FASEB Comments on Advancing Postdoctoral Training

By: Nabila Riaz
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
In July, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input on enhancing U.S. postdoctoral research training and career progression. The RFI, based on the December 2023 report from the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director (ACD), focused on three key recommendations addressing the challenges faced by postdoctoral scholars.

In its        comments, FASEB supported limiting NIH postdoctoral support to a well-defined, short-term period aimed at transitioning scholars to independence. However, FASEB also raised concerns about potential negative impacts on vulnerable groups, particularly international scholars and those in family planning years. FASEB recommended that NIH establish a standardized extension policy for major life events. FASEB further encouraged NIH to increase awareness of and expand existing resources to help implement these changes, while also advocating for programs with dedicated funding to create stable staff scientist positions in academic labs. The Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards program was highlighted in FASEB’s comments as a model, offering short-term postdoctoral positions with clear expectations and strong career progression.

Regarding the K99/R00 mechanism, FASEB acknowledged that limiting eligibility to two years could expedite the transition from trainee to faculty. However, FASEB expressed concerns that this restriction could exacerbate existing inequities for underrepresented and international scholars. FASEB emphasized that a two-year limit places undue weight on publication records, the prestige of institutions, and sponsorships. FASEB appreciated NIH's efforts to reduce bias by prioritizing creativity and innovation over research productivity but urged the agency to ensure these changes do not unintentionally limit access for a diverse range of scholars. FASEB called for clarification of the revised review criteria, including a standardized definition of “creativity” and clear evaluation metrics.

Additionally, FASEB recommended that NIH include reporting requirements in training grants to ensure postdocs have protected time for professional development. FASEB highlighted essential mentor competencies and encouraged NIH to elevate programs like the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) and Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) to ensure appropriate mentoring of NIH-funded postdocs.