Summary
The FUERZA project aims to enhance diversity in NIDCD's extramural workforce by recruiting and retaining junior- to mid-career scholars and undergraduate students from historically-excluded backgrounds, while also improving departmental culture and mentoring skills.
What they want
The project has three main aims: 1) Recruit, hire, and retain at least five new faculty members from historically-excluded groups, implementing best practices in hiring, cluster hiring, and providing evidence-based mentoring and resources. 2) Improve mentoring skills of existing faculty and enhance departmental culture through cultural competence training and ensuring equitable policies. 3) Hire and mentor ten undergraduate students from historically-excluded backgrounds annually. An Advisory Committee of diverse scientists will guide decision-making to ensure culturally responsive outcomes.
Deliverables
- Recruitment and retention of at least five new faculty members from historically-excluded groups
- Creation of a specific mentoring plan for new faculty
- Improved mentoring skills among existing faculty members
- Improved departmental culture (attitudes and policies)
- Hiring and mentoring of ten undergraduate students from historically-excluded backgrounds per year
- A sustainable, diverse research pipeline
Key personnel
- New faculty members (junior- to mid-career scholars)
- Existing faculty members
- Undergraduate students
- Advisory Committee members (outstanding scientists from historically-excluded backgrounds)
