Achieving gender parity continues to be a challenge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly in senior and leadership positions. This also applies to the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR), where females are underrepresented in senior research positions despite comparable numbers of male and female PhD students and Postdocs.

The aim of the REFRESH (REtaining Female RESearcH talent at DRCMR: Supporting successful transition to senior research roles) initiative is to tackle the gender imbalance at senior research levels at the DRCMR. We will identify challenges and develop strategic initiatives for change to retain female research talent in neuroscience and to promote and support female researchers' transition into senior academic roles. To this end, we will:

• increase the awareness of gender bias at the DRCMR through strategic workshops
• increase the visibility of female role models in neuroscience via a seminar series and related networking
• start a mentorship programme for female researchers with academic career aspirations
• conduct survey-based data collection to assess the current perception of gender bias in the department and track changes over time as a measure of the impact of our REFRESH initiative

We expect that our project will instigate change towards tackling the gender gap in neuroscience and equip our researchers with the tools to create a more diverse and supportive research environment. Ultimately, the goal is to retain talented female researchers in neuroscience and academia and to promote and facilitate long-term career trajectories toward senior research positions for women at the DRCMR.