Black researchers are significantly less likely to secure NIH grant funding than white applicants, according to a study published in the journal Science. Study author Donna Ginther of the University of Kansas said the disparity can be explained one of two ways: black applicants do not have the same "cumulative advantages" -- such as education and mentoring privileges -- as whites, or there is bias in NIH's grant review system. NIH Director Francis Collins pledged to take steps to root out any bias issues in the review process.