The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has announced a 10-year, $2 billion commitment to advancing racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in science that’s built on taking concrete steps toward inclusion and equity for scientists and students across key career stages.
The new initiative will focus on not only promoting diversity but also developing infrastructure needed to sustain increased diversity. Funds will be directed toward dedicated efforts to create culturally aware mentorship, effective professional development, and inclusive community-building at every key stage along the academic science pathway – from undergraduate and post-baccalaureate through graduate, postdoctoral and early career, all the way to tenure-track and tenured faculty.
The institute has announced 10 goals that it seeks to work on to increase diversity in biomedical science:
* Increase the uniform persistence of all undergraduate students in STEM.
* Increase the racial and ethnic diversity of STEM PhDs.
* Support racial and ethnic diversity of biomedical science faculty in the US.
* Increase the diversity of HHMI’s scientific population.
* Equip all heads of HHMI labs with effective leadership and mentoring skills.
* Increase the diversity of HHMI leaders and administrative employees.
* Intentionally foster a culture of engagement and trust.
* Prioritize an equitable culture and practices.
* Create a system of accountability and reporting.
* Learn, develop, and share knowledge to ensure impact and sustainable change in science.
“Today, HHMI employs roughly 300 scientists who lead research labs, and often teach students, at more than 60 top universities, colleges, and other research institutions nationwide,” says HHMI President Erin O’Shea. “We’re also currently partnering with more than 200 universities and colleges through our science education grants programs. Together and with others, we can make a difference.”
This article literally said nothing of specificity and certainly not substance. In fact, this dimwitted article clearly highlights what the “ole racist” institution called the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) have consistently failed to do or did not want to engage in with any seriousness. Now, they have a change of heart to be more inclusive.
I wouldn’t be too surprised if this sudden change is directly related to some sort of legal settlement, tax write-offs along with creating this new politically correct public image that the HHMI emphasize DEI(Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Give me a break.