Trainee Professional Development Award Grant

The Trainee Professional Development Award (TPDA) supports undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars exhibiting research excellence. Eligible candidates must be the presenting author of an approved abstract for SfN’s annual meeting. Recipients receive a travel stipend and complimentary registration for Neuroscience 2025, with obligations to present and participate in workshops. For those unable to attend in person, virtual registration is available. Awardees gain access to ongoing professional development opportunities, enhancing their academic growth.

The Trainee Professional Development Award (TPDA) recognizes undergraduate and graduate students and post baccalaureate and postdoctoral scholars who demonstrate scientific merit and excellence in research. The award application is open to eligible candidates in the above categories who have submitted an approved abstract to SfN’s annual meeting.
TPDA recipients receive a travel stipend to offset the costs of attending Neuroscience 2025 ($1,000 for trainees in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico or $2,500 for trainees based in other countries), as well as a complimentary registration. All in-person recipients are required to present their abstract during a special TPDA poster session Saturday, November 15 and attend two professional development workshops during the meeting.
SfN recognizes some TPDA candidates may not be able to attend Neuroscience 2025 in-person; in this situation, SfN will provide complimentary registration to the virtual component of Neuroscience 2025 but will not provide any travel stipend. TPDA applicants must indicate in-person or virtual attendance in their application and confirm at the time of award notification.
After the meeting, TPDA recipients will join an online cohort and receive access to professional development opportunities on Neuronline in the year following the award. Awardees are encouraged to utilize this resource.
The TPDA program is supported by SfN, donors to the Friends of SfN Fund, and several foundations, corporate supporters, memorial funds, and endowments. Each year, SfN publicly recognizes these supporters and thanks them for their support to the TPDA program.

Eligibility

Applicant must be the presenting author of an abstract.Only one application per abstract is permitted. Applicant must be a current member of SfN.Applicant must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, a post baccalaureate or postdoctoral scholar, or must be starting an educational program shortly after the award is given.Nominee must not be a recipient of another SfN travel award in the same or previous calendar year (including TPDA, FENS, JNS, or IBRO).
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

Any application which does not adhere to all parameters will be voided.Multiple submissions with the same abstract will be ineligible.