Rutgers Health is the first to receive a bronze biomedicine award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for its efforts and commitments to advance inclusive excellence in biomedicine as part of the group’s STEMM Equity Achievement (SEA) Change initiative.
The award process, which began in 2021, included a comprehensive institutional self-assessment carried out by a Rutgers Health-wide committee and several work groups of faculty, staff and students that evaluated current and future needs of faculty, including postdoctoral and clinical trainees. Insights from the review led to the development of a five-year action plan (ending in 2029) designed to address gaps and capitalize on opportunities to recruit, retain and advance Rutgers Health current and future faculty.
The award application also highlighted a strong commitment to advancing clinical pathways from training to faculty. Rutgers Health hosts 125 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education programs and is recognized as the sixth largest sponsor of Graduate Medical Education training positions in the U.S.
“It’s widely recognized that science and biomedicine fields greatly benefit from the rich diversity that different perspectives bring” said Sangeeta Lamba, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion at Rutgers Health and vice president for faculty development and diversity within University Equity and Inclusion at Rutgers. “While we acknowledge there is still much work ahead, we celebrate efforts to foster an environment where all members can thrive.” To read the full story.