Medical Research
Bob and Janice McNair's commitment to medical research was twofold: bolster the city’s human capital by recruiting the world’s best medical scientists and develop treatments and cures for diseases. The Foundation honors their commitment through the McNair Medical Institute -- a subsidiary of the Foundation wholly dedicated to this endeavor.
McNair Scholars
The McNair Medical Institute partners with Houston's preeminent medical institutions to recruit rising stars in the world of biomedical science. With philanthropic funds provided by MMI, research institutions can attract early-to-mid career scientists eager to think outside-the-box. The scientists, distinguished as McNair Scholars upon their recruitment, are awarded flexible dollars to conduct cutting-edge research. McNair Scholars represent an elite cadre of biomedical leaders in the Texas Medical Center.
McNair MD-PhD Scholars
MMI also invests in aspiring physician-scientists. A select subset of students in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Baylor College of Medicine carry the title of McNair Scholar. With this honorific and the funding that comes with it, the best and brightest medical students are incentivized to pursue a PhD as well as an MD. The MD-PhD track is an additional four to six years of training compared to medical school alone. Financial support helps ensure the strongest medical minds aren't deterred from the field of medical discovery. McNair MD-PhD Scholars are not only training to be doctors, but learning how to develop new and better treatments for patients. Through its support of MD-PhD students, the McNair Medical Institute is effectively fueling a pipeline of leaders in the biomedical industry.
What This Means for Prospective Applicants
We have made a strategic commitment to invest in medical research conducted by McNair Scholars at established partner institutions. While we deeply admire the scientists, clinicians, and institutions working to advance human health, the Foundation is unable to consider any new medical research requests.
All inquiries related to McNair Scholars should be directed to our recipient partners: Baylor College of Medicine, MDAnderson Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Rice University, and UTHealth. Support of MD-PhD students is through an exclusive partnership with Baylor College of Medicine.
“Intellect is the engine. We believe this will provide the impetus to move along discoveries. We are excited to be a part of this effort and look forward to producing many medical advances that will lead to cures.”
— Robert C. McNair, on the creation of the McNair Scholars program at Baylor Collge of Medicine
