Awards

MIND the Future Program

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The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) has been awarded a five-year grant of more than $1.3 million by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) in response to FOA RFA-DE-19-007: NIDCR Mentoring Network to Support a Diverse Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Workforce. The grant project dates are March 2020 through February 2025 (Grant No. 1UE5DE029439-01). Principal Investigators for the grant are David Drake, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Christopher H. Fox, AADOCR CEO, and Effie Ioannidou, University of Connecticut, Farmington.

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The Mentoring an Inclusive Network for a Diverse Workforce of the Future (MIND the Future) is expected to build a vibrant and inclusive community of investigators whose participation is vital to advancing dental, oral and craniofacial research and improving the oral health of our nation. Ten new mentees will be funded per year for the five funding years; and once the mentees complete the program, they will become alumni. The program will offer educational activities and interactive opportunities across the network, between mentors and mentees to support the development of a diverse cadre of dental, oral and craniofacial research.

The NIH recognizes a unique and compelling need to promote diversity in the NIH funded biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences workforce. The primary goal of this NIDCR-funded program is to establish a mentoring network that will support a diverse pool of early career investigators, including individuals from diverse backgrounds (e.g., see Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity), in developing independent research careers dedicated to improving dental, oral and craniofacial health.

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AADOCR MIND the Future Program Informational Webinar

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The inaugural year of the AADOCR MIND the Future program was a success, offering numerous opportunities to both mentees and mentors. AADOCR is pleased to continue partnering with the NIDCR on this mentoring network program along with co-Principal Investigators Effie Ioannidou, University of Connecticut, Farmington, and David Drake, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 11 institutions and a nationwide management and advisory committee to develop a diverse dental, oral and craniofacial research workforce for the future.

Christopher H. Fox, DMD, DMSc

Chief Executive Officer, AADOCR

Program Resources and Advisors

For questions about MIND

Sheri S. Herren

Director of Strategic Programs, CFRE

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