The Lasker Foundation aims to improve health by accelerating support for medical research through recognition of research excellence, advocacy, and education.
They celebrate the contributions of scientists, clinicians, and public servants who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of human disease. The Lasker Foundation’s programs educate the public and promote scientific collaboration, and advocate for a healthier world through medical research.
The Lasker Foundation and IBRA have been partners over the past decade.
Yuk Ming Dennis Lo was the featured speaker at the Spring 2024 Lasker Lessons in Leadership event. Lo discussed his scientific training in the UK, establishing a lab in Hong Kong, and crossing the boundaries between academia and industry. He was joined by Yasemin...
Yuk Ming Dennis Lo was the featured speaker at the Spring 2024 Lasker Lessons in Leadership event. Lo discussed his scientific training in the UK, establishing a lab in Hong Kong, and crossing the boundaries between academia and industry. He was joined by Yasemin...
Enabling Accelerated, Impactful, Collaborative Research
The demand for accelerated, international, and collaborative biomedical PhD and MD/PhD training is driven by the evolving landscape of biomedical research, where the traditional pathways are increasingly misaligned with the needs of modern science. One significant concern is the rising age of independence for biomedical researchers, which has been linked to the extended duration of training programs. This prolonged period of preparation delays the onset of researchers’ most innovative and productive years, limiting the time they can devote to pushing the boundaries of science.
At the turn of the century, the constraints of the American biomedical education system became evident, as the traditional monolithic approach—characterized by single-mentor projects in predefined, often low-risk topics—proved to be more about refining existing knowledge than fostering true innovation. This system, while effective in producing skilled scientists, did not adequately encourage the intellectual autonomy and interdisciplinary collaboration necessary for groundbreaking discoveries. In response, new training models have emerged that prioritize student-led, rapid PhD projects, encouraging collaboration across global research institutions and fostering an environment where intellectual creativity can flourish. These innovative training models are essential to accelerating the pace of biomedical research and ensuring that the next generation of scientists is equipped to tackle the most pressing challenges in global health.
The NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Pogram
To achieve our mission, we have partnered with the National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge (NIH-OxCam) Scholars Program to leverage the strength of this unique global doctoral training model that leverages the combined expertise of globally-recognized centers of excellence to enable groundbreaking work that can only be achieved through collaborative projects designed and led by the world’s most-talented, hard-working, and persistent graduate students.
These unique global doctoral training models leverage the combined expertise of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States and globally-recognized centers of excellence in the United Kingdom to enable groundbreaking work that can only be achieved through collaborative project designed and led by the world’s most-talented, hard-working, and persistent graduate students.
THE IMPACT
ANNUAL RESEARCH WORKSHOP 2023
NIH CAMPUS
NIH SCHOLARS VISIT THE FDA
THE RIVER CAM - CAMBRIDGE CAMPUS
DAVID RUBENSTEIN EXPLORES LEADERSHIP WITH DR. ANTHONY FAUCI
Photo by Leslie E. Kossoff/LK Photos
OXFORD CAMPUS
2023 3-MINUTE THESIS TEAM WINNERS
HOW THE PROGRAM HAS SHAPED THE SCHOLARS
AUDREY WINKELSAS
NIH OXFORD SCHOLAR – CLASS OF 2015
“As an NIH-Oxford Scholar, I have had the privilege to learn what it takes to translate science from the lab to the clinic by doing research in two fantastic biomedial research institutes. As my time in the program draws to a close, I take with me not only the scientific expertise I gained, but also the value of collaboration and a commitment to leading diverse and dynamic research teams as I progress through my career”
KELLY L. BOLTON
NIH CAMBRIDGE SCHOLAR – CLASS OF 2008
“Thank you so much for your support. The NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program was such a great launching pad for my career as a physician-scientist and I am forever grateful.”
