I was once asked by a student how old one has to be to no longer need mentors. I answered, “If there is such an age, I have not yet reached it.” My answer was both heartfelt truth and glib retort. I don’t know how the student took it, but this brief encounter got me thinking about the concept and practical reality of having and being a mentor.
This issue of The NIH Catalyst marks my retirement as Editor-in-Chief. I have been honored to serve in this role for the past 14 years and to have contributed to the NIH mission by keeping everyone informed of advances and services and helping to inspire and to be a catalyst for scientific collaborations.
Nancy Muir, M.L.S., Selected as Next NIH Library Director
The NIH Office of Research Services in January named Nancy Muir as the NIH Library Director. Muir, who joined the NIH in January 2021 as the NIH Library Branch Chief for Educational Services, brings a strong history of innovation and leadership to her new role as Director.
Read about scientific advances and discoveries by NIH intramural scientists: detailed atlas for studying Parkinson’s disease neurogenetic risk factors;heart-failure risk significantly higher in rural areas; new mechanism of gene regulation during early development; 3D bioprinting used to create eye tissue; probiotic treatment reduces colonization of harmful bacteria; genotype-first approach uncovers new links to genetic conditions; and first-in-human study evaluates Marburg virus vaccine.
How to Prepare for the In-Person Conference Post-Pandemic
Now that we are returning to in-person events en masse, we scientists find ourselves with a large and looming question: What will our beloved, in-person conferences look like? We are faced with uncertainties about what to expect moving forward. Here we have compiled some helpful tips on how best to prepare for in-person conferences, to help you make the most of renewed opportunities to reunite with your colleagues, collaborators, and scientific communities.
How to Disclose and Protect your Research Discovery or Innovation at NIH
So, you have a research discovery or innovation at NIH—now what? Federal researchers are legally required to disclose their discoveries and inventions. You may be wondering: Where do I go first? How and when do I report new discoveries? What will happen to my inventions? Follow the four steps in this article to stay engaged with your Tech Transfer community at NIH and move your research forward—and turn discovery into health.
NEWS FROM AND ABOUT THE SCIENTIFIC INTEREST GROUPS
Psychedelic Medicine Returns to the NIH
More than 60 NIH researchers representing multiple institutes, disciplines, and generations tuned in on January 24, 2023, for the inaugural meeting of the Psychedelic Science and Medicine Interest Group.