"Junior scientists funded by the March of Dimes are more likely to publish and to go on to contribute to scientific discovery," says Brian Mavis, Ph.D., associate professor, Office of Medical Education Research and Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, and co-author of the study with Michael Katz, M.D., senior vice president for Research and Global Programs at the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.
Dr. Katz says, "The March of Dimes has very rigorous selection criteria and process for our research grant applicants. These findings validate that we are choosing wisely and investing successfully in individuals who are best able to benefit from our financial support."
The study compared 244 recipients of the March of Dimes Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Research Award Program grants from 1983 to 1987 with 195 unsuccessful applicants, and tracked their careers over a ten-year period. Participation in this grant program is limited to scientists who have earned a Ph.D. or M.D., hold a faculty appointment, and who do not yet have major funding. Generally, these are individuals who have started their own independent research programs, after years of working in the laboratories of more senior scientists. Grants are given for research consistent with the goals of the foundation, in fields such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, developmental biology, and biochemistry.
"We were also very pleased that these young scientists supported by the March of Dimes reported that our funding enhanced their confidence and recognition," says Dr. Katz.
"Evaluation of a Program Supporting Scholarly Productivity for New Investigators," by Brian Mavis and Michael Katz, appeared in the July issue of Academic Medicine, vol. 78, no. 7, pages 757-765. The full text of the article will be available free online at www.academicmedicine.org (click on "View Current Issue, July 2003" and then "Articles") for one month.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org.
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Academic Medicine