From the NIH: A Systems Approach to Increasing the Diversity of the Biomedical Research Workforce

TLDR

The NIH is committed to attracting, developing, and supporting the best scientists from all groups, and biomedical research workforce diversity is essential for solving complex human health challenges, yet there remains room for improvement, especially at the independent scientist and leadership levels. The study provides a rationale and specific opportunities to develop and sustain a diverse biomedical research workforce. These opportunities involve interventions that promote successful transitions at different stages toward training completion and entry into the biomedical workforce.

Abstract

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is committed to attracting, developing, and supporting the best scientists from all groups as an integral part of excellence in training. Biomedical research workforce diversity, capitalizing on the full spectrum of skills, talents, and viewpoints, is essential for solving complex human health challenges. Over the past few decades, the biomedical research workforce has benefited from NIH programs aimed at enhancing diversity. However, there is considerable room for improvement, particularly at the level of independent scientists and within scientific leadership. We provide a rationale and specific opportunities to develop and sustain a diverse biomedical research workforce through interventions that promote the successful transitions to different stages on the path toward completion of training and entry into the biomedical workforce.