When you think of scientists and the amount of time, effort, and dedication they put into their work, what comes to mind?

Some individual’s dedicate their life’s work to learning all that they can, and being able to showcase their skills with a specific grant awarded to brilliant minds, called the R01, which is granted by the National Institute of Health for biomedical research. However, recent studies show that some individual’s may have preference over others. African American’s are given less of a chance than Caucasian and Hispanic individuals to receive this career starting award; the cause of such matter is being analyzed. Some individuals are shocked by the announcement of racial disparity in awarding this grant, while others are familiar with this situation.

The underlying factors regarding the racial inequality in a field where the color of your skin should not matter is a topic of discussion among many scientists. According to Director Francis Collins, “This is simply unacceptable that there are differences in success that can't be explained.” Students who attend historically black colleges actually explain an intimidation factor that exists in applying for this award due to the results of the past. This creates a road block for some great minds to get funded and support their ideas relating to biomedical research which is an area that can always benefit from fresh new ideas by individuals from across the globe.

The several conclusions that can be drawn from the results of the internal review board that decides who will be awarded the grant may be based on the biases held by the individuals conducting the review. The inclusion of background information not supplied in the applications of individuals has also been suspected to be a deciding factor, as well as the name or location of the college attended. Based on these factors, biostaticians have enough evidence to assume that preference is taken to Caucasians or even other minority groups such as Asians or Hispanics. Black applicants always seem to score at least ten points below those of white skin, which cannot be validated by any means. The fact that Caucasians may have more access to mentors and research resources is an important factor, but not one to be overlooked, or to become a deciding factor.

The correction of this issue is a necessity to the growth and expansion of the biomedical sciences. Great ideas and knowledge should not have a limit and all should be eligible for its candidacy. The new procedures that are now being practiced by the National Institute of Health give the reviewers training on making the best decisions without personal presumptions or biases involved, which is the best way to choose from a wide applicant pool. Mentoring individual’s early on will also make a huge impact, so the NIH has even implemented new strategies to allow everyone fair access to information to assist their chances of receiving funding for their ideas. As it stands now, less than two percent of applications received are from black individuals. Releasing the intimidation factor and also allowing adequate resources and a board of fair minded individuals could cause a spike of interest among those who wish to receive this award.