Overview
Careers in Scientific Research and Development (R&D) are dedicated to the discovery and contribution of new ideas for the advancement of science. Ideas proposed for research funding undergo a thorough peer review system involving expert scientists worldwide. The reviewed proposals with utmost importance are funded by government agencies and research institutions. Aside from grants and funding, career development programs are also offered by health agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support researchers worldwide.
Importance
Research scientists must complete specialized training and a comprehensive education to achieve independent research status. However, achieving this goal requires ample time and financial support. Organizations such as the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) have collaborated and created career development programs to support researchers in their endeavors. Most of these programs are intended to address the rising need for competent research scientists. It is necessary for researchers to be aware and take advantage of career-enhancing opportunities to enhance their skills and attain conclusive studies.
NCRR’s Recovery Act-Supported Funding Opportunities
The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) offers grants amounting to more than $1.6 billion as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Researchers can join NCCR programs such as Research Management Workshops by keeping track of event announcements on the organization’s website. Researchers can also view past events by reading summaries and fact sheets under the ‘Meeting Reports’ section of their website.
Reporting Research Data
Researchers must know the guidelines for reporting biomedical research data. Most biomedical journals require a specific set of data that the researcher or author must include in the report. The Equator Network Resource Centre and National Library of Medicine (NLM) provide a full list of the guidelines, basic requirements, editorial samples and similar writing techniques for proper reporting of research data.
Bioethical Issues & Research
Aside from the wide databases and tutorials available online, there are other libraries that a researcher should recognize. The National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature (NRCBL) holds the world’s biggest collection of ethical-related articles, legal resources, journals and related publications. The library serves as a literature reference to help the researchers who are interested in the medical ethics field and biomedical studies. It is important to review any ethical issues concerning the course of research, especially those dealing with human and animal-based experiments/trials.
Scientific Collaboration for the 21st Century
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), engaged with 27 institutes and centers, provides scientific collaboration that trains researchers worldwide. They aim to provide leadership training and financial assistance to researchers. This collaboration paved way for technological advances in the health care system. Knowing all the institutes associated with NIH as well as the allied research institutes worldwide helps researchers gain access to high-end research tools and take advantage of streamlined research data processing.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature
NCCR for more Clinical Research Resources
National Institutes of Health - the Nation’s Medical Research Agency
Re-Engineering The Clinical Research Enterprise Module; National Institute of Health; 2009
