# The ASBMB MOSAIC Program: Maximizing success of K99/R00 diversity scholars in academic careers at research intensive institutions

> **NIH NIH UE5** · AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR BIOCHEMIS/ MOL BIOL · 2021 · $280,800

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The paucity of faculty from underrepresented minority (URM) groups at research-intensive institutions
represents a missed opportunity for engaging the nation’s diverse intellectual capital in solving
complex problems at the frontiers of molecular life sciences research. As a scholarly society, the
ASBMB (American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) has been at the forefront of
embracing diversity building by sponsoring career development and skills-building programs through
its Minority Affairs Committee. The experience and the infrastructure embedded within the ASBMB will
be leveraged to build a supportive community of practice for K99/R00 MOSAIC scholars, informed by
social science theory-based coaching approaches. With a membership of ~12,000, the scientific
bandwidth of the ASBMB mirrors that of the NIGMS mission itself, providing the appropriate scientific
environment for nurturing the career development of MOSAIC scholars. Recognizing the documented
importance of role models, an outstanding group of dedicated URM scientists has been assembled to
serve as coaches and program advisors under the energetic leadership of the ASBMB’s Chief
Executive, Ms. Barbara Gordon. The goals of the MOSAIC program will be achieved by: (i) Building a
supportive community of practice, guided by mentors with distinguished records of scientific and
funding success who have been trained in diversity and cultural-sensitive coaching practices. (ii)
Providing a suite of career development opportunities and sponsorship to support the personal and
professional development of MOSAIC scholars. (iii) Enhancing professional networks via the early
career reviewer program on the Journal of Biological Chemistry editorial board and linkages through
the minority affairs committee and the broader ASBMB community. (iv) Enhancing accountability by
convening a forum with faculty at host institutions of MOSAIC scholars, for exchanging evidence-
based best practices for improving mentoring and increasing success in recruitment and retention of
URM scientists. (v) Evaluating components of the MOSAIC program to assess how they contribute to
outcomes (e.g. professional progression, publications and grant awards), and disseminating lessons
learned that are transferable to other training efforts. By successfully completing these aims, the
ASBMB’s program will contribute to enhancing diversity in faculty ranks at research-intensive
academic institutions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10227210
- **Project number:** 5UE5GM139192-02
- **Recipient organization:** AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR BIOCHEMIS/ MOL BIOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Kirsten Florence Block
- **Activity code:** UE5 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $280,800
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10227210

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10227210, The ASBMB MOSAIC Program: Maximizing success of K99/R00 diversity scholars in academic careers at research intensive institutions (5UE5GM139192-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10227210. Licensed CC0.

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