“Before this backlash worsens, DEI advocates, the scientific community, universities, and federal agencies need to collectively call out the dangers of setting aside DEI and come up with robust ways to demonstrate its value to society.”
Dr. Shirley Malcom, senior advisor to the CEO and Director of SEA Change at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Strengthen the case for DEI. Science. 2024 Mar 29;383(6690):1395.
Supporting scientists from groups that are underrepresented in the scientific community
About the Award
These awards are offered quarterly to scientists facing unfair obstacles to career progression, including but not limited to barriers based on gender, race, ethnicity, caregiving responsibilities, illness, ability, sexual orientation, low socioeconomic background, as well as people in a low or lower middle income country. The award provides feedback on a manuscript, short grant proposal, or job application. Specifically, our volunteers provide detailed feedback that combines insights from an editor’s or reviewer’s perspective with suggestions to improve readability, clarity, and overall presentation. We highlight strengths, identify areas to improve, and offer practical advice to enhance your chances of a positive outcome. Depending on volunteer availability and expertise, feedback may include suggestions on content, pitch, narrative, organization, and language.
Empowering All Scientists Everywhere
Our programs will help to expand the power and influence of underrepresented scientists.
Photo (L to R): Dr. Rachel Arey, Dr. Vanisha Lakhina, Dr. Coleen Murphy, Research Assistant Jasmine Ashraf, and Dr. Rachel Kaletsky
Deadlines
JEDI awards are offered quarterly. Application deadlines are March 10, June 10, September 10, December 10.
JEDI awardees are selected by a committee (Dr. Brandi Mattson, Dr. Sabbi Lall, Dr. Angela Andersen, and Dr. Lauren Gonzalez). Awardees will be notified around a week after the deadline, and the feedback will be returned within a month. The number of awards is based on the availability and expertise of our volunteers.
If you have an urgent request that doesn’t fit these dates, please let us know.
How to Apply
To apply, you must be the first or last author of a completed manuscript, short grant proposal, or job application in an area of experimental biology. Priority is given to Assistant and Associate Professors (and equivalent). (Previous JEDI awardees are not eligible.)
Submit your application through the online form. Your information will be kept strictly confidential. We strive to avoid real, potential and perceived conflicts of interest. In particular, current journal editors will not consult on manuscripts, but can consult on other projects (i.e. grant proposals). We kindly request that authors acknowledge LSEF, when possible, for transparency to the scientific community.
“Your help was absolutely crucial. I enjoyed every single bit of advice you gave me. It was very detailed and thorough, which I normally don’t get from colleagues/mentors. You gave me so many things to think about and really pushed me to do (and write!) better. I am really proud of my submitted application.”
2021 JEDI Awardee