Fellow
BRAINS expands participant networks
- “I have been much more proactive in networking with researchers in my field and in my new university setting. I think BRAINS helps one realize the importance of networking...and I think BRAINS also gives one the confidence to move forward on networking with both peers and those in my established positions.” - 2014 Fellow
- “BRAINS created an additional professional network and maybe more importantly, a community of similar-minded professionals to discuss personal, career, and any other matters.” -- 2019 Fellow