The community of scientists and students from 23 states and Puerto Rico who participate in the Institutional Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program, a subdivision of the Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) program offered by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), dedicates this award to Dr. Sidney A. McNairy, Jr.

Dr. McNairy's career accomplishments include notable contributions to basic science research in biochemistry as well as to planning and administration of national research initiatives. In the past decade, serving as Director of the Division of Research Infrastructure for NCRR, Dr. McNairy developed and implemented an entirely new concept, which was that research opportunities for students and faculty in states that traditionally have had limited participation in the nation's biomedical research agenda deserved expansion and significant support. Within this program, Dr. McNairy considered strong mentoring to be a central and integral component of the systems that lead new researchers to choose careers in biomedical research.

The intent of the Sidney A. McNairy, Jr., award is to honor Dr. McNairy for his insight and leadership as well as his translation of these concepts into solid, practical initiatives that have had a major impact on the emergence of robust biomedical research and well trained researchers in the traditionally underfunded states.

Eligibility and Nominations

Only faculty members who have been or are currently supported by INBRE funds may be nominated for this award.  Nomination packages submitted to the Awards Committee must include (1) letter of nomination, (2) two additional letters of support from faculty, (3) a compete Curriculum vitae.

The nomination letter should comment on the ways in which the candidate exemplifies the ideals of research excellence in the undergraduate, graduate, or research institution setting and details his/her commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

The Sidney A. McNairy, Jr. Mentoring Award will be offered every other year coincident with the National IDeA Symposium for Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE).

Nominations should be sent electronically to Roxanne Hall at rhall@mpi-evv.com.

Selection Process

The NISBRE Award committee of five will be appointed by the Principal Investigator of the NISBRE with the approval of the Organizing Committee. From the nominations the committee will select up to five finalists, who will be interviewed by telephone conference by at least three of the award committee members.

Guidelines

The following guidelines will be used to select candidates for this award:

1. The candidate may have received independent funding for their research program as a direct result of INBRE support, and
2. shows evidence of successful research productivity and recognition by the community of scientists via research publications, presentations and/or service.

Special emphasis will be placed on the candidate's accomplishments in:

3. designing successful mentoring plans,
4. sharing their mentoring skills with students and trainees
5. facilitating successful outcomes for their mentees, and
6. serving as articulate spokespersons for the IDeA program.

The awardee will deliver a 30-minute talk to the attendees at the NISBRE meeting that focuses on personal experiences with research career development and mentoring.