# Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research

> **NIH NIH R25** · SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE · 2020 · $85,083

## Abstract

Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research
Project Abstract
Scientists at all career stages must be well-trained in the foundations of rigorous and reproducible
research. Institutions and individual laboratories play a critical role in training researchers in aspects of
rigorous laboratory practices, such as experimental design, data analysis, and reporting. However,
systemic issues inherent to research culture often hinder scientists’ abilities to apply these principles to
their work. Factors collectively referred to as the sociology of science include biases that can influence
experimentation and interpretation; practices related to data collection, management, and sharing; and
incentives that underlie career advancement and the stability of scientists’ research programs. The
Society for Neuroscience (SfN) proposes to develop resources that focus on the sociology of science
through the multimodal training series – Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research.
The proposed program will build on SfN’s previous training efforts in scientific rigor and pursue two
specific aims: (1) Develop multimodal platforms that promote awareness of barriers and solutions
related to practicing rigorous and reproducible neuroscience research at all career stages. Through in-
person workshops, a virtual conference, and online programming (videos, podcast series, case studies,
written materials, and online discussions), training will focus on topics such as sources of bias that can
influence scientific judgments, data sharing practices, and career advancement incentives. (2) Develop
exportable training modules – digital toolkits – with quickly digestible, accessible resources to inform
and empower researchers at all career stages to enhance rigor and reproducibility in their laboratory
practices and professional activities. With content derived from programming under Specific Aim 1, SfN
will produce and disseminate four digital “toolkits” tailored to scientists in distinct career stages:
graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, early-career independent investigators, and established
investigators. Resources in each toolkit will include formats such as discussion guides, tip sheets, videos,
brief downloadable PowerPoint presentations from experts, and “citable statements” on best practices
and opinions that users can deploy at their home institutions to influence opinion.
With more than 1,000 disorders of the brain and nervous system resulting in more hospitalizations and
lost productivity than any other disease group, it is critical to develop a diverse and well-trained
neuroscience research workforce to find new and innovative ways to prevent and treat neurological
illnesses. The research in which this workforce engages must be rigorous and reproducible, as other
areas of science and scientific discovery will benefit from new discoveries. SfN seeks to develop
resources that promote awareness of barriers and solutions related to conducting rigorous research,
a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9914362
- **Project number:** 5R25NS114922-02
- **Recipient organization:** SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE
- **Principal Investigator:** Lique M Coolen
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $85,083
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-15 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9914362

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9914362, Foundations of Rigorous Neuroscience Research (5R25NS114922-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9914362. Licensed CC0.

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