As the current NICHD Basic Sciences Institutes and Centers (IC) Representative, I represent NICHD postdoctoral fellows at the 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 at lauren.walling@nih.gov!
The March FelCom meeting had lots of good news for fellows! Firstly, the Office of Intramural Research has approved a 4% stipend increase for all fellows starting on May 1, 2021.
The new IRTA Chapter in the NIH Policy Manual has been published and includes updated information on termination and leave policies. The new policy now includes 20 days per year of excused absence with stipend for illness, personal emergencies, or vacation, which is increased from the 15 days previously included.
The NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) is currently preparing for their Annual Career Symposium, which will be held virtually this year on May 3–7 . They are planning to bring in more than 200 speakers, including many opportunities for breakout rooms to engage with panelists. Save the date!
The new Health & Recreation Subcommittee wants to hear from you about what types of events you would be interested in. Please complete their Google form here: https://forms.gle/DshJDZSmii1okLrx7 to let them know! This subcommittee is also looking for new members. If you are interested in joining, fill out the Google form above and include your contact information.
The Training Directors Committee liaisons are organizing a Fellows Financial Wellness Seminar with Hope Madsen from the NIH Federal Credit Union. The tentative date for this seminar is April 29, but keep an eye out for more details to come!