Inside the Program
Each module provides practical tools that help scientists increase the visibility, reach, and impact of their work.
Module 1: Expand the Impact of Your Science
Stepping into thought leadership can feel unfamiliar, but it can meaningfully expand the reach of your research and your career. This session will explore how to move from individual contributor to recognized leader: strategically and authentically. Together, we’ll examine how elevating your voice can increase funding and visibility, strengthen your professional reputation, and position science as a force for public good. Using a practical framework, you’ll focus on three core tools: convening, codifying, and communicating your work for broader impact. You’ll also hear from fellow Rising Star Awardees who have successfully extended the influence of their research, and leave with actionable steps to expand your impact in the year ahead.
Module 2: Mentorship as a Two-Way Partnership
Many mentoring relationships are viewed as one-directional, focused on guidance from mentor to mentee. However, high-quality mentoring is both bidirectional and transformational, supporting the growth and development of both individuals while shaping how you approach your work, careers, and broader sense of purpose. We will explore how to build mentoring relationships that go beyond transactional advice to become meaningful, high-impact partnerships within scientific environments. Together, we will examine what defines high-quality mentoring and how it functions as a two-way relationship, along with practical approaches to strengthen trust, communication, and mutual development.
Module 3: Transforming Your Research Through Lived Experience Integration
Now more than ever, integrating lived experience perspectives into mental health research is essential to strengthen scientific rigor, relevance, and real-world impact. Recent work from the panelists, including this Nature perspective linked below, highlights that researchers with lived experience bring critical dual expertise and that centering these perspectives enhances innovation, relevance, and equity in psychiatric science. In this interactive session, members of the One Mind Lived Experience Council will share practical guidance on how to effectively and ethically integrate lived experience into your work. Drawing on expertise that spans neuroscience, innovation, leadership, and lived mental health experience, the session will offer both strategic insight and actionable approaches.
Module 4: Science with a Voice: Strategic Advocacy in a Changing Policy Landscape
Scientists play a critical role in shaping research priorities, informing public policy, and advancing societal well-being. In a time of rapid policy change and increasing mental health needs, the voice of neuroscience is more important than ever, not only to drive discovery, but to ensure that scientific insights translate into meaningful outcomes for individuals and communities. This session will provide practical guidance on how scientists can effectively engage with policymakers, institutional leaders, and broader public audiences. Participants will gain strategies for communicating their work with clarity and relevance, building relationships that influence decision-making, and advocating for sustained investment in neuroscience and mental health research.
Module 5: Navigating Power Dynamics in Academic Science
Academic environments are shaped by hierarchies and dependencies that influence communication, decision-making, and team culture. When not thoughtfully managed, these dynamics can create barriers to open dialogue, unclear expectations, and reduced psychological safety, impacting both wellbeing and the quality of scientific work. In this interactive session, participants will explore how power dynamics show up in research environments and learn practical strategies to navigate them effectively. The focus will be on building awareness, strengthening communication, and fostering healthier, more inclusive teams.
Module 6: Writing for Impact About Your Research
Much of the writing you do is for the scientific community in journals or other research-focused publications. But how do you write about your research for a more lay audience? That’s the task we will explore in our next session. JD Schramm will bring proven tactics (and helpful tips) to support your writing including:
- Applying AIM to all you write
- Understanding the difference between science and business communication
- Formatting to ease the reader’s job and drive results
- Learning tools to support your growth
Whether you are a seasoned writer seeking greater efficiency or a relatively new writer looking to build greater mastery, this short session will provide value.
