This book assesses the nation's future needs for biomedical and behavioral scientists and the role the National Research Service Awards (NRSA) program can play in meeting those needs. The year 1994 marks the twentieth anniversary of the National Research Act of 1974 (PL 93-348), which established the NRSA program. In its twenty years of operation, the NRSA program has made it possible for many thousands of talented individuals in the basic biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences to sharpen their research skills and to apply those skills to topics of special concern to the nation, such as aging, hypertension, the genetic basis of disease, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer, environmental toxicology, nutrition and health, and substance abuse.

Contents

• [Letter to The Honorable Donna E. Shalala]
• COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL NEEDS FOR BIOMEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH PERSONNEL
• NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING PERSONNEL
• Preface
• Executive Summary
  • Estimating National Needs for Research Scientists
  • Recommendations
  • Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Nrsa Program
  • References
• Chapter One. Introduction
  • Origins of the Study
  • Charge to the Committee
  • The Committee's Study Plan
  • Organization of the Report
  • References
• Chapter Two. Approaches to the Estimation of National Need
  • Health Research as a National Priority
  • Advances in Research
  • Marketplace Requirements
  • References
• Chapter Three. Basic Biomedical Sciences Personnel
  • Advances in Research
  • Assessment of the Current Market for Basic Biomedical Scientists
  • Outlook for Basic Biomedical Scientists
  • Ensuring the Diversity of Human Resources
  • The NRSA Program in the Basic Biomedical Sciences
  • Recommendations
  • References
• Chapter Four. Behavioral Sciences Personnel
  • Advances in Research in the Behavioral Sciences
  • Assessment of the Current Market for Behavioral Scientists
  • Outlook for Behavioral Scientists
  • Ensuring the Diversity of Human Resources
  • The NRSA Program in the Behavioral Sciences
  • Recommendations
  • References
• Chapter Five. Physician-Scientists
  • Advances in Clinical Science
  • Assessment of the Current Market for Clinical Scientists
  • Outlook for Clinical Scientists
  • Ensuring the Diversity of Human Resources
  • The Nrsa Program in the Clinical Sciences
  • Recommendations
  • References
• Chapter Six. Oral Health Research Personnel
  • Advances in Oral Health Research
  • Assessment of the Current Market for Oral Health Research Personnel
  • Outlook for Oral Health Research Scientists
  • Ensuring Diversity of Human Resources
  • National Research Service Award Program for Oral Health Research
  • Recommendations
  • References
• Chapter Seven. Nursing Research Personnel
  • Advances in Nursing Research
  • Assessment of the Current Market for Nursing Research Personnel
  • Outlook for Nursing Research Personnel
  • Ensuring Diversity of Human Resources
  • The NRSA Program in Nursing Research
  • Recommendations
  • References
• Chapter Eight. Health Services Research Personnel
  • Advances in Health Services Research
  • Assessment of the Current Market for Health Services Research Personnel
  • Outlook for Health Services Research Personnel
  • Ensuring Diversity of Human Resources
  • The NRSA Program in Health Services Research
  • Recommendations
  • References
• Chapter Nine. Recommendations and Remaining Considerations
  • Stipend Issues
  • Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Nrsa Program
  • References
• Appendixes
  • Appendix A Historical Overview
  • Appendix B Classification of Fields
  • Appendix C Public Hearing on National Needs for Biomedical and Behavioral Research Personnel
  • Appendix D Report Contributors
  • Appendix E Sources of Information for the National Research Service Award
  • Appendix F Data Tables
  • Appendix G Multistate Life Table Methodology and Projections
  • Appendix H Procedures Used to Estimate Awards, Stipends, and Costs
  • Appendix I Biographical Sketches

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competencies and with regard to appropriate balance.

This report has been reviewed by persons other than the author according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. Dr. Bruce Alberts is president of the National Academy of Sciences.

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964, under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, as a parallel organization of outstanding engineers. It is autonomous in its administration and in the selection of its members, sharing with the National Academy of Sciences the responsibility for advising the federal government. The National Academy of Engineering also sponsors engineering programs aimed at meeting national needs, encourages education and research, and recognizes the superior achievements of engineers. Dr. Robert M. White is president of the National Academy of Engineering.

The Institute of Medicine was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to secure the services of eminent members of appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. The Institute acts under the responsibility given to the National Academy of Sciences by its congressional charter to be an adviser to the federal government and, upon its own initiative, to identify issues of medical care, research, and education. Dr. Kenneth Shine is president of the Institute of Medicine.

The National Research Council was organized by the National Academy of Sciences in 1916 to associate the broad community of science and technology with the Academy's purposes of furthering knowledge and advising the federal government. Functioning in accordance with general policies determined by the Academy, the Council has become the principal operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The Council is administered jointly by both Academies and the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Bruce Alberts and Dr. Robert M. White are chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the National Research Council.