Enhancing Neuroscience Research through Inclusiveness, Culture and Health (ENRICH)

PROJECT SUMMARY In the 21st century it has become clear that many of the major problems facing humanity will need to be addressed by biologists carrying out biomedical research. In order for the US biomedical research community to succeed in combating the major challenges facing our world, scientists will have to operate with high efficiency and develop solutions to many different unique problems. A broad number of studies have now concluded that teams and organizations that are diverse and inclusive are more successful at these endeavors. Moreover, if public funding is to be used to support biomedical research, in order for it to be equitable, it should allow access to students from all backgrounds and represent the diversity in the US population. Success as a scientist requires more than just skill at a lab bench and there are special barriers facing students from underrepresented groups. Therefore, our comprehensive approach will implement (1) enhanced educational and research outreach to minority-serving institutions, (2) recruitment activities to help students transition to our university, (3) advanced start activities to help students transition readily to the next stage in their training, (4) coursework and activities that are relevant to their underserved communities and themselves, (5) faculty- AND peer-mentoring support, coupled with culturally-aware mentor training, (6) UCI research and collaboration visit opportunities for their prior undergraduate mentors who likely inspired them to enter graduate school, (7) funding to support an annual ”reconnection” visit to their alumni institution and community, (8) funding for them to attend conferences, such as SACNAS, ABRCMS and SfN, and (9) training in oral and written communication and leadership skills. Taken together, these opportunities will prepare students for careers inside and outside academia and will advance the NIH goals of enhancing biomedical research in the context of health and human services as a whole.