FASEB Initiates New Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion

By: Teresa Ramirez
Thursday, October 18, 2018

For over 30 years, the resources offered through FASEB’s Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program have provided travel awards for trainees from diverse backgrounds to attend FASEB member societies’ scientific meetings, mentoring and professional/career development services, and networking opportunities for students, professionals, and early career scientists in the biological and biomedical sciences. Funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, MARC has been the centerpiece of the Federation’s efforts to foster diversity and inclusion across biological disciplines.

In its recently adopted strategic plan, FASEB reiterated its commitment to the development and implementation of strategies to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment for the Federation, its member societies, and the broader research community. To achieve a set of expanded goals, a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Strategy Task Force was established, consisting of members of FASEB’s Board of Directors, member society executive officers and staff subject matter experts, and FASEB staff.

All D&I Task Force members were selected for their interest, expertise, and past experiences with D&I programs. While still early in its efforts, the task force has discussed ways to collect input from member societies to develop specific goals and objectives, as well as developing a strategic vision statement relating to FASEB’s Strategic Plan. This will be developed by early 2019 and will serve the Federation as a whole, while also supporting and enhancing D&I initiatives offered by member societies.