Emerging Leaders Program

Nominations are now open. Nominations are due June 30, 2024.

Contact program@aimbe.org for any questions. 

The goal of AIMBE’s Emerging Leaders Program is to increase AIMBE’s engagement with exceptional professionals that are underrepresented in medical and biological engineering (MBE), recognize outstanding rising leaders in MBE, and serve as a pipeline for URM leaders to AIMBE’s College of Fellows. AIMBE is seeking candidates that have made an impact on the field and are within 3-5 years of successful nomination to the AIMBE College of Fellows (currently having a minimum of 5 years in an independent position). This is not an automatic passage into AIMBE Fellowship. However, following this program, AIMBE Emerging Leaders will be successfully prepared to apply for AIMBE Fellowship.

Each year, AIMBE will select ~20 emerging leaders who will be recognized during AIMBE’s Annual Meeting. Emerging leaders will have a unique opportunity to network and engage with AIMBE Fellows at the Annual Event and receive direct mentoring from current AIMBE Fellows. This is a 3-year program and Emerging Leaders would be paired with an AIMBE Fellow mentor. Selectees must attend at least one AIMBE Annual Event during their 3-year program.

AIMBE Fellows may nominate outstanding candidates, with the following candidate eligibility:

  • Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis: (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders), as well as persons with disabilities
  • Persons with a minimum of 5 years in an independent position in medical and biological engineering
  • Researchers currently working at an institution in the United States
  • Medical and biological engineers demonstrating significant professional accomplishment and exceptional leadership potential
  • Individuals with an interest in advocacy and/or public policy for medical and biological engineering

Nomination Requirements

Nominations must address two criteria: 1) Medical and Biological Engineering Research, Pedagogy, and/or Practice and 2) Public Policy Advocacy and/or Service to the Field or as an Advocate for the Field and its Diversity {examples demonstrating criteria below}. Two supporting statements of no more than 500-words each are required to address each criterion. Such statements must specify the candidate’s most significant contributions to these criteria as supported by the CV and not merely summarize the candidate’s career. In both statements, it is important to highlight the impact of the candidate in the field. Supporting documentation of a CV of (no longer than 10 pages) is required.

Supporting Examples for Criteria 1) Medical and Biological Engineering Research, Pedagogy, and/or Practice

  • Pioneering of new fields of technology or significant development in existing field
  • Developing innovative approaches to engineering education
  • Significant contributions to the translation of technology
  • Leadership in commercialization of engineering products
  • Innovative discoveries or advances demonstrating critical breakthroughs
  • Nominee contribution has led to lasting impact in medical and biological engineering

Supporting Examples for Criteria 2) Public Policy Advocacy and/or Service to the Field or as an Advocate for the Field and its Diversity

Nominators should choose one or more of these areas and be specific how the candidate, in addition to their research accomplishments, has given back to the fields of medical and biological engineering for the benefit of society. 

Professional Society and Public Service

  • Leadership and volunteerism in professional societies
  • Engagement with community and/or public organizations
  • Serving on a professional society’s Board of Directors
  • Direct involvement in committees, initiatives, or in the planning and execution of annual conferences for professional and scientific societies

Public Policy and Advocacy

  • Interest in Public Policies that shape medical and biological engineering
  • Engagement with lawmakers or Members of Congress
  • Engagement in public policy at the local, regional, and/or national level
  • Participation in Capitol Hill Days by professional organizations

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Advancing policies, programs, or services concerning equity and/or inclusion
  • Bringing public attention or awareness to issues related to equity and inclusion through seminars, talks, conferences, and meetings
  • Conducting research in the areas of equity and inclusion and/or health disparities of underrepresented ethnic and racial populations