Avoiding Gender and Minority Barriers to NIH Funding

Abstract

Applications submitted to NIH are being barred from initial funding, even with excellent priority scores, if the plan for inclusion of women and minorities is judged to be scientifically unacceptable by the initial review group. This situation is correctable and avoidable.

Is there still gender bias in nursing research? An update

“…This law provided legislative authority and guidance for NIH policies regarding funded research. Researchers who submit grant applications to NIH are now advised of policies that promote equitable inclusion of women and minorities, and NIH reviewers are required to consider the appropriateness and equitability of proposed study groups in their assessments of scientific merit (Harden & McFarland, 2000).…”

African American Participation in Clinical Trials: Recruitment Difficulties and Potential Remedies

“…Furthermore, any clinical trial in which minority groups will be included as subjects must be designed and carried out in such a manner that an analysis of the variables being studied would indicate whether the members of the minority group were affected differently from other subjects in the trial (NIH Guide 1996). Because of these new NIH guidelines, applications being submitted to the NIH are being refused initial funding, regardless of their other merits, if their plan for including minorities is found to be scientifically unacceptable (Harder and McFarland 2000).…”

Understanding systems and rhythms for minority recruitment in intervention research

“…As minority health is increasingly being emphasized, elucidating factors that function as barriers to inclusion of minority populations in research also has increased (Harden & McFarland, 2000; Smedley, Stith, & Nelson, 2003; US Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). Interpersonal barriers include lack of trust of the medical and scientific community (Byrd & Clayton, 2001; Levkoff, Prohaska, Weitzman, & Ory, 2000), failure to actively recruit minorities, lack of health care provider participation, and language and cultural influences (Gallagher-Thompson, Solano, Coon, & Arean, 2003; Giuliano, et al, 2000; Lemon, Zapka, Estabrook, & Benjamin, 2006).…”