Key Dates
RFA-HD-18-103 - Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) (K12 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), plans to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to solicit applications to provide career development support for obstetricians and gynecologists who have completed their clinical training, and who are committed to a career conducting basic science research in an academic setting. This FOA wil be a reissue of RFA-HD-18-103
This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.
This FOA will utilize the K12-Physician Scientist Award (Program) (PSA) activity code. Details of the planned FOA are provided below.
The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) is a national career development program that was launched in 1988 with the goal of developing a cadre of physician-scientists based in academic departments who could employ cutting-edge cell, molecular and genetic technologies to address important problems in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob-Gyn). The mentored research experiences offered by this program seek to assist junior faculty in their transition to productive, independent clinician-scientists who are highly competitive for research funding.
As of spring, 2016, nearly 100 clinical fellows (hereafter referred in this FOA as "scholars") have participated in the RSDP. Of those scholars, approximately 75% have applied for research grants with half receiving at least one grant award. Moreover, 78% of former scholars remained in faculty or research-related positions with many assuming leadership positions in their respective institutions.
The RSDP has distinguished itself from other K12 programs in that scholar career development is done in two phases. In Phase I, which lasts two, and occasionally, three years, a scholar identifies a sponsor (usually a department chairperson) and a world-class mentor(s) at a US-based institution of their choice. During this phase, the scholar devotes 75% of their time conducting cutting-edge basic research in cellular/molecular biology, genetics, etc. Following this intensive research experience, the scholar enters Phase II and assumes a junior faculty position, usually in the sponsoring department. During Phase II, the scholar spends at least 75% of their effort in mentored laboratory research with the remaining time being spent in teaching or clinical service. It is during this phase that the scholar attempts to establish an independent research program by applying for extramural grant support generally through the NIH. An RSDP Selection Committee reviews applications for Phase I and II and makes recommendations to the PD/PI of the K12 award. An RSDP Evaluation Committee also performs site visit reviews of scholars at the end of their Phase I experience and when issues arise.
TBD
TBD
TBD
Private Institution of Higher Education
Nonprofit with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education)
State Government
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized)
County governments
Independent school districts
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization (Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
U.S. Territory or Possession
Regional Organization
Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
Applications are not being solicited at this time.
Please direct all inquiries to:
Esther Eisenberg, MD MPH
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
240-271-7303
and Human Services (HHS)
