Grant application outcomes for biomedical researchers who participated in the National Research Mentoring Network's Grant Writing Coaching Programs.

Anne Marie Weber-Main,Jamboor K Vishwanatha,Japera Hemming,Richard Mcgee,Meldra Hall,Kimberly Lawson,Harlan P Jones,Nancy B Schwartz,Kristin Eide Boman,Laurie E Risner,Dedra Buchwald,Elizabeth Ofili,Clifford J Steer,Thaddeus Unold,Eileen M Harwood,Kolawole S Okuyemi,Spero M Manson,Jeffrey A Engler ,Ann D Smith

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241851

Abstract

BackgroundA diverse research workforce is essential for catalyzing biomedical advancements, but this workforce goal is hindered by persistent sex and racial/ethnic disparities among investigators receiving research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In response, the NIH-funded National Research Mentoring Network implemented a Grant Writing Coaching Program (GCP) to provide diverse cohorts of early-career investigators across the United States with intensive coaching throughout the proposal development process. We evaluated the GCP’s national reach and short-term impact on participants’ proposal submissions and funding outcomes.MethodsThe GCP was delivered as six similar but distinct models. All models began with an in-person group session, followed by a series of coaching sessions over 4 to 12 months. Participants were surveyed at 6-, 12- and 18-months after program completion to assess proposal outcomes (submissions, awards). Self-reported data were verified and supplemented by searches of public repositories of awarded grants when available. Submission and award rates were derived from counts of participants who submitted or were awarded at least one grant proposal in a category (NIH, other federal, non-federal).ResultsFrom June 2015 through March 2019, 545 investigators (67% female, 61% under-represented racial/ethnic minority, URM) from 187 different institutions participated in the GCP. Among them, 324 (59% of participants) submitted at least one grant application and 134 (41% of submitters) received funding. A total of 164 grants were awarded, the majority being from the NIH (93, 56%). Of the 74 R01 (or similar) NIH research proposals submitted by GCP participants, 16 have been funded thus far (56% to URM, 75% to women). This 22% award rate exceeded the 2016–2018 NIH success rates for new R01s.ConclusionInter- and intra-institutional grant writing coaching groups are a feasible and effective approach to supporting the grant acquisition efforts of early-career biomedical investigators, including women and those from URM groups.

Highlights

A diverse research workforce is essential for identifying and finding solutions to complex biological problems that will lead to medical breakthroughs and improve human health [1]
From June 2015 through March 2019, 545 investigators (67% female, 61% under-represented racial/ethnic minority, underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups (URM)) from 187 different institutions participated in the Grant Writing Coaching Program (GCP)
Of the 74 R01 National Institutes of Health (NIH) research proposals submitted by GCP participants, 16 have been funded far (56% to URM, 75% to women)

Summary

Introduction

A diverse research workforce is essential for identifying and finding solutions to complex biological problems that will lead to medical breakthroughs and improve human health [1]. Heterogeneity in scientific teams may even contribute to science quality and publication impact [13,14] It is of critical public health importance that individuals from underrepresented groups are trained in biomedical disciplines and supported in developing successful research careers. Similar disparities by race/ethnicity and sex were reported for 2010 to 2013, with R01 applications from black and female investigators less likely to be funded than those from white or male PIs [18]. Despite growth from 2002 to 2016 in the number of female and URM investigators who applied for and were awarded NIH grants, gaps in the R01 funding rate by race/ethnicity and sex have persisted. A diverse research workforce is essential for catalyzing biomedical advancements, but this workforce goal is hindered by persistent sex and racial/ethnic disparities among investigators receiving research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We evaluated the GCP’s national reach and short-term impact on participants’ proposal submissions and funding outcomes

Methods

Results

Conclusion