SAM KATZ
NIH CAMBRIDGE SCHOLAR – CLASS OF 2015
“The NIH-OxCam Program is giving me the chance to work with some of the best systems biologists and microbiologists in the field of innate immunity and is already enabling me to utilize both of these resources to take on questions that a single approach itself would not be able to.“
CHIBAWANEY ENE
NIH CAMBRIDGE SCHOLAR – CLASS OF 2008
“I am grateful to the NIH Oxford-Cambridge (NIH-OxCam) Graduate Partnership Program Scholar’s program for giving me the opportunity to work with some of the best thinkers in the world at the NIH and Cambridge University! My training instilled the discipline needed to maintain the work-life balance necessary to become a successful physician-scientist; during my training in NIH-OxCam, we had a new baby, maintained an international collaboration and published our research findings after travelling between 2 labs/countries, wrote and successfully defended my thesis and sat for clinical boards prior to residency. Today, I can say that I am well prepared for juggling my responsibilities as a ‘Dad-Neurosurgeon-Scientist’ because of my training in NIH-OxCam! “
JUDAH WEATHERS
NIH OXFORD SCHOLAR – CLASS OF 2012
“In the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program students have a unique advantage completing important scientific work, in a globally informed scientific method. I think this is particularly important in psychiatric research. One of the other aspects of the Oxford NIH program that I find so incredibly unique in PhD training is the opportunity to interact within the historic colleges at Oxford, with people pursuing professional degrees outside of the life sciences.”
JUSTIN LATHIA
NIH CAMBRIDGE SCHOLAR – CLASS OF 2005
“The NIH-Oxford Cambridge Graduate Partnership Program accelerated my career progression and empowered me to transition into an independent faculty research position quickly. This was done in part though the training I received through the program, namely the ability to shape my own PhD thesis project, learn to manage a multi-national collaboration, and hone my leadership and communication skills.”
The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences, Inc. (FAES) is a nonprofit organization committed to lifelong learning and professional development. Located at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, FAES was created in 1959 to foster collaboration and community among scientists – allowing the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and access to the latest knowledge, tools, and techniques to move science forward.
FAES and IBRA have partnered over the last two decades to address trainees’ housing and educational needs. This collaboration has fostered the development of innovative programs, providing crucial support to students and researchers. Together, we continue to expand opportunities, ensuring a thriving environment for the next generation of biomedical research leaders.
The Founders’ House
In recognition of the long-standing commitment of IBRA, FAES dedicated the first of six newly built student houses just off the main campus of the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. The house, located at 5209 West Cedar Lane, was unveiled as the “International Biomedical Research Alliance Founders’ House” in an outdoor ceremony on September 13, 2022. The Founders’ House celebrates 18 years of financial support IBRA provided to the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. The NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program is a highly selective, novel international collaboration between the National Institutes of Health and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge wherein exceptional research students pursuing their Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. are jointly trained.
The event brought together the IBRA founding members, Chair Stephen McLean, Treasurer Alan Jones, and Board Director Dr. Ralph Korpman. Joining them in this dedication were fellow International Biomedical Research Alliance Board Directors, members of the FAES Board of Directors, NIH administrators, students, and other distinguished guests.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the dedication plaque honoring two visionaries: NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program co-founder, Dr. Michael Lenardo, and the late Fuad El-Hibri. Their devotion to creating graduate housing near the NIH was unyielding. Mr. El-Hibri’s family was present to witness the completion of The Founder’s House, celebrating his monumental efforts in bringing this project to fruition.
NIH acting principal deputy director Dr. Tara Schwetz, FAES CEO and Executive Director Christina Farias, FAES Board Chair and NIH alumna Dr. Barbara Alving, and IBRA Board Chair Stephen McLean provided remarks. A ribbon cutting followed the ceremony with tours of the Founder’s House.
FAES, the non-profit education partner to NIH, has offered academic programs as well as networking and cultural events since its founding in 1959. The organization supports intramural scholars with essential services, including housing and health insurance, during their research programs at NIH.
FAES initially acquired residential property from NIH alumnus and Nobel Laureate Christian B Anfinsen, Jr. Dr. Anfinsen was one of 11 NIH scientists to cofound FAES, and he deeded his home and property to the organization. In July 2021 FAES demolished four single-family homes on the property to make way for six new dwellings that would provide turnkey accommodations for NIH fellows and trainees. The new Scholar houses are approximately 4,000 square feet, including 5 private bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, and are located within a stones-throw from the NIH campus entry gate. FAES plans to build additional dwellings along Cypress Avenue at the northern part of its property to increase from 30 to 65 new units for NIH fellows.
ALL PHOTOS: BETH CALDWELL/BETH CALDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
