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The national institute on drug abuse diversity scholars network: success for a diverse addiction science workforce

Neuropsychopharmacology volume 48, pages 1963–1967 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

There is a well-known lack of diversity in many Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The gap in awarded National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants for scientists from underrepresented populations at the early stages of their careers contributes significantly to this lack of diversity. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Diversity Scholars Network (NDSN) program implemented a new model in 2016 to provide support to underrepresented early-career investigators (ECIs) by equipping them to navigate the competitive NIH grant process. NDSN has a demonstrable track record of providing equity through educational opportunities by enhancing the grant funding success of participants. Of 59 participants from 2016 through 2021, 53% received funding within the first two years after completing the program and 69% by four years. NDSN scholars surmount systemic funding barriers by building relationships with scientific coaches, mentors, NIDA Program Officials and intentionally engaging in network building, which all contribute to the funding success of ECIs. NIDA’s NDSN program provides a model for retaining underrepresented ECIs that not only benefits individual scholars, but also the institutions they serve and society as a whole.

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Fig. 1: Illustration of attrition of underrepresented career scientists.
Fig. 2: PubMed publication records from 1992 to 2022 for literature regarding the support of underrepresented early career investigators.
Fig. 3: Probability of successful funding for national institute on drug abuse diversity scholars network participants.

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Acknowledgements

We thank all contributors of quotes to this article. The authors also thank Isabela Ellenwood of the National Institute on Drug Abuse for her help in compiling data on grant outcomes for program participants, Adam Siggers of Rose Li & Associates for his administrative support, and all other partners who support this program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Albert H. Avila

  2. Rose Li & Associates, Chevy Chase, MD, USA

    Jason H. Weixelbaum & Kelli R. Goggans

  3. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Wilson M. Compton

Authors
  1. Albert H. Avila
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  2. Jason H. Weixelbaum
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  3. Kelli R. Goggans
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  4. Wilson M. Compton
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Contributions

AHA provided data on study participants, developed the study and paper conceptual approaches, drafted the manuscript, and critically reviewed the manuscript during revision processes. JHW drafted the manuscript in consultation with co-authors, and critically reviewed the manuscript during preparation and revision. KRG conducted data analysis of participant outcomes, and critically reviewed the manuscript during preparation and revision. WMC provided data on study participants, developed the study and paper conceptual approaches, critically reviewed the manuscript during preparation and revision, and supervised paper submission.

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Correspondence to Wilson M. Compton.

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WMC reports long-term stock holdings in General Electric Company, 3 M Companies, and Pfizer Incorporated, unrelated to the manuscript. Other authors report no competing interests.

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Avila, A.H., Weixelbaum, J.H., Goggans, K.R. et al. The national institute on drug abuse diversity scholars network: success for a diverse addiction science workforce. Neuropsychopharmacol. 48, 1963–1967 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-023-01733-x

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