BACKROUND

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience (MEFN), an independent charitable organization established by The McKnight Foundation, was inspired by William L. McKnight’s personal interest in memory and its diseases. When Mr. McKnight (1887-1979) created the McKnight Foundation, he set aside part of his legacy to bring hope to those suffering from brain injury or disease and cognitive impairment. His descendants honor his commitment to neuroscience, and recognize that to continue the high level of excellence of the program the MEFN needs to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in its award programs. The program will advance equity and drive innovation through inclusive excellence, recognizing that progress in neuroscience will be enhanced by the inclusion of new and diverse perspectives and voices.

The McKnight Scholar Awards are given each year to 10 exceptional young scientists who are in the early stages of establishing an independent laboratory and research career. The intent of the program is to foster the commitment by these scientists to research careers that will have an important impact on the study of the brain. The program seeks to support scientists committed to mentoring neuroscientists from underrepresented groups at all levels of training. Applicants for the McKnight Scholar Award must demonstrate their ability to solve significant problems in neuroscience, which could include the translation of basic research to clinical practice. They should demonstrate a commitment to an equitable and inclusive lab environment.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants for the McKnight Scholar Award must be independent investigators at not-for-profit research institutions in the United States and must hold a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor and must have served at that rank for less than five years at the application deadline (exceptions made be made for parental leave). For this year’s round, that means that the applicant must not have started serving in the rank of Assistant Professor any earlier than January 13, 2020.

Individuals holding other titles such as Instructor, Research Assistant Professor, Adjunct Assistant Professor, or Instructor are not eligible. If the host institution does not use professorial titles, a letter from a senior institutional official (e.g. Dean or Director of Research) must confirm that the applicant controls their own dedicated institutional resources, laboratory space, and/or facilities. We seek to enhance geographic, gender, and racial diversity in neuroscience, and we encourage women and members of communities of color to apply. Applicants may not apply in more than two rounds of competition, have already been granted tenure, or hold another award from the McKnight Endowment Fund.

A candidate may submit separate applications to both Scholar and Neurobiology of Brain Disorders during the same cycle. If the applicant receives a Scholar Award and becomes a finalist for NBD, their application to NBD would be rescinded as they cannot hold two awards simultaneously.