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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

Research Workforce Diversity and Equity Program

The Research Workforce Diversity and Equity Program (RWDEP), located within the Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD), was created in 2018 to promote the research training and career advancement for emerging neuroscientists and mental health researchers in support of NIH’s Interest in Diversity .

As part of the NIMH commitment to the biomedical research workforce, RWDEP supports highly talented students and investigators in the United States from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups . This support encompasses a wide range of individuals, from high school students to faculty members, all of whom play a vital role in advancing our understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

Training and mentoring opportunities span the entire spectrum of scientific research, from basic neuroscience to translational research and mental health services research.

RWDEP initiatives for enhancing the mental health research workforce

RWDEP is committed to promoting equity and enhancing training opportunities to help mental health investigators build independent research careers. Providing support for trainees and investigators is a fundamental part of building capacity and improving the future of mental health research. In addition, RWDEP sponsors workshops, activities, and programs that enhance research workforce diversity.

RWDEP uses a variety of mechanisms to help investigators gain and access:

  • Research funding and training opportunities
  • Mental health research mentors
  • Mental health research networks
  • Sustainable collaborative research activities

Funding opportunities that support diversity and career development

Learn about various funding opportunities designed to promote diversity, including awards for students, predoctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members, all contributing to a more diverse and inclusive research workforce.

  • Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
    These are administrative supplements to active research grants to enhance the diversity of the research workforce by recruiting and supporting students, postdoctoral trainees, and eligible investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups shown to be underrepresented in health-related research. More information about NIMH diversity and re-entry supplements is available on our frequently asked questions page.
  • NIH BRAIN Initiative Research Supplements to Promote Diversity 
    These are administrative supplements to active BRAIN Initiative grants to enhance the diversity of the research workforce. Program directors/principal investigators of active grants are encouraged to identify eligible individuals throughout the continuum from high school to the faculty level for support and scientific mentorship.

Explore awards for institutional programs supporting diversity and inclusion in neuroscience and mental health research. 

Program director

Brittany Haynes, Ph.D.
Program Director, Research Workforce Diversity and Equity
Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity
301-496-2767
brittany.haynes@nih.gov