National Academies release report on fostering independence in new researchers
Are new research investigators getting the support they need to begin independent research careers? On Friday, the National Academies responded to that question by suggesting that the National Institutes of Health promote independence among new biomedical researchers by improving their training and giving them more resources to pursue their own projects. In the NIH-sponsored report, "Bridges to Independence: Fostering the Independence of New Investigators in Biomedical Research," the National Academies' National Research Council addressed concerns about the increasing age at which investigators receive their first research grant. The report recommends that the NIH enforce a five-year time limit on postdoctoral funding; modify the RO1 grant applications to clarify mentorship responsibilities; replace the K22 career-transition awards with an agency-wide grant program for scientists moving into their first independent investigator positions; and create a New Investigator R01 award that focuses on previous work experience rather than previous research findings.

For more information, please visit http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/isbn/030909626X?OpenDocument.