Supporting diverse early career researchers in academia
Official title: Initiate Research, Opportunities, and Networks for Underrepresented Early Career Investigators (IRON)
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10924070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping early career researchers from diverse backgrounds by giving them the mentorship and skills they need to succeed in their academic journeys, so they can make important contributions to science.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $103,081 |
| NIH project number | 5K26DK138370-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this initiative are early career researchers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in academia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in academic research or are not early career investigators may not benefit from this initiative.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the opportunities for underrepresented early career investigators by providing them with essential mentorship and research knowledge. The program aims to equip these individuals with both research and soft skills necessary for success in academia. Through workshops and training, participants will learn to navigate the challenges they face and develop into well-rounded contributors to scientific advancement. The initiative emphasizes the importance of diversity in the workforce to foster innovative and meaningful research outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more diverse and capable workforce in the scientific community, ultimately improving health outcomes and research quality.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in research have shown positive outcomes in enhancing workforce representation and research innovation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smalls, Brittany L. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Smalls, Brittany L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.