A major concern among young researchers is the gloomy prospect that when they are done with their Ph.D or MD training, they won’t be able to get funding to set up their own lab. This might include Children’s Tumor Foundation Young Investigator Award recipients ready to become independent neurofibromatosis researchers. It is a worrying situation as young researchers are the ‘seed corn’ of science, ensuring future continued research progress. Faced with the current financial situation, though, many young scientists leave scientific research for other career paths.
To address this, and especially to ensure support for the brightest young stars, the National Institutes of Health is planning an Early Independence Award (EIA) that would allow researchers to move directly from completing their Ph.D or MD, and on to running an independent lab.
At this time the NIH is asking for YOUR feedback and input on this proposed program. Deadline for feedback: March 18th. For more information and to offer your comments click here.