Neurosurgeon Research Career Development Program (NRCDP)

ABSTRACT This renewal application would provide funding to administer the Neurosurgeon Research Career Development Program (NRCDP) for another five years. This program is the basis of a continued national effort to support, train, and mentor junior neurosurgical faculty members at appropriate institutions nationwide. The proposal addresses the rationale and ongoing need for the NRCDP and includes several proposed innovations to augment and expand the scope and diversity of the program, the leadership structure, and the rationale for the selection of the National Advisory Committee (NAC). It also details a well-developed and robust system for the recruitment and selection of scholar-applicants based on their potential, their mentor’s track-record, and the support of their Chairs. In addition, there is a description of the Annual Retreat, which includes applicant interviews, symposia on reproducibility and rigor, interactive grant-preparation sessions, and NIH style “study-section”, where the NAC reviews applications and selects Scholars. Eligible candidates are newly appointed neurosurgical faculty within one year of completing residency or fellowship. Successful applicants are called Scholars. Qualified applicants not selected for funding are called Emerging Investigators and are also an important part of the program. The primary goal of the program is to support Scholars along the path to scientific independence. Hence, an important metric is success in securing subsequent independent funding from the NIH, or other federal agencies. In the 10 years the program has been in place, we have reviewed applications from 138 individuals, at 75 different institutions, located in 36 states. In the most recent analysis, we found that the success rate for Scholars obtaining subsequent NIH funding increased significantly year by year – approaching 85% by nine years. These benefits did not only accrue to Scholars, but also to Emerging Investigators. Their success rate in obtaining subsequent independent NIH funding also grew over time, though at a slower rate, and approached 60% by nine years, due to the development of a parallel path for continued mentoring in the Academy Emerging Investigator Program (EIP). In this competing renewal, we have identified four important priorities: Goal One: To promote and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion at all program levels. Goal Two: To create a “Pipeline Program” to recruit the most talented and diverse group of K12 applicants. Goal Three: To expand the “Training Program” to accelerate timing to first independent NIH award. Goal Four: Establish an NRCDP leadership structure that embraces continuous renewal and evolution. Achievement of these goals will lead to a cadre of diverse, independent neurosurgeon- scientists that perform ethical, rigorous, and high-impact research into the pathogenesis and treatment for many of most disabling disorders affecting the nervous system.