Introducing Ericka Boone, the New Director of the Biomedical Research Workforce Division

June 30, 2022

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ericka Boone as the new director of the Division of Biomedical Research Workforce (DBRW) in the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER), and I am thrilled she agreed to take on this role, given her background, interest, passions, and work ethic. Read on to learn more about Ericka.

Feedback Sought on the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan Framework for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

February 4, 2022

We are pleased to announce that the framework for the NIH-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) strategic plan was released earlier this week (NOT-OD-22-061). Your input on the framework is welcomed as the plan is developed, which will help us ensure that DEIA principles continue to be embraced and integrated across NIH going forward.

UNITE Wants to Learn from You: Join an Upcoming Listening Session

December 14, 2021

The UNITE initiative was established to identify and eliminate structural racism in biomedical research, and was publicly unveiled February 26, 2021, at a special meeting of the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD). On Friday, December 10, 2021, UNITE committee members provided an update to the ACD on progress and future directions for the initiative. How can you become involved in this important initiative? UNITE invites external stakeholders from the biomedical research community who work in diverse settings to participate in its online listening sessions. Sessions began on December 1 and continue through February 2022.

Long-Term Trends in the Age of Principal Investigators Supported for the First Time on NIH R01-Equivalent Awards

November 18, 2021

The R01 (or R01-equivalent) grant has traditionally been a critical component to the launch of one’s research career. A number of academic leaders have described and expressed concerns about the age at which scientists are first supported on an R01 award (“age at first R01”). The biomedical research workforce is aging over the past several decades due to demographic trends and the end of mandatory retirement in academia. Here we present data from fiscal years 1995 to 2020 on age at first R01-equivalent grant.

Two Upcoming Events on Using Cohort Models to Enhance Diversity

November 16, 2021

The NIH Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity (COSWD) Office is hosting a seminar and virtual forum on faculty cohort recruitment programs and other evidence-based strategies as tools to foster diversity. The first event will be on December 8, while the second will be in February 2022. Both events are open to NIH staff and the public.

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.