Workforce Diversity in Genomics: Equity and the Meaning of Inclusion

A resounding call for increased workforce diversity has been made in the genomics research community in recent years (Green et al. 2020; Channaoui et al. 2020). Recognizing the lack of diversity in both research participants and in the genomics workforce, workforce diversity initiatives strive to train and retain diverse members of the scientific community such that scientific fields are more inclusive and better represent racial, ethnic, sexual, gender minority, and differently abled groups. The NHGRI 2020 Strategic Vision, for instance, articulates how building a diverse genomics workforce will be a key priority “to promote workforce diversity, leadership in the field, and inclusion practices.” A broad literature demonstrates the lack of diversity among NIH funded investigators, even as research has demonstrated that researchers from underrepresented groups develop novel scientific projects at higher rates (Hofstra et al. 2020). 

This panel will examine workforce diversity initiatives and practices that aim to redress inequities that have excluded underrepresented and communities of color from the genomics leadership and workforce more broadly. Drawing on empirical cases and the experiences and perspectives of researchers and program leaders on initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the field, this panel will discuss how definitions of diversity, commitments to diverse experiences, distribution of resources and infrastructures, and professional networks directly impact equitable diversification of the workforce. This panel will consider how an equity framework can be brought to bear on questions of what workforce diversity efforts can and should accomplish, who should be responsible for such initiatives, and what sustainable/lasting commitment to workforce diversity means for the genomics community moving forward.

Recorded session from the 2021 virtual meeting.