Our Mission is to promote diversity and inclusion in the scientific workforce by providing research experiences and career development opportunities for postbaccalaureate scholars from historically excluded backgrounds as well as those with a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity in science.

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Overview

PROPEL is a 1-2 year Paid Post-baccalaureate research opportunity serving post-bacs from disadvantaged backgrounds in science through a modest financial incentive for faculty hiring managers, career and professional development training sessions, networking opportunities, and laboratory mentorship. Scholars must be employeed full-time at UCSF and all funding must be provided by the host lab.  The PROPEL program does not have its own funding, but can help faculty apply for NIH supplements and additional incentives ($10K) if available from a UCSF department or institute that the host lab is a part of to support the scholar.  

Introduction

• UCSF’s renewed and redoubled commitment to increase diversity and support URM faculty, trainees, and staff
• Post-baccalaureate research opportunities are critical for the preparation and competitiveness of many aspiring PhD students. These opportunities can be particularly impactful for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who cannot afford the time to volunteer in laboratories during their undergraduate coursework, and students attending schools that provide a high quality education but no well-funded research lab experiences.
• UCSF’s singular focus on postgraduate health sciences is a strength, but the absence of undergraduate degree programs demands increased outreach and recruiting efforts to capture the attention of outstanding prospective students that may not easily imagine themselves studying and working at our institution.

UCSF NIH Diversity Supplement Matchmaking Event

Our Fifth Annual Matchmaking Event was in January 2024.  The next one will be held sometime in early 2025.  Check back for updates!