The Health Disparities Visiting Faculty Program
Background
The health status of all U.S. racial and ethnic groups has improved steadily over the last century. However, disparities in major health indicators among segments of the U.S. population are growing. In general, racial and ethnic minority populations are disadvantaged relative to whites on most health indices. These disparities are of great concern to the Nation and there are efforts under way at the national Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, to address such disparities.
The National Human Genome Research Institute's Division of Intramural Research (NHGRI/DIR) is a focal point for research into genetics of human disease. NHGRI/DIR believes there are opportunities to cultivate relationships with researchers interested in health disparities and genomics research. A challenge for the field of genomics research is to develop genome-based tools that improve the health of all (see Grand Challenge II-6 in A Vision for the Future of Genomics Research: A Blueprint for the Genomic Era). NHGRI has accepted the challenge to play a leading role in addressing disparities in health status and seeks to collaborate with researchers to address the health disparities that face our world.
Program Overview
A new program sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute is seeking applicants. The NHGRI Health Disparities Visiting Faculty Program provides researchers focused on genomics and health disparities with the opportunity to spend a 6 to 12 month period at NHGRI. Visiting faculty will work with senior or associate investigators in NHGRI laboratories located in Bethesda, Md. or Baltimore. Visiting faculty will have the opportunity to learn new technologies, develop research collaborations, or conduct sabbatical research. Basic and social science researchers may access NHGRI's laboratories, core facilities, clinics and training programs for study in any area of human genetic disease including the ethical, legal, and social implications of such research. Researchers are expected to share their skills and experience upon return to their home institutions and applications will be evaluated based on this criterion.
Scope of Support
The program provides funding of up to 75 percent of a researcher's current salary and funding of all research-related expenses incurred at the NIH.
Eligibility
- Applicants must possess a doctoral degree or professional terminal degree and must be conducting research that is compatible with research being conducted in The Division of Intramural Research.
- Candidates must be independent faculty-level investigators who have potential or demonstrated excellence in a clinical, basic research or social science discipline.
Application Process
Candidates must submit a narrative letter, a CV, and reprints of three publications. Candidates must submit letters of support from the following:
- Department Head or equivalent individual.
- An investigator mentor within NHGRI/DIR.
- Three professional references.
Applications that meet eligibility criteria will receive peer review by the Health Disparities Visiting Faculty Program's Scientific Review Committee. This review will be based on criteria outlined in the application form and successful applicants will be invited to come to the NIH for an interview before final decisions are made.
Program Application 
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Frequently Asked Questions
Application Deadline
Applications for 2008-2009 are currently being accepted.
Contact Information
Vence Bonham, J.D.
Building 31 Claude D. Pepper Bldg, B1B55
31 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
E-mail: bonhamv@mail.nih.gov
Last Updated: August 22, 2008
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