Reaffirming NIH’s Commitment to Workforce Diversity

November 3, 2021

Diversity is inextricably tied to the success of the NIH mission, thus ensuring diversity within the extramural biomedical research workforce is of utmost importance. We are aware that NIH’s recent decision to rescind a “Notice of Special Interest” (or NOSI) – intended solely to call attention to the presence of a specific funding opportunity announcement and encourage researchers from underrepresented groups to apply – may have caused some to question this commitment. While the spirit of the NOSI was laudable, it may have led to an impression that by linking demographic characteristics to grant proposals, applications supporting scientists from underrepresented groups would be automatically prioritized for funding. Read on for more.

Expanded Website Outlines How to Support Safe and Respectful Workplaces at Institutions that Receive NIH Funding

October 29, 2021

We have updated our anti-sexual harassment website to encompass the range of threats to safe and respectful workplaces at institutions receiving NIH funding. The updated site outlines actions NIH can take to address different forms of harassment, how to notify us (which can be anonymous), resources to evaluate workplace climate, and frequently asked questions.

Reminder: NIH Encourages Applications Supporting Individuals From Underrepresented Ethnic and Racial Groups as Well as Individuals With Disabilities

October 28, 2021

In this notice, NIH reaffirms its commitment to supporting a sustainable and diverse biomedical research workforce. Diversity within the NIH-supported scientific workforce fosters innovation, enhances global competitiveness, improves the quality of research and research outcomes.

More Data on Applications Submitted During the Pandemic

October 20, 2021

Twice since the onset of the public health emergency we have taken a look at the number of research applications submitted together with some demographic information on the affiliated scientists. We are continuing to follow this analysis again here, focusing on NIH R01-equivalent and RPG application patterns during April 9 and August 8 over the past five years.