Reproductive Scientist Development Program

About Us THE REPRODUCTIVE SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM was established in 1988 to train obstetrician-gynecologists committed to academic investigative careers in fundamental biomedical science. The program is supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in collaboration with private agencies, professional societies, foundations, and private industry.The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) provides career development support for obstetricians and gynecologists who are committed to a basic science career in academic medicine and research. The areas of interests covered by the program are broadly defined, with emphasis in cell and molecular biology as applied to problems in reproductive endocrinology, genetics, maternal-fetal medicine, oncology, infectious disease, or other aspects of reproduction. The program consists of two phases. Phase I is a two-year award requiring 75% protected time, during which the scholars pursue intensive basic research in the laboratory of a nationally recognized scientific leader. Upon successful completion of a competitive application, Phase II scholars receive two years of support at 75% protected time for laboratory based research. Phase II also includes Department sponsorship for additional teaching and/or clinical services for which the scholars are able to devote 25% effort. The RSDP program serves as a stepping stone for a successful career as a physician-scientist. Benefits of being an RSDP scholar include, 1) salary and fringe support, 2) research supply costs, 3) protected research time, 4) ability work with some of the most accomplished researchers in biomedical research, 5) potential collaborations for future projects, and 6) continuous scientific and career support.