Do you often think about how science works? Maybe you have ideas to accelerate the progress of biomedical research? Want to better understand the impact of NIH policies and programs? Are you an experienced science of science researcher? If so, consider applying to be one of our inaugural Science of Science Scholars.
Studying the scientific process to improve how science is done is fundamental to the science of science field. Our long-standing commitments to engage researchers and use high-quality evidence have helped measure the progress and effectiveness of NIH activities and improve decision making. For instance, researchers have leveraged NIH grants-related data and statistics publicly available through the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT) and occasionally our internal data to evaluate the supported biomedical workforce, award productivity, patents, and much more. Moreover, providing access to these data represents one way we are responding to the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, as well as recommendations from the Government Accountability Office and Advisory Committee to the NIH Director.
Earlier this year, we also collaborated with the White House Office of Management and Budget on a pilot project where academic researchers could design analyses that answer some of NIH’s most challenging questions. Researchers shared their ideas on topics like measuring scientific quality, rigor, and reproducibility; predicting scientific opportunities; and accelerating and expanding breakthrough research.
Our inaugural Science of Science Scholars pilot program announced today builds on these efforts. It aims to engage the research community and help us enhance NIH’s research operations to move biomedical research advances forward.
Interested researchers are expected to bring their technical skills and relevant expertise to NIH, such as evaluation of research methods and design. They will also have the opportunity to work closely with NIH staff experienced with NIH data types, structure, and processes, as well as gain access to internal administrative data, if appropriate.
Simply put, we want to improve our understanding of NIH’s impact on research. Areas include:
- Contributions to biomedical research
- Optimizing investment in a biomedical research workforce
- Ensuring scientific quality, rigor, and reproducibility
Those interested in applying should carefully review the solicitation. All materials and questions may be emailed to [email protected] by January 31st, 2025.
We hope outcomes from this program will bolster our capabilities to conduct more in-depth analyses and better evaluate NIH’s contributions to the biomedical research enterprise, with the goal of accelerating scientific discoveries. If the program is successful, we may expand the opportunity to more scholars going forward.
Editor’s Note (1/14/25): See the Guide Notice on the Pilot NIH Science of Science Scholars Program for an overview of the program and application process.
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