The Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., and I work together on many programs and initiatives at NIH. As the NIH institute devoted to improving minority health and reducing health disparities, NIMHD works collaboratively with my office in our efforts to include diverse perspectives in biomedical and behavioral research.
Yet, for both of us, one new initiative stands out from all the projects we’ve joined forces on in the past.
EARA Initiative
The Engagement and Access for Research-Active Institutions (EARA) initiative and its emphasis on broadening the participation of Research-Active Institutions (RAIs)* in the NIH ecosystem opens new opportunities for collaboration.
“Through EARA, we help address the lack of information and awareness of scientific research opportunities, which contribute to underrepresentation in both clinical research participation and in the biomedical and behavioral research workforce,” Dr. Pérez-Stable said.
By taking an organized, intentional approach to reaching scientists from populations underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research, EARA highlights RAIs, many of which have been variously labeled in the past, including being considered resource limited.
“Research Active Institutions play an important role in engaging underserved populations from racial and ethnic minority groups, those with low socioeconomic status, and populations in rural areas in research, improving minority health, and reducing health disparities,” explained Dr. Pérez-Stable. “There is expertise and innovation at these institutions that could significantly impact our research goals.”
Connecting with Academic Leaders
As the initial momentum for EARA increases, Dr. Pérez-Stable emphasizes the need for everyone involved to “see the initiative as a key factor in achieving research goals.”
For Dr. Pérez-Stable, connections are key.
“Taking an active role is a way to build trust and demonstrate commitment to being inclusive. Our program staff stand ready to help in any way they can. I encourage RAIs to view this engagement as a first step to help define a research area for their faculty. We’re finding that each RAI is different, so we need to be open to customizing how we work and being intentional in keeping communication channels open.”
Uplifting Others to Get Results
Building on connections developed through EARA into results will take time, but Dr. Pérez-Stable expresses confidence.
“Research success is most often measured by grants received—especially R01s—and peer-reviewed papers published. Excellent science can be achieved in specific areas by RAIs that leverage their resources and talent in specific areas of strength,” said Dr. Pérez-Stable. “I hold a strong belief that real progress is seen when we uplift others.”
I share Dr. Pérez-Stable’s optimism. EARA is an idea whose time has come.
EARA emerged as an idea from the NIH UNITE initiative, which acts as a think tank to promote equity, generate bold ideas, and catalyze new actions within the NIH ecosystem. To learn more about EARA and RAIs, please visit the EARA webpage and watch our video for a quick overview.
* RAIs are defined as institutions that: (1) have a historical mission to serve populations underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research, (2) award degrees in the health professions or the sciences related to health, or in STEM fields including social and behavioral sciences, and (3) have received an average of no more than $25 million (total costs) of NIH Research Project Grant (RPG) support for the past three fiscal years.