NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Exploring effective mentorship networks for underrepresented researchers

Official title: Understanding the Science of Effective Mentorship Networks for Underrepresented Researchers

Funded at Suny Downstate Medical Center · NIH-10916357 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how to improve support for early career researchers from underrepresented groups by creating better mentorship networks with multiple mentors, so they can succeed in their academic careers.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSuny Downstate Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Brooklyn, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$316,168
NIH project number5R35GM151017-02
Project IDNIH-10916357 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are early career researchers from underrepresented groups in academic settings.

Less likely to help

Researchers who are not from underrepresented groups or those who are already well-supported by effective mentorship may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to understand how mentorship networks can better support early career researchers from underrepresented groups in academia. It investigates the limitations of traditional one-on-one mentorship and proposes a model that utilizes multiple mentors to provide diverse support. The study will develop and validate a new tool called Mentorship Network Analysis to assess existing mentorship networks and their impact on research success. Additionally, it will test an intervention designed to help these researchers build effective mentorship networks.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the retention and success rates of underrepresented researchers in academia.

How similar studies have gone: While mentorship networks are a relatively novel approach, there is emerging evidence suggesting that diverse mentorship can improve outcomes for underrepresented groups in academia.

Where this research is happening

  • Suny Downstate Medical Center
    Brooklyn, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lambert, William Marcus — Suny Downstate Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Lambert, William Marcus

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.