NBME continues momentum with contributions to medical educators and researchers

PHILADELPHIA, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NBME is supporting medical educators and researchers through contributions designed to advance assessment and improve patient care. From early-career fellowships to high-impact grants and prestigious awards, NBME’s contributions reflect its ongoing commitment to advancing medical education.

Applications are now open for two of NBME’s leading funding programs focused on fostering innovative assessment research — the Emerging Innovators Grants program and the Stemmler Grants program.

The 2025 Emerging Innovators Grants program, accepting proposals from individuals and teams through June 16, provides up to $25,000 in funding for early- to mid-career faculty developing bold new ways to advance equitable assessment practices. The theme for project proposals is Promoting Equitable Assessment in Medical Education, which NBME believes can support a stronger health care system and enhance the educational experience of learners.

Simultaneously, the 2026 Stemmler Grants program is accepting Letters of Intent until June 30. This program provides up to $150,000 in funding to support mid- and senior-level researchers creating new approaches and technologies in medical education assessment. Each team must include a junior investigator, helping to build mentorship and collaboration across career stages.

NBME’s commitment to professional development for faculty continues through its Strategic Educators Enhancement Fellowship (SEEF), which opens its next call for proposals in June. This unique program is designed to help early-career faculty develop expertise in education and assessment research. Current SEEF Fellows are exploring critical topics including artificial intelligence and clinical simulation, highlighting NBME’s dedication to advancing assessment science.

In March, NBME proudly presented the prestigious John P. Hubbard Award to Dr. Rachel Yudkowsky of the University of Illinois College of Medicine. A previous Stemmler Grants recipient, Dr. Yudkowsky was honored for her groundbreaking work in advancing the assessment of clinical reasoning and performance-based testing. Her achievements reflect how NBME’s support across the career continuum can lead to transformative impact.

“We believe that advancing health care through better assessment is a long-term commitment — one that relies on collaboration, innovation and community investment,” NBME President and CEO Peter J. Katsufrakis, MD, MBA, said. “These programs reflect our belief that supporting educators and researchers throughout their careers is key to building a stronger, more equitable future in medical education.”

To learn more or apply for NBME’s assessment grant programs, visit https://www.nbme.org/contributions/assessment-research. 

About NBME

NBME is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in the creation of assessments and learning tools for physicians and health professionals. Our mission is to advance assessment of these professionals to achieve optimal care for all, supporting the development of a highly effective, diverse and compassionate health care workforce. 

Founded in 1915, NBME develops and manages the United States Medical Licensing Examination^® with the Federation of State Medical Boards. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of assessment products for every stage of the medical school journey and provide assessment services to various health profession organizations.  

We are dedicated to advancing innovative assessment approaches through research, collaboration and contributions to the medical education and assessment communities. In 2024, we expanded our assessment capabilities to include simulation through the acquisition of MedVR Education. 

Learn more on NBME’s website.   

NBME Community Collaborations and Contributions

NBME believes that a key path to meeting our mission is collaborating with and supporting our communities. Our Community Collaborations and Contributions programs provide resources and recognition to medical educators and researchers advancing the field of assessment throughout their careers. In addition, we invest in fee assistance, scholarships and pathway programs to aid learners and help support increased representation in health care. Headquartered in Philadelphia, NBME also gives to local organizations that advance health equity and access and positively impact social determinants of health.

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