NIGMS has long encouraged the use of evidence-informed practices to improve research education, training, and career development. The Institute recognizes that there is need for more hypothesis-driven research to test biomedical training, mentoring and networking interventions for efficacy and replicability across career stages and at a range of institution types.
The goal of the B-INSPIRE (PAR-24-230) research program is to support research to test interventions to enhance research-oriented individuals' interest, motivation, persistence, and preparedness for careers in the biomedical research workforce. Funded projects are expected to produce research findings that will guide the implementation of interventions in a variety of academic settings and career levels to enhance the diversity of the biomedical research workforce.
NIGMS strives to ensure that future generations of researchers will be drawn from the entire pool of talented individuals, bringing different aptitudes, perspectives, interests, and experiences to address complex scientific problems. Accordingly, NIGMS encourages applications designed to understand and inform interventions that promote the research careers of individuals from underrepresented groups (see NIH's Interest in Diversity).
Applications describing a variety of research areas are encouraged. Examples include training, networking and mentoring, psychosocial factors, navigation of critical transition points, institutional factors that influence persistence, harassment, discrimination, and structural barriers to representation.
NIH recognizes that novel research using existing robust interventions datasets (for example, those that have controls or comparator groups, have a well-designed study protocol, adequate sample sizes) can be important for advancing a deeper understanding of behavioral interventions that promote broad participation in the biomedical research workforce. NIGMS will accept applications to propose novel, rigorous research utilizing robust interventions datasets through this NOFO.
For applicants interested in science and innovation policy as it relates to interventions, NIGMS and the NSF jointly support the Science of Science Approach to Analyzing and Innovating the Biomedical Research Enterprise (SoS:Bio) Program. For those interested, please visit the program webpage.
Investigators interested in addressing these objectives may apply in response to PAR-24-230, B-INSPIRE: Research on Behavioral Interventions that Promote Careers in the Biomedical Research Enterprise (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This research may also be supported by the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) R35 grant, which will support both established investigators and early stage investigators.
All potential applicants are highly encouraged to contact the Research on Interventions Program Officers for feedback on appropriateness far in advance of submitting an application.
For additional information, please contact Drs. Shakira Nelson and Joyce Stamm.
