Plan to Enhance Diversity

Emory University, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT PLAN TO ENHANCE DIVERSITY Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (Winship) is strongly committed to promoting the careers of women, minorities, and individuals from historically underrepresented groups (HUGs) to create a diverse oncology research workforce and leadership for the future. For purposes of the Winship Plan to Enhance Diversity (PED), HUGs refer to individuals who are women, Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ, first-in-college, from rural areas, and lower socio-economic status to align with the needs of the catchment area. The Winship PED leverages existing educational programs, faculty development programs, formal programs for leadership development, and mentorship to advance the careers of individuals from HUGs. Winship also seeks to enhance connectivity with historically black colleges and universities in Georgia and members of the community to develop a more diverse pipeline of researchers for the future. The PED will grow the infrastructure and resources available to ensure long term sustained efforts at Winship to increase diversity among trainees, members, and leaders. Winship membership is comprised of 487 faculty members (179 core and 308 associate members) that includes 9% Black or Hispanic, 38% women, and 30% of Asian race. Winship’s Executive Committee currently consists of 15 members: 33% women, 20% Black or Hispanic, and 13% Asian. Among leaders of the four Winship research programs, 25% are women and 75% are Asian. Forty-three percent of Winship’s shared resource leaders (nine full and two developing shared resources) are women. Winship’s External Advisory Board of 19 members includes 53% women and 11% Black/Hispanic individuals. While the demographics of Winship leadership and advisory board are comparable to national trends, Winship recognizes the need for further improvements. Winship is dedicated to the belief that diversity strengthens cancer science across the research continuum. With the proposed PED, by strengthening efforts to build a more diverse cancer research workforce, and to foster critical diversity among cancer center leadership, Winship enables greater creativity, encourages more thoughtful consideration of ways to overcome barriers to prevention, treatment, and quality of cancer care, and supports the cancer center’s plans to more fully reflect the catchment area which it serves. Consequently, these efforts will accelerate Winship’s mission of discovering cures for cancer and inspiring hope.