July–August 2024 | NIH Intramural Research Program

30 Years On, Undergraduate Scholarship Program Sows Scientific Excellence

Early Investment Nets Top Talent

The Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) was authorized by Congress in 1994 to grant financial aid to undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research. We report on a sampling of remarkable stories and biomedical breakthroughs that have evolved from the work of UGSP “graduates.”

CARD Stacks the Deck Against Alzheimer's

NIH's Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Explores Genetics, Biomarkers, and More

Nested within the NIH’s intramural research program is the Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD), where researchers are working to identify the underpinnings of these diseases. CARD continues to advance these projects and pursue new ones that involve searching for missing causal genetic variants in non-European populations, developing complex multicellular models of neurodegeneration, and identifying biomarkers, to name a few.

From the Deputy Director for Intramural Research

Six Myths About Being a Mentor and a Mentee

This issue of the NIH Catalyst features several articles that highlight our dedication to training the next generation of biomedical scientists and clinicians. Mastering mentoring and being mentored are among the most important developmental milestones in a trainee’s NIH experience and career. In keeping with this theme, I will attempt to dispel some of the more commonly held myths about mentoring and being mentored.

Clinical Center Hosts Its First Graduation for Clinical Fellows

Inaugural Event Marks New Spirit of Unity Across 30 Training Programs

On June 14, the CC held its first graduation ceremony, which recognized more than 70 fellows who completed their various training programs. Although the CC has coordinated training for decades, this inaugural event celebrates a deepening sense of unity among the 30 fellowship and residency programs that participated in this year's ceremony.

The Health Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

ONLINE ONLY: Nearly 300 researchers, clinicians, and community members gathered to share research, steps people can take to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals at a June NCCIH–NIEHS workshop titled “Complementary and Integrative Interventions to Mitigate the Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals.”

Collaboration, Prevention, and Service

New DTT Scientific Director is Focused on the Public Good

Meet Heather Patisaul, the new scientific director of the NIEHS Division of Translational Toxicology.

News You Can Use

CDEs: A Critical Charge to Standardize Data

Collecting data in a common language can enhance existing artificial intelligence tools, expose health disparities, and augment the ability of researchers from around the globe to collaborate and build on each other’s work. Read all about common data elements (CDEs), which are standardized, precisely defined questions, paired with a set of specific allowable responses, used in research studies to facilitate data sharing, comparison, and interoperability across research domains.

Research Briefs

Read about Scientific Advances and Discoveries by NIH Intramural Scientists: Endurance exercise sparks whole-body response; widespread use of suboptimal antibiotics; fingernail screening helps identify genetic condition; enzyme biomarker associated with certain neurodegenerative disorders; new genetic links to hypertension; and predicting patient response to cancer treatments.

FY 2025 Budget Hearing Held on Capitol Hill

A congressional hearing for NIH's fiscal year 2025 budget request was held May 23 on Capitol Hill. Topic highlights included health concerns and scientific advancements at NIH that are top-of-mind for Congress.

Center for Cellular Engineering

ONLINE ONLY: The new Center for Cellular Engineering meets the incredible demand for cellular therapy services for IRP investigators and their patients, the realization of a bold business plan put forward in 2017.