Addressing challenges faced by underrepresented biomedical investigators and efforts to address them: An NHLBI-PRIDE perspective

Abstract

Junior investigators from groups underrepresented in the biomedical workforce confront challenges as they navigate the ranks of academic research careers. Biochemical research needs the participation of these researchers to adequately tackle critical research priorities such as cardiovascular health disparities and health inequities. We explore the inadequate representation of underrepresented minority investigators and the historical role of systemic racism in impacting their poor career progression. We highlight challenges these investigators face, and opportunities to address these barriers are identified. Ensuring adequate recruitment and promotion of underrepresented biomedical researchers fosters inclusive excellence and augments efforts to address health inequities. The Programs to Increase Diversity among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related Research (PRIDE), funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is a pilot program by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that aims to address these challenges yet, only a limited number of URM can be accepted to PRIDE programs. Hence the need for additional funding for more PRIDE or PRIDE-like programs. Here we aim to examine the challenges underrepresented minority biomedical investigators face and describe ongoing initiatives to increase URM in biomedical research using the NHLBI-PRIDE program as a focus point.