Diversifying the Community of Neuroscience: Lessons Learned from a Cross-Stage Longitudinal Program of Diverse Neuroscientists.

The Diversifying the Community of Neuroscience (DCNS) program, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), addresses the critical underrepresentation of minoritized groups in neuroscience. This paper, designed and written by graduate students, postdocs, and early-career investigators within the DCNS program, aims to share the lessons learned with the broader neuroscience community. The DCNS program fosters a strong, supportive, cross-stage community that mitigates the isolation often experienced by minoritized neuroscientists in academia and the stress involved in navigating institutional discriminatory practices. Centering diversity, equity, and belonging, the program focuses on leadership skill-building and peer support. The program also provides professional development workshops (e.g., grant writing and financial literacy) that weave cross-cultural mentorship and knowledge into its training; this results in enhancing participants' sense of solidarity, cultural assets, and systemic inequities. Collaborative research and networking opportunities are heavily promoted, resulting in significant research partnerships and publications. Financial support, including stipends and research budgets, is given to participants to help alleviate financial stress, which then enables them to focus on their scientific and personal growth. The program’s adaptability, which is driven by participant feedback, ensures that the program is responsive to the evolving needs of its participants, making it a dynamic and engaging experience for all involved. This paper underscores the importance of sharing these experiences to help create a more inclusive and diverse neuroscience community, thereby enriching the field with the perspectives and contributions of minoritized neuroscientists.