4.1: Researchers
Strengthen the pool of qualified health and behavioral science researchers. Other Information:
The average age of first-time (new) principal investigators of research funded by NIH has risen to 42 years for Ph.D. degree
holders and 44 years for M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. holders. This trend must be curtailed in order to capture the creativity and
innovation of new independent investigators in their early career stages to address the Nation’s health-related research needs.
The National Research Council of the National Academies of Science issued two reports in 2005 about research training and
career development with calls for immediate action. NIH will continue to respond to this need to assist and mentor creative
young researchers through existing programs. NIH is also developing new initiatives to complement existing efforts to strengthen
the pool of qualified health and behavioral science researchers. NIH will continue to support the Ruth L. Krischstein National
Research Service Award Research Training Grants and Fellowships Program. This program provides grant and fellowship funding
for individual investigators with or working on a research-related or health-profession doctorate degree. Individual awards
promote diversity in health-related research fields across NIH. HHS will use the retention rate of these trainees and fellows
as an indicator of its success in improving the pool of qualified researchers. NIH will also support the Pathway to Independence
Award Program. This program is an innovative and new opportunity for promising postdoctoral scientists to receive both mentored
and independent research support from the same award. NIH will also continue to work with IHS to support the Native American
Research Centers for Health to increase the number of AI/AN researchers.
Indicator(s):
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