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Office of Special Programs in Diversity


The Office of Special Programs in Diversity (OSPD) creates and implements programs that provide a diverse, inclusive, and highly engaged research workforce to conduct NINDS-funded research. To achieve the mission, OSPD supports ongoing and designs new programs that increase research faculty development, improve research infrastructure, and promote innovative approaches to enhance diversity through partnership with academic research institutions and diverse communities.

Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs (SNRP) banner

News and Events

  • Release of the Specialized Neuroscience Research Program RFA-NS-13-004 (due date: October 23, 2012) This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) encourages applications to augment and strengthen emerging research programs focused on NINDS mission related research at institutions committed to increasing diversity in the neuroscience workforce. For the purposes of this FOA, Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs (SNRPs) are defined as those institutions with NINDS funding less than $25 million total cumulative costs over the 3 years leading up to the application. The intent of the SNRP is to promote opportunities to improve the research infrastructure at academic institutions with emerging NINDS mission related research programs to engage researchers in novel, cutting edge research. It also provides early stage investigators with the opportunity for intensive research experiences to promote scholarship in discovery, integration, and the application of knowledge in basic and translational neuroscience research. Support from SNRP facilitates the planning, implementation and evaluation of meritorious exploratory research projects; stimulates effective collaboration among academic researchers to advance neuroscience knowledge; broadens participation in neuroscience research by engaging institutions, organizations and individuals in NINDS mission relevant research; and increases the academic preparedness of students from diverse backgrounds for advanced neuroscience research careers.
  • Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for RFA-NS-13-004 (PDF)
  • Addressing Health Disparities through Neuroscience: Views by Two (supported by NIAAA, NICHD, NIDA, NIMH, and NINDS)
  • April 12, 2012 – the Role of race/ethnicity in the age of personalized medicine
  • Evan D. Kharasch, M.D., Ph.D.
  • David Flockhart, M.D., Ph.D.
  • September 19, 2011 – Etiology of health disparities in the neurosciences: a focus on mental and physical health
  • Bruce S. McEwen, Ph.D.
  • James S. Jackson, Ph.D.
  • June 10, 2011 - Genes and Environment: Does One Size Fit All?
  • Charles N. Rotimi, Ph.D.
  • Cindy L. Elhers, Ph.D.

Office of Special Programs in Diversity Funding Initiatives

Office of Special Programs in Diversity Program Staff

Scientific StaffProgram Area
Alfred Gordon, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Special Programs in Diversity		Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs (SNRPs); Diversity research development programs; and Diversity faculty development programs
Courtney Ferrell Aklin, Ph.D.
Program Director		Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs (SNRPs); Diversity research development programs; Diversity faculty development programs; Community-based participatory research programs

Address

Office of Special Programs in Diversity
Neuroscience Center
Suite 2149
6001 Executive Blvd.
Bethesda, MD 20892-9535
For courier service only, use Rockville, MD 20852
Telephone: 301-496-3102
Fax: 301-594-5929