Application deadline: April 15, 2026

Neuroethology Diversity Award

ISN is deeply committed to enabling researchers to participate in neuroethological research without being disadvantaged due to gender, ethnicity, disability, class, and other characteristics. These awards therefore aim to support disadvantaged scientists and help them overcome barriers.

Our total budget for this year’s awards is $2000. We do not prescribe what these awards should be used for. Instead, we invite applicants to specify how this award will help them overcome barriers and progress their work.

Some examples of support include research visits, purchase of research equipment, childcare and travel to conferences. Applications need not, however, be restricted to this list and we welcome other cases for support. Enquiries are welcomed from potential applicants who have any doubts about eligible costs.

Application:

Applicants must submit: 

- answers to all questions in the online form below

- CV of their academic career highlighting their contribution to neuroethology (via PDF upload at bottom of this page)

- a detailed budget (via PDF upload at bottom of this page)

Eligibility:

All researchers belonging to underrepresented or historically excluded groups in the field of neuroethology are eligible to apply. Examples of groups include but are not limited to ethnic minorities, women, working class researchers, non-binary or transgender researchers, researchers with health problems, and researchers with disabilities.

Researchers with well-established research careers and independent positions will only be considered if there are no suitable other candidates. Previous recipients of ISN awards will be given low priority.

Ineligible costs:

The money requested cannot be used to fund salaries

Evaluation and criteria:

Applications will be judged based on how much the funds will help recipients and their work.

The applications will be reviewed and prioritized by the Inclusion and Diversity Committee of the ISN. Reviewers will base their decision on the following criteria:

(1) Motivation: Does the applicant explain why they need the funds for their professional development or research needs?

(2) Clear need: Does the researcher provide details of the barriers they currently face? Do they have access to funds or other resources that could pay for they request?

(3) Clear contribution: Does the applicant's project address a clear/novel/interesting topic in the field of neuroethology?

(4) Contributions to Diversity: Is the researcher from a group historically excluded from science?

Note that the award may be split across multiple applicants and the full budget requested by any one participant cannot be guaranteed.

We reserve the right to make changes and further clarify these criteria.

Post Award:

Applicants will be informed of the decision via email. Bank details will be requested post award, and the allocated funds will be sent to successful awardees based on these details

Awardees will report on the contribution made by the award to their research.

Questions? Please contact isn@am.kwglobal.com.