Lasker Lessons in Leadership

Lasker Lessons in Leadership: Shaping Biomedical Leaders

The Lasker Lessons in Leadership series is designed to provide emerging and established professionals in biomedical research with essential strategies to develop leadership skills, instill a sense of leadership responsibility, and encourage NIH trainees and tenure-track faculty to actively pursue leadership opportunities in their biomedical careers. This series is a dynamic collaboration between the International Biomedical Research Alliance (IBRA), the Lasker Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. Through a range of discussions, interviews, and interactive sessions, the Lasker Lessons in Leadership aims to inspire the next generation of biomedical leaders by offering them direct access to insights from accomplished scientists, industry leaders, and professionals from diverse sectors of biomedical science.

Why Leadership is Crucial in Biomedical Research

In today’s fast-evolving biomedical research landscape, leadership plays an essential role in driving scientific innovation and translating discoveries from the lab to the clinic. Effective leadership is crucial in guiding research teams, managing large-scale projects, securing funding, and influencing the direction of biomedical advancements. The Lasker Lessons in Leadership series focuses on empowering NIH trainees, PhD and MD/PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows with the leadership tools necessary to excel in these challenging roles. As biomedical research becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative, developing leadership skills early in one’s career has never been more important.

The Collaborative Effort Behind Lasker Lessons in Leadership

The Lasker Lessons in Leadership program is the result of a collaboration between several key organizations dedicated to advancing biomedical research and leadership. The International Biomedical Research Alliance (IBRA) is a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the development of the next generation of biomedical leaders through innovative training models and global collaboration. The Lasker Foundation, known for its prestigious Lasker Awards, is a leader in supporting biomedical research and recognizing scientific achievements that advance human health. Together with the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, which offers a globally recognized training model, this collaboration provides a platform where future biomedical leaders can learn from the best in the field.

Learn more about IBRA’s initiatives here and explore the Lasker Foundation’s mission.

A Closer Look at Lasker Lessons in Leadership Events

The Lasker Lessons in Leadership series has featured numerous inspiring events, each designed to impart valuable insights into leadership within biomedical research. Past sessions have included interviews and talks with Lasker Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and top industry leaders who share their experiences and offer practical advice on what it takes to lead in both academic and industry settings. For example, a recent event featured a conversation with Mr. Kenneth C. Frazier, former CEO of Merck & Co., who discussed leadership, social responsibility, and overcoming challenges in his career. His words resonated with young researchers, encouraging them to take initiative in their own communities.

Developing Leadership Skills in Biomedical Science

The Lasker Lessons in Leadership series offers strategies that focus on key leadership skills necessary for success in biomedical science, including:

Strategic thinking and decision-making: How to make informed decisions that steer research projects in the right direction.
Communication and collaboration: Effective communication is key to leading diverse teams and driving interdisciplinary research.
Navigating challenges in science: Leaders must tackle funding challenges, manage large projects, and balance scientific inquiry with practical outcomes.

By emphasizing these core competencies, the Lasker Lessons in Leadership helps participants build the skills needed to become future leaders in biomedical research and public health. Whether participants are looking to pursue academic leadership, head a research team, or transition into leadership roles in the private sector, the insights gained from the series provide them with a strong foundation.

Opportunities for Leadership Development in Biomedical Research

The Lasker Lessons in Leadership not only focuses on personal development but also encourages participants to seek leadership roles in larger scientific and public health initiatives. Through these sessions, NIH trainees and other participants are urged to take on leadership responsibilities by engaging in mentoring, advocacy, and community-driven scientific projects. Many of the past participants of the program have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, contributing significantly to advancements in cancer research, genetics, and pharmaceutical development.

For more information on how the Lasker Lessons in Leadership series is making an impact in the biomedical community, visit NIH’s Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program

Upcoming and Past Events

Lasker Lessons in Leadership hosts regular events that bring together scholars, industry professionals, and established leaders in biomedical research. Upcoming events will continue to provide invaluable opportunities for current trainees to learn from the successes and challenges of established leaders in the field. Past events have featured well-known figures such as Prof. Karl Deisseroth, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Dr. Wendy Chung, each providing unique perspectives on leadership and innovation in biomedical science.

The Lasker Lessons in Leadership series is an essential resource for NIH trainees, tenure-track faculty, and biomedical researchers seeking to enhance their leadership abilities. By offering exposure to high-level leadership strategies and the opportunity to engage with renowned leaders in biomedical science, this series helps equip participants with the tools they need to make a lasting impact on the field of biomedical research.