Programmatic Efforts at the National Institutes of Health to Promote and Support the Careers of Women in Biomedical Science

Abstract

Although women have reached parity at the training level in the biological sciences and medicine, they are still significantly underrepresented in the professoriate and in mid- and senior-level life science positions. Considerable effort has been devoted by individuals and organizations across science sectors to understanding this disparity and to developing interventions in support of women's career development. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) formed the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) in 1990 with the goals of supporting initiatives to improve women's health and providing opportunities and support for the recruitment, retention, reentry, and sustained advancement of women in biomedical careers. Here, the authors review several accomplishments and flagship activities initiated by the NIH and ORWH in support of women's career development during this time. These include programming to support researchers returning to the workforce after a period away (Research Supplements to Promote Reentry into Biomedical and Behavioral Research Careers), career development awards made through the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health program, and trans-NIH involvement and activities stemming from the NIH Working Group on Women in Biomedical Careers. These innovative programs have contributed to advancement of women by supporting the professional and personal needs of women in science. The authors discuss the unique opportunities that accompany NIH partnerships with the scientific community, and conclude with a summary of the impact of these programs on women in science.

Figure 1

Achievement of BIRCWH scholars. A. Terminal degrees held by BIRCWH scholars are indicated. Other degrees include DrPH, PsyD, and PharmD. B. The application rate (dark gray) and funding rate (light gray) of BIRCWH scholars are indicated for various NIH grants. The funding rate indicates the percentage of applicants. The majority of BIRCWH scholars have submitted at least one NIH grant application more than one year after their BIRCWH start date. Career development grants include K01, K08, K14, K22, K23, K25, K99, and KL1. All BIRCWH data were obtained in October 2014. Abbreviations: BIRCWH indicates Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health; NIH, National Institutes of Health.

Figure 2

Achievements of the Research Partnership on Women in Biomedical Careers. A. The announcement for CFI grants listed key research topics to be studied. Investigators from the 14 groups funded through this program were asked to categorize their research. Institutional factors were most commonly studied (topics are not mutually exclusive). B. The populations of individuals studied by each of the grantees are indicated. Women at the faculty level were the most frequently investigated. C. As of May 31, 2015, the investigators funded through the CFI announcement have given 162 presentations and published 62 manuscripts on women in the biomedical workforce. Additionally, the grantees have been awarded 24 additional grants and 31 nonfinancial accolades. Abbreviation: CFI indicates Causal Factors and Interventions.