- Nature magazine editorial “Tackling systemic racism requires the system of science to change” (May 19, 2021)
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Opening Doors to Scientific Achievement
ARCS Foundation embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values critical to scientific excellence and innovation. We believe these core values are crucial to creating a welcoming environment within our organization. We open doors to talented individuals who bring different perspectives to scientific research. ARCS Foundation celebrates and supports the efforts of our partner institutions as they eliminate barriers to academic and scientific achievement.
The ARCS Foundation, Inc., declaration on equity, diversity and inclusion was adopted as a statement of principle by the Honolulu Chapter in May 2021.
Positions of Leading STEM Organizations
“Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world. To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we … pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.”
—National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
AAAS “has long advocated the importance of bringing underrepresented minorities into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, both for the benefits diversity brings to the students and those with whom they interact but also as an important means of expanding the STEM workforce at a time when US economic development and national security depend on maintaining US preeminence in science and technology.”
—American Association for the Advancement of Science
“Immigrants, women, and minorities underpin US entrepreneurial strength. … Businesses in the United States that are majority women-owned generate $1.1 trillion in annual sales, and about 20 percent of all majority women-owned businesses are owned by women of color. During the past 25 years, immigrants have started 25 percent of all US public venture-backed companies, including Intel, Sun Microsystems, eBay, Yahoo! and Google. … Entrepreneurship is essential to driving US economic growth and maintaining America’s global competitiveness.”
—Council on Competitiveness
Read Congressional testimony by Council on Competitiveness Pesident Deborah Wince-Smith, an ARCS Metro Washington Chapter member, July 2020Additional Voices
Hawai‘i Medical School Sponsors September Diversity SeriesThe John A. Burns School of Medicine's Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence and Office of Faculty Affairs has scheduled it's third annual Diversity Matters series as weekly virtual sessions on Fridays in September 2021. Featured presenters will share experiences and generate discussions related to meeting the healthcare needs of underserved populations, racial and cultural equity and inclusion, diverse approaches to wellness and women in medicine. Learn more
In related news, JABSOM postdoctoral researcher Andrew Kekūpaʻa Knutson received a received Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity from the National Institutes of Health. The MOSAIC scholar cohort assembles young, underrepresented investigators from across the country who share a commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
“At the end of the day, I want to do cool, exciting, and robust research,” said Knutson, who investigates beating heart cells respond to low oxygen. “I would also like to see more people from underrepresented groups involved in science in Hawai." The Native Hawaiian scientist acknowledgies historic underrepesentation in STEM fields, but added, "I think the culture around science is changing for the better and I hope to be a part of that cultural shift towards a more inclusive ‘realm of science.’” Read more
