Lasker Lessons in Leadership: Shaping Biomedical Leaders

Why Leadership is Crucial in Biomedical Research

In today’s evolving biomedical research landscape, leadership plays a key role in translating scientific discovery into real-world application. Effective leadership guides research teams, helps secure resources, shapes innovation strategy, and supports the successful completion of interdisciplinary projects. The Lasker Lessons in Leadership series offers NIH trainees, PhD and MD/PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows structured tools and frameworks to navigate and grow into leadership roles.

As biomedical research becomes increasingly collaborative, developing leadership skills early in one’s career contributes significantly to long-term success and scientific impact.

A Collaborative Platform for Scientific Leadership

The program is built on a partnership between organizations committed to cultivating research excellence and innovation. The International Biomedical Research Alliance (IBRA) advances next-generation biomedical training through global models of collaboration. The Lasker Foundation, known for its prestigious Lasker Awards, has a long-standing tradition of honoring significant contributions to medical science. Together with the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, this collaboration offers a platform for fostering leadership in academic and scientific contexts.

Learn more about IBRA’s initiatives and explore the Lasker Foundation’s mission.

Insights from Distinguished Speakers

The series has featured inspiring speakers from government, academia, and industry who share practical experiences in leading teams and managing challenges. Recent events have included interviews with Lasker Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and pharmaceutical executives. One session featured a conversation with Mr. Kenneth C. Frazier, former CEO of Merck & Co., who reflected on decision-making, professional responsibility, and navigating complexity in leadership roles.

Developing Leadership Skills in Biomedical Science

Sessions offer strategies focused on:

• Strategic decision-making: Driving research forward with clarity and purpose

• Communication and collaboration: Leading interdisciplinary teams effectively

• Navigating challenges in science: Managing scale, funding, and translation

These sessions equip participants with tools to pursue roles in academic leadership, research management, and science-driven organizations.

Encouraging Professional Growth and Leadership Engagement

The Lasker Lessons in Leadership series promotes opportunities for NIH trainees and affiliated researchers to engage with leadership experiences through mentorship, project management, and collaborative scientific efforts. Many past participants have gone on to lead research teams and programs in cancer biology, genetics, and pharmaceutical development.

For additional information about the program’s ongoing impact, visit the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program.

Past and Future Events

Lasker Lessons in Leadership continues to host public events featuring notable figures in biomedical science. Past guests include Prof. Karl Deisseroth, Dr. George Yancopoulos, and Dr. Wendy Chung, all of whom have shared their perspectives on innovation and leadership.

The series remains a valuable resource for scientists preparing for influential roles in biomedical research and translational science.

 

 PAST EVENTS