As a diversity grant dies, young scientists fear it will haunt their careers

Adelaide Tovar, a scientist at the University of Michigan, highlights the precarious situation for early-career researchers following the NIH's cancellation of the MOSAIC grant program. This program, initially designed to promote diversity in biomedical research, was defunded amidst broader cuts by the Trump administration. Recipients like Tovar fear this decision may not only hinder their research prospects but also damage their careers, as they worry about being stigmatized or 'blacklisted' due to their previous awards, which were meant to support diversity in science.

"I felt like receiving the award was a form of acceptance, like I had finally made it. But I think many of us now fear that this is going to poison the rest of our careers."

"We might end up blacklisted by the NIH because of having this award for who we are."

Read at www.npr.org