About NextProf Science

What is NextProf Science?
NextProf Science is a workshop aimed at future faculty—talented people who are currently advanced doctoral students and postdoctoral trainees. We aim to link people with a demonstrated commitment to diversity to the University of Michigan to show them the benefits and rewards of an academic career, to make connections with U-M faculty and academic leaders, and to network with other participants. The workshop is sponsored by the science and mathematics departments in the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

When and where is the NextProf Science workshop held?
The workshop is usually held over four days. It offers panels on topics such as life in academia, the faculty search process, developing a teaching philosophy,  writing a research statement, and diversity. There is also time for visits with the host departments. [A general outline is posted on the Schedule page. ]

This year’s workshop will be virtual. Selected participants should plan to be available for all sessions spread over several days.

What does it cost to participate?
The NextProf Science workshop is free to participants selected to attend through the application process.

Who should plan to attend? What are the eligibility requirements?
Participants should be advanced doctoral students or postdoctoral fellows who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Participants must be interested in an academic career in science or mathematics at an exceptional research and teaching institution.
  • Participants must have demonstrated a commitment to diversity. The program seeks applicants with the potential to bring to their academic and research careers the perspective that comes from their non-traditional educational background or understanding of the experiences of members of groups historically under-represented in higher education.
  • U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and DACA recipients are eligible to apply.

What is a “demonstrated commitment to diversity?”
The commitment to diversity could include:

  1. experience with programmatic efforts to reduce social, educational or economic disparities based on race, ethnicity, or gender, especially in STEM fields
  2. service aimed at increasing equitable access for historically underrepresented groups in these fields

How do I apply?
See “How to apply” for details about the application and to access the application link and note that the deadline is early winter.

When will I hear whether I am selected?
Applications will be reviewed by the sponsoring departments. We expect to have 48-50 participants. Applicants selected to attend will receive formal invitations before March.

What do I do if I am selected but then need to cancel?
Please contact us as soon as possible if you know you are unable to attend so that another can have the opportunity to participate.

Are there other such workshops?
The U-M College of Engineering pioneered these workshops, beginning in 2012.   [See the NextProf Engineering Workshop site http://nextprof.engin.umich.edu/]

Read what the 2015 participants had to say about the workshop.

Who is sponsoring this event?
The departments in the natural science division of the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, with the support and assistance of  the U-M ADVANCE program.

We are excited to share our enthusiasm for academic careers with a more broadly representative talented people than have traditionally pursued these fields.

Other questions?
Contact: um-nextprof-science@umich.edu

*In years when we can hold this program in person, Travel (within the United States), lodging and meals will be provided for attendees. Participants will be responsible for any incidentals they incur. Participants will be contacted with instructions on how to arrange their travel through the University of Michigan. Participants are expected to arrive in Ann Arbor for the evening reception on Monday and stay through the last session at lunch time on Thursday.