Post-Baccalaureate Research Education in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

May 2022 Council

Lead Division/Office

DEM

Point(s) of Contact

Barbara Linder, M.D., Ph.D.; Olivier Blondel, Ph.D.;  Arthur Castle, Ph.D.;  Karen Teff, Ph.D.

Executive Summary

NIDDK recognizes the need to increase diversity in the biomedical workforce. Data indicate that individuals from NIH-defined underrepresented groups enter biomedical science in lower numbers, are less successful at obtaining NIH grant support and are less likely to be promoted into leadership positions. Sustained efforts are needed to increase the pipeline of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds entering graduate programs. There are multiple complex reasons that underrepresented minorities may not pursue biomedical careers after graduation from college. One approach to addressing some of these barriers may be to establish a supportive post-baccalaureate research education program to provide interested individuals with hands-on research experience and mentoring specifically focused on preparing these individuals to apply to graduate programs and pursue research careers in science relevant to the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (DDEMD).This initiative will create a Post-Baccalaureate Research Program for Underrepresented Minority (URM) college graduates who have not had enough research experience during college to allow them to be competitive for admission to Ph.D. programs. The long-term goal of the initiative is to develop a diverse pool of post-baccalaureate students who will transition to and complete post-doctoral degrees in biomedical areas related to DDEMD science and, ultimately, pursue scientific careers related to DDEMD science.