In recognition of the long-standing commitment of the International Biomedical Research Alliance, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to invest in and accelerate the development of future leaders in biomedical research, the Foundation for the Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) dedicated the first of six newly-built student houses located just off the main campus of the National Institutes of Health 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 the International Biomedical Research Alliance has 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 International Biomedical Research Alliance 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 in close proximity to 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, include 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 with a goal to increase from 30 to 65 new units for NIH fellows.
