SRS Diversity Membership Initiative and Award

The 2022 award cycle is now closed. The next award cycle will open in September 2023. 

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 and 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).

In addition to membership, the SRS will aim to provide its Diversity Membership Award recipients with mentorship opportunities, offered in small groups (composed of senior mentors and other award recipients). A two-year award will ensure continuity of such opportunities and a formation of a cohort and peer network of early career trainees from underrepresented groups. Past award recipients will be expected to become participants in a mentoring network in future years.

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. Applicant must qualify for SRS membership under one of the following categories: undergraduate student, predoctoral student, or postdoctoral fellow.
4. Applicants whose lab or mentor agrees to cover the cost will not be eligible.
5. A letter from the applicant describing eligibility and how membership in the SRS will further their career in sleep and circadian research is required (limited to 1 page). Letter should address the following: need for financial assistance; long term career interest in sleep and circadian science; and how the applicant will benefit from mentorship with a senior sleep/circadian scientist. Questions about eligibility can be directed to the SRS (coordinator@srsnet.org).

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