Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Neuroscience Department is committed to welcoming and supporting diverse undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff and faculty.  Science, like all fields of discovery and innovation, benefits from the participation of talented people from all communities and backgrounds, including those from historically under-represented groups in science.  As a department, we believe it is essential to increase diversity and belonging among biomedical scientists at all levels. We will provide an inclusive and equitable environment for education and research, one that trains scholars for success in their educational and career goals.  

As part of this effort, we seek to establish and maintain a climate within the department that is supportive and inclusive independent of one’s beliefs, disabilities, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background. 

Please note that this page is under construction, and more information and resources will be added once the department launches.

Resources for undergraduates 

• Amgen Scholars – An Undergraduate STEM Summer Research Program

• Berkeley Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

• Berkeley Biology Scholars Program (BSP)

• SACNAS for undergraduates

• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)

• Disabled Students' Program (DSP)

• UC Berkeley Thriving Initiatives

Resources for graduate students

• The Office for Graduate Diversity is a resource for the admissions process, academic support, financial advice, and professional development. It also provides a forum for ideas and programs designed to enhance the educational experience of underrepresented students, including those who are undocumented, first-generation college students, and those who are educationally and financially challenged. For more information, contact: grad.diversity@berkeley.edu

• STEM*FYI Program

• Inclusive Excellence in Quals Prep Program

• Path to the Professoriate Program

• SACNAS for graduate students

• Disabled Students' Program (DSP)

Resources for postdocs

• Neuroscience Department Postdoctoral Activities (coming soon)

• Berkeley Postdoctoral Association

Resource for faculty

• Faculty diversity initiatives

Disabled students and disability access

For information relating to campus accommodations for students with disabilities, please visit the Disabled Students' Program. This program is dedicated to supporting students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University's values of equity and inclusion. For specific concerns about access to Neuroscience buildings, laboratory facilities, and classrooms, please direct questions to the Department Chair.

Additional campus-wide resources

Below, you can find additional resources relevant to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and higher education that may support you or someone you know. 

General Resources 

• Student support and well-being 

• Berkeley Division of Equity & Inclusion

• Berkeley Disability Services

• Berkeley Affinity Groups and Diversity Initiatives

• Berkeley Health & Safety

• Berkeley Student Parent Center

Activities & Organizations 

• Berkeley Thriving Initiatives

• Society for the Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

• oSTEM | [LGBTQ+ students STEM professional and social network]

• American Indian Graduate Program at Berkeley

• Alliance for Diversity in Science and Engineering (ADSE)

• Berkeley United Scientists (BUS)

Health & Wellbeing 

• Berkeley Health Services | Mental Health

Safety & Incident Reporting 

• Ombuds Office for Students & Postdoctoral Appointees

• Sexual Harassment, Violence Support and Education

Department of Neuroscience Student Services Contacts

Undergraduate Affairs Office

Undergraduate advising and programs.  Coming soon!  For questions, contact neuro-uao@berkeley.edu

Graduate Affairs Office

Graduate advising. For questions, contact  neuro.pgm@berkeley.edu