SRS Diversity Membership Initiative and Award

The 2023 application cycle is now closed. The next application cycle will open in September 2024.

The SRS welcomes and benefits from scientists and researchers with a common interest in sleep and circadian rhythms from varying backgrounds, disciplines and countries. The SRS Diversity Membership Initiative aims to increase the diversity of our membership and therefore the diversity in attendance at the SLEEP meeting. Researchers with disabilities or who identify as coming from backgrounds underrepresented in sleep and circadian rhythms research regardless of nationality are strongly encouraged to apply. (high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, medical students, medical residents, fellows, postdoctoral fellows). The recipients of the SRS Diversity Membership Award also will be eligible for other SRS trainee awards including the SRS Diversity Travel Award, the SRS Trainee Merit Award (or SRS Undergraduate Trainee Merit Award, if applicable).

This award will cover two years of membership in the SRS.

Application Requirements:

  1. Applicant must be a member of a racial or ethnic group that has been shown to be underrepresented in health-related sciences, an individual with a disability, or an individual from a disadvantaged background, as defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html) or equivalent for non-U.S. applicants.
  2. Applicant must be a trainee: including but not limited to high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, medical students, medical residents, fellows, postdoctoral fellows. Individuals with a faculty appointment or equivalent are not eligible.
  3. Applicants whose lab, mentor, or institution agrees to cover the cost will not be eligible.
  4. A statement within the application describing eligibility and how membership in the SRS will further their career in sleep and circadian research is required (limited to 2,500 characters/500 words). Statement should address the following: eligibility for the award; applicants plans for continuing a career in sleep and circadian research; barriers, including financial, that the award will help the applicant overcome; and how the applicant will use the SRS membership to actively engage with the SRS community.

Questions about eligibility can be directed to the SRS (coordinator@srsnet.org).

Application Deadline: October 17, 2023 at 11:59 pm (CT)

Winners Announced: By November 30, 2023

The SRS remains committed to DEI through program offerings such as a DEI Reception at SLEEP, Trainee Symposia Series, and the monthly DEI Newsletter. SRS members have exclusive access to these resources.

Chimene Castor
Meaghan Creech
Natasha Grabau
Rockelle Guthrie
Maria Inês Clara
Deborah Komolafe
Shady Rahayel
Rheygan Teysean Reed
Timothy Troppoli
Stephanie U