Who we areThe Black Doctoral Network (BDN) is a national membership organization and nonprofit that mobilizes scholars, students, and professionals to turn knowledge into community impact. We cultivate one of the deepest reservoirs of intellectual capital in the country linking universities, corporations, and local organizations to advance mentorship, workforce development, and professional learning. Through our conferences, webinars, and community initiatives, BDN bridges higher education with industry and civic life, empowering members to apply their expertise to real-world challenges. Together, our network strengthens academic pipelines, career pathways, and leadership for the future of work. |
![]() 13 YEARS AND COUNTING![]() 34K Interconnected Scholars![]() Data-Informed Decision Making |
THE BDN MISSIONTo accelerate excellence and opportunity by connecting ambitious minds through mentorship, workforce development, and research-driven collaboration that turns knowledge into impact and prepares leaders for the future of work. |
THE BDN VISIONWe envision a world where intellectual talent is cultivated, elevated, and activated across every field of research, innovation, and leadership. BDN fosters a thriving ecosystem where scholars, students, and professionals spanning the undergraduate level to the highest tiers of academia apply their knowledge to strengthen communities and shape the future of work. Through access to relationships, resources, and real-world opportunities, our members gain the tools to lead, teach, publish, and innovate at scale. We believe the future belongs to those with the courage to build it, and BDN is where that future is forged. |
BDN VALUESWe value intellectual rigor, lifelong mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence across academic, professional, and civic domains. BDN is grounded in the belief that access to opportunity, collaborative innovation, and the real-world application of knowledge drive lasting success for individuals, institutions, and society. We harness the power of our collective intellectual capital to uplift communities, expand workforce opportunity, and shape the future of work. Above all, we exist to connect bold thinkers to the tools, partnerships, and networks they need to build enduring legacies. |
WHY SCHOLARS CHOOSE BDN"BDN is more than a network. It is a movement of thinkers turning knowledge into action. As a national membership organization, BDN connects scholars, students, and professionals across every discipline to collaborate, mentor, and lead with purpose. Our community spans classrooms, research labs, boardrooms, and civic spaces, linking theoretical insight with real-world application. Through mentorship, workforce development, and cross-sector partnerships, members gain opportunities to teach, publish, consult, and create meaningful change. Those who join BDN do not just stay connected. They shape progress and belong to a community that leads it. |
Upcoming Events
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Featured members |
Applying Research and Transforming Communities | Tuesday, June 19-22 2025 New York, New YorkAdvancing Equity Through the Professoriate Pipeline: Building the Next Generation of Scholars, Leaders, and ChangemakersThe Black Doctoral Network is proud to host a special invite-only conference in New York City from June 19–22, 2025, at 115 Broadway, New York, NY. Titled “Advancing Equity Through the Professoriate Pipeline: Building the Next Generation of Scholars, Leaders, and Changemakers,” this gathering will convene university leaders, emerging scholars, and academic professionals for a focused dialogue on strengthening the pathway to faculty leadership—especially for those from historically underrepresented communities in higher education. This intimate, high-impact convening will offer space for strategic conversation, collaboration, and action. We are honored to confirm your participation in the following sessions. |