BACKGROUND

During 1987 and 1988, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) held a series of regional meetings throughout the United States. At these meetings, testimony was presented by concerned individuals and organizations regarding the underrepresentation of minorities in biomedical and behavioral research. Although the NIH currently provides opportunities for minorities through the traditional research grant programs and through special initiatives supported by various components of the NIH, the testimony indicated that efforts of the NIH should be increased. In addition, the NIH recognizes the need to increase the number of underrepresented minority scientists participating in biomedical and behavioral research.

In response to these concerns, the NIH is emphasizing the use of administrative supplements to attract underrepresented minorities into biomedical and behavioral research. The mechanisms described in this announcement have been endorsed by all the awarding components of the NIH and are designed to provide support for research experiences at grantee institutions for minorities throughout the continuum from high school to the faculty level.

For additional information visit their web site at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-99-104.html