The concept of college families as a support system to aid the transition into university life is viewed as a crucial integration strategy of first year students at many Oxford colleges. Supporting this notion, we have decided to create Cortex Club families – utilizing a shared passion for neuroscience to pair more senior neuroscientists (PhD level, post-docs, research assistants, postgrads) with undergraduate or postgraduate students. This program provides opportunities for mentoring, or being mentored, to all those interested in neuroscience, as well as creating a platform for networking. As a parent, passing on know-how and tips to aid younger neuroscientists in their transition into the world of neuroscience, or their future in it, can be an incredibly enriching experience, while junior neuroscientists can benefit and learn from the skill of their parents. Apart from establishing an enjoyable atmosphere to discuss ideas and share enthusiasm for your specific field of interest, we have put in place additional measures to increase diversity, providing the option for under-represented minorities to be placed into families with other members of the same marginalized group.

We are currently recruiting parents for our Cortex families. Cortex families is a programme to match more senior neuroscientists with more junior neuroscientists to provide a support network and mentoring. Parent positions are open to all students (postgraduate and undergraduates), post-docs and research assistants.