NIH proposes critical initiatives to sustain future of U.S. biomedical research

NIH proposes critical initiatives to sustain future of U.S. biomedical research

This includes enhancing training of postdoctoral researchers, exploring increased support for training mechanisms designed to accelerate the development of independent research careers such as the NIH Pathway to Independence Awards (K99/R00), increase the emphasis on ongoing assessments of the biomedical research workforce, including a proposed follow-up study on clinician scientists, as well as to identify and track more comprehensively all graduate students and postdoctoral researchers supported by NIH to provide a sound basis for assessing workforce needs and planning future training activities. More comprehensive career outcomes data also would help to inform prospective graduate students and postdoctoral researchers contemplating careers in biomedical research. To read the full brief, please see below:

Future biomedical researchers: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/dec2012/od-07.htm

Safety survey reveals lab risks

Scientists may have a false sense of security about the safety of their laboratories, according to early results from the first international survey of researchers’ workplace attitudes and practices. Some 86% of the roughly 2,400 scientists who responded said that they believe their labs are safe places to work. Yet just under half had experienced injuries ranging from animal bites to chemical inhalation, and large fractions noted frequent lone working, unreported injuries and insufficient safety training on specific hazards (see ‘A question of safety’). To read more, please see below:

Safety in the laboratory: http://www.nature.com/news/safety-survey-reveals-lab-risks-1.12121

Dr. Sally Rockey comments on future postdoctoral training strategies

Dr. Sally Rockey comments on future postdoctoral training strategies

….,” as co-chair of the working group on the biomedical research workforce, I’m (Dr. Rockey) excited to share how NIH plans to support this critical component of the biomedical research enterprise, and improve the training experience of graduate students and postdocs alike. We intend to launch a program to support innovative approaches that expand and complement existing research training to include science-related career outcomes, and also encourage the adoption of individual development plans for all trainees. NIH plans to increase the funding of awards that encourage independence like the K99/R00 and early independence awards, and increase the initial postdoctoral researcher stipend. NIH also intends to embark on novel ways of improving the trainee experience, such as looking more closely at, and soliciting community feedback on, postdocs’ access to workplace benefits. To learn more about her thoughts, please see below:

Rockey’s thoughts: http://nexus.od.nih.gov/all/2012/12/07/following-up-on-acd-recommendations/

Bordering on Confusion

Bordering on Confusion. By Beryl Lieff Benderly. Science Careers.   
High-skill immigration reform is more complicated and contentious than it looks, an expert conference shows.