Research in social science, medicine, and other fields can shed light on the factors that drive systemic racial inequities — not only in society at large, but also within the sciences, engineering, and medicine — with the goal of finding solutions based on evidence. A range of studies, webinars, and other activities at the National Academies have explored this research, some of which are highlighted here.
Statements
Statements from the Presidents on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
June 22, 2020
Appalled by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police and the stark reminder it provided of how far we as a nation still need to go to end systemic racism and lack of opportunity for communities of color, the presidents of the NAS, NAE, and NAM recently issued statements in which they committed to lead change — not just in how the National Academies approach diversity, equity, and inclusion within our own walls but also more broadly in science, engineering, and medicine.
Making a Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components of what makes an innovative and effective committee and advances the impact a study or workshop may have on important stakeholders. This video provides the Academies’ definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how these principles impact qualities ranging from creativity, quality, project relevance, a welcoming culture, and evidence-based outcomes.
Delaying COVID-19 Vaccine Allows Virus to Mutate and Create New Strains: Dr. Thomas LaVeist
Minority-Serving Institutions
A panel featuring health care providers and researchers addressed the changing landscape of contraceptive access, including pressing issues such as the role of health care professionals in providing contraception, issues around post-abortion contraception access, and adolescent contraception access, and how changes impact reproductive health and health care.
This webinar, co-hosted with the Committee on Human Rights, examined concerns related to violence against health care professionals and health services providing reproductive care, and their patients, following the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
The Standing Committee on Reproductive Health, Equity, and Society organized a public webinar to explore legal strategies employed at the state level and their impact on the science of and access to reproductive health following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization verdict.
After Roe: Challenges in the Provision of Lifesaving Care. A Webinar
This webinar explores current challenges of and potential solutions to the delays in the provisions of lifesaving care for people experiencing pregnancy complications or serious illness or injury while pregnant following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.
After Roe: Physician Perspectives & Workforce Implications
Following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization verdict in June 2022, new limitations on the provision of health care have impacted clinicians across the nation, including obstetrician-gynecologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, family physicians, emergency medicine specialists, oncologists, and more. In this webinar, practicing physicians discuss effects on their well-being and professional futures.
Maternal and Child Health, Human Rights, Professional Ethics and Values of Medicine
2022 Meeting Topic – Maintaining Reproductive Options: An Evolving Crisis
Project
Roundtable on Black Men and Black Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine
Through meetings, public workshops, and publications, stakeholders will focus on the barriers and opportunities encountered by Black men and Black women as they navigate pathways to careers in science, engineering and medicine.
Human Rights
CHR Statement on Structural Racism and Inequality in the United States
With a mandate to promote and protect international human rights, the Committee on Human Rights stands in opposition to racism and inequality and supports those who peacefully protest injustices.
Fellowships
The Ford Fellowship Family: Empowering Scholarship and Diversity
For decades, the Ford Foundation Fellowship programs have contributed to building a more equitable and diverse U.S. higher education system. One of America’s most prestigious and successful fellowship initiatives, the programs now have more than 3,500 alumni.
The increase in prevalence and visibility of sexually gender diverse (SGD) populations illuminates the need for greater understanding of the ways in which current laws, systems, and programs affect their well-being.
Despite the changing demographics of the nation and a growing appreciation for diversity and inclusion as drivers of excellence in science, engineering, and medicine, Black Americans are severely underrepresented in these fields.
The nation should turn to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) as high-priority resources for STEM talent, says this report, which recommends steps higher education leaders, policymakers, and the private sector should take a range of actions to strengthen STEM programs at MSIs.
Preliminary evidence indicates that the COVID 19 pandemic has negatively affected the well-being of women in academic STEMM fields in a range of areas, including productivity, work-life boundary control, networking and community building, and mental well-being.
Read the National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
Discover what the National Academies are doing in various topic areas to strengthen the fields of science, engineering, and medicine and their capacity to contribute to the well-being of our nation and the world.