# Success and opportunities of the American Academy of Pediatrics Marshall Klaus research grant program in neonatal-perinatal medicine

## TL;DR

This paper evaluates the impact and trends of a research grant program for neonatal-perinatal medicine, highlighting disparities and opportunities for improvement.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into funding trends and demographic factors in a physician research grant program.

## Key findings

- Basic science applications are more likely to be funded than clinical/translational ones.
- Awardees are more likely to attain NIH K08 or K23 funding.
- Geographical distribution of awardees is uneven.

## Abstract

Physician-scientists are a crucial link between clinical practice and research. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) initiated the Marshall Klaus Perinatal Research Award to enhance the development of research skills among physicians training in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

In this study, we sought to identify trends in funding along with geographical and demographic variables of the applicants and mentees and assess the applicants’ scholarly productivity and funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We reviewed the data of applicants and awardees from 2015–2024.

We found that basic science applications had a higher funding likelihood than clinical/translational applications. The geographical distribution of awardees is skewed. There was a significant association between awardee status and K08 or K23 funding attainment.

Future efforts should support more equitable award distribution and a diverse research landscape in neonatal-perinatal medicine.