An ad hoc committee conducted a study examining the policy and programmatic steps that the nation can undertake to ensure the successful launch and sustainment of careers among the next generation of researchers in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, including the full range of health sciences supported by the NIH. The study examined evidence-based programs and policies that can reduce barriers to, and create more opportunities for, successful transitions to independent research careers. It also examinde factors that influence the stability and sustainability of the early stages of independent research careers.