NBME continues momentum with contributions to medical educators and researchers
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.