PHILADELPHIA, PA — The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing medical education through a series of programs designed to foster innovation and equity in assessment. From grants for groundbreaking research to initiatives encouraging professional development, NBME continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical education and improving patient care outcomes.
Promoting Equitable Assessment with Targeted Grants
NBME is currently accepting applications for two key funding programs aimed at driving progress in medical education assessment. The 2025 Emerging Innovators Grants program offers up to $25,000 to support early- and mid-career educators and researchers who propose innovative approaches to equitable assessment. Focused on the theme of Promoting Equitable Assessment in Medical Education, the program seeks to address systemic inequities and enhance the learning experience in medical education. Applications are open until June 16.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Stemmler Grants program invites Letters of Intent through June 30 from mid- and senior-level researchers. Offering up to $150,000 in funding, this program supports projects developing new methodologies and technologies to advance assessment in medical education. Importantly, each team must include a junior investigator, fostering mentorship and collaboration across career stages and ensuring a continuum of innovation within the field.
Developing Educators Through the SEEF Fellowship
The Strategic Educators Enhancement Fellowship (SEEF), another flagship NBME initiative, is gearing up for its next application cycle in June. This program focuses on empowering early-career faculty by providing them with the tools and expertise needed to conduct impactful research in education and assessment. Current SEEF Fellows are tackling critical topics like artificial intelligence and clinical simulation, underscoring the program’s commitment to addressing emerging challenges in the field.
Celebrating Excellence Through the John P. Hubbard Award
Recognizing excellence in medical education, NBME awarded the prestigious John P. Hubbard Award in March to Dr. Rachel Yudkowsky of the University of Illinois College of Medicine. A former Stemmler Grants recipient, Dr. Yudkowsky was honored for her trailblazing contributions to the assessment of clinical reasoning and performance-based testing. Her work exemplifies how NBME’s funding programs can drive significant advancements in education and assessment, impacting both learners and patient care.
A Unified Vision for the Future
Reflecting on NBME’s efforts, President and CEO Peter J. Katsufrakis, MD, MBA, said, “We believe that advancing health care through better assessment is a long-term commitment — one that relies on collaboration, innovation and community investment. 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.”
NBME’s initiatives are instrumental in driving progress across medical education. By offering resources that span the career continuum, from grants and fellowships to prestigious awards, the organization is equipping educators and researchers with the tools they need to innovate and excel. Looking ahead, NBME continues to lead the charge in transforming assessment practices, with the overarching goal of enhancing both the educational landscape and the quality of patient care worldwide.
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