In June, the institute announced the launch of the STEM Diversity and Inclusion Initiative to accelerate the institute’s efforts to increase representation within the institute and expand its community outreach programs.
“We will start by listening and taking a hard look at what has worked in the past and what hasn’t. We must do our utmost to foster an environment that is supportive and welcoming to everyone who has a passion for science.”
-Karen Hagenmiller
Vice President of Human Resources at Scripps Research.
One initiative already taking shape is the STEM Inspiration program, which will organize and train Scripps Research scientists to provide engaging science lessons and demonstrations to public elementary school students. Through this connection with K-6 students in the local community, the institute hopes to inspire more children from
all backgrounds to pursue science as a career.
In past years, Scripps Research has launched several ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts including internships and educational programs for students, as well as efforts to increase the diversity of the institute’s faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. The newly launched STEM Diversity and Inclusion Initiative will build on these existing efforts by creating a comprehensive strategy and identifying further actions that the institute can take to tackle this important challenge.