New NIH Director cites Whitehead Fellows program as a model for young investigators
CAMBRIDGE, Mass (August 18, 2009) — Newly appointed National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins said Monday he has contemplated the NIH’s piloting a program for exceptional young investigators modeled after Whitehead Institute’s Fellows program.
Collins made his remarks during a press conference marking his first day as NIH Director. His mention of the Whitehead Fellows program, which provides particularly promising individuals the space and resources to run their own labs and pursue independent research agendas, came in response to a question about creative ways to attract, nurture, and possibly accelerate the careers of young scientists.
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
is a nonprofit, independent research and educational
institution. Wholly independent in its governance, finances
and research programs, Whitehead shares a close affiliation
with Massachusetts Institute of Technology through its
faculty, who hold joint MIT appointments.
