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NIH Distinguished Scholars Program

A Cohort Model for Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion of Principal Investigators in the NIH Intramural Research Program

NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli and the NIH Distinguished Scholars Program Steering Committee with program leaders Dr. Carl Hashimoto, Dr. Nina Schor, Dr. Roland Owens, and Dr. Marie A. Bernard

NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli and the NIH Distinguished Scholars Program Steering Committee with program leaders Dr. Carl Hashimoto, Dr. Nina Schor, Dr. Roland Owens, and Dr. Marie A. Bernard, as well as Distinguished Scholars Program cohort members. 

Overview

The NIH Distinguished Scholars Program (DSP) aims to build a more inclusive community within the NIH Intramural Research Program by facilitating the recruitment and career development of principal investigators who have a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce.

The program intends to recruit a cohort of up to 15 investigators from diverse backgrounds each year and to provide the investigators with mentoring and other professional development activities that foster research and career success.

Selection for the program is competitive and is prestigious recognition of outstanding accomplishments both in scientific research and in promoting diversity and inclusion.

NIH Distinguished Scholars Program Steering Committee

Headshot of Marie Bernard

Marie A. Bernard, M.D.

Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity

As the Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity, Dr. Marie A. Bernard leads NIH’s effort to promote diversity, inclusiveness, and equity throughout the biomedical research enterprise. She is former Deputy Director of the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA) and has been involved in a broad variety of NIH activities to further diversity.

Nina Schor headshot

Nina F. Schor, M.D., Ph. D

Deputy Director for Intramural Research

Dr. Nina F. Schor is the Deputy Director for Intramural Research at the NIH, overseeing the research, training, and clinical activities across the 24 institutes and centers that constitute NIH’s Intramural Research Program. She also continues to serve as a Neurology Director for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

owens headshot

Roland Owens, Ph.D.

Acting Principal Deputy Director
Office of Intramural Research

Dr. Roland Owens is the Acting Principal Deputy Director in the Office of Intramural Research (OIR) who oversees principal investigator recruitments within NIH’s Intramural Research Program. He is also the principal OIR senior staff member responsible for promoting diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce, as well as promoting mentorship at the NIH.

Carl Hashimoto headshot

Carl Hashimoto, Ph.D.

Director of Faculty Development
Office of Intramural Research

Dr. Carl Hashimoto is the Director of Faculty Development in the Office of Intramural Research (OIR). His primary responsibility in this role is to support the professional and career development of faculty, especially early career stage faculty, in the NIH Intramural Research Program.

Distinguished Scholar Program Cohorts by Year

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Senior Mentors

Funding

Activities

Distinguished Scholar Stories

Eligibility and Nomination

Contact Us

For further information about the Distinguished Scholars Program, please email carl.hashimoto@nih.gov.