The Rep Report: February 2023

As the current NICHD Basic Sciences Institutes and Centers (IC) Representative, I represent NICHD postdoctoral fellows at the NIH Fellows Committee (FelCom) meeting every month and share the latest news with you here. Do you have a concern or question that you want brought up at the next meeting? Contact me, Dr. Hyo Won Ahn, at hyowon.ahn@nih.gov.

The 2023 Independent Research Scholars (IRS) program is now accepting applications, due March 1.

• The program supports early-stage postdoctoral fellows to transition to independent research positions.
• Participants will be given independent resources for lab personnel and supplies and will have the benefit of mentoring to assist with scientific and career development.
• Additional questions can be directed to Dr. Charles Dearolf, OIR Director of Program Development (dearolfc@od.nih.gov). For more information and application details, please review the Sourcebook.

FARE2024 is coming up! Abstract submission occurs Feb 15 to March 15.

• The Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) recognizes the outstanding scientific research performed by intramural postdoctoral fellows.
• Winners of FARE awards will each receive a $1500 stipend to attend a scientific meeting at which they will present their abstract, either as a poster or an oral presentation.

The Health & Recreation Sub-Committee invites postdocs to join in an interactive virtual event, “Off the Clock,” featuring fun activities to help you get to know your NIH Postdoc colleagues. Grab your favorite post-work snack or beverage and join in this low-key opportunity to connect with others.

• The first meetup is on February 2 at 5:30 p.m. EST (virtual). Registered attendees will receive a fun mocktail recipe to enjoy during the event! 
• If you are interested, complete the following Google form to receive calendar invites and email reminders.

Check out these additional events and community-building opportunities:

• Interested in Yoga? Visit the Bethesda Postdocs Slack #yoga channel for more information!
• Weekly Running Group – The Running Group meets outside Building 50 (near the canopy and outdoor tables) on the main Bethesda NIH campus. Runs are usually at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and are organized via a separate Slack page. If you're interested, you can join here. All ability levels are welcome to join.  
• Montgomery County, Maryland announces free recreation membership passes for county residents in 2023! The free pass provides access to fully-equipped exercise rooms, open gym activities, and game rooms at any Community Recreation Center during regularly scheduled hours.

The Service and Outreach Subcommittee invites you to a scheduled volunteer event at Manna Food Center on Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

• Volunteers will be sorting and packaging incoming food in their warehouse.
• The subcommittee is seeking about 15 volunteers (all volunteers must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and pre-registered).
• Email alex.vendola@nih.gov, if you are interested.

The Women Scientist Advisors Committee (WSA) will be hosting the WSA Scholar Symposium on April 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The WSA Scholar Symposium highlights the outstanding scientific research performed by intramural women postdoctoral fellows and FARE award winners. More details to come.

National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)

• All NIH postdocs/fellows get NPA affiliate individual memberships for FREE! Join now!
• There are 28,500 jobs on the NPA Career Center. Upload your resume/CV for FREE!
• Introducing NPA SmartSkills: SmartSkills is a free, virtual course for postdocs who are members of the NPA. Monthly classes are taught by experts and focus on building skills critical to career and personal success.
  • Upcoming SmartSkills: Industry (February 28 at 3 p.m.)

Did you know…

…that there are several ways to stay informed on postdoc activities and events?

• Fellows listserv is the main source of FelCom event advertisements, so don’t forget to sign up.
• Visiting fellows can also sign up for the Visiting Fellows listserv.
• There is an NIH postdoc Slack channel to connect with other postdocs and join social events (sign up with a non-NIH email).