Enhancing The Diversity of The Genomics and Biomedical Workforce

The proposed initiative between NHGRI, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), and private sector partners includes two new collaborative programs designed to enhance diversity in the genomics workforce:

1. A career exploratory summer program for students to enhance opportunities in genomics and biomedical research, and
2. A mobile genomics lab to bring educational opportunities to students across the country

These programs intend to provide exposure to students who are underrepresented in genomic and biomedical research, as defined by the National Science Foundation, and who aspire to leadership positions in the biomedical and genomics workforce.

This six-week career exploratory summer program allows students of varied backgrounds to envision themselves as future leaders in the fast-growing, high-impact world of genomics. Students will receive instruction to help them prepare to tackle complex scientific subjects in post-secondary education, and mentors from both NHGRI and industry partners to provide additional support through virtual and in-person guidance.

The program will be set up in five geographic areas of the United States, with each location serving up to 20 students, or approximately 100 students annually. Each geographic location will be supported by partnerships with academic institutions with a demonstrated commitment to, or historical track record of, training, recruiting, and retaining students from underrepresented populations. NHGRI and industry partners will provide staff time and other in-kind contributions.

Access to genomics education should not be limited to students attending schools with the most-resourced science classrooms or for families who live within driving distance of state-of-the-art science centers, museums, and community forums. A Mobile Genomics Lab would democratize genomics education and bring science experiences to students and people of all abilities who may otherwise not have resources or access to the subject matter. From rural communities in Maine to tribal communities in Oklahoma to underserved communities in Georgia, the mobile lab could bring a hands-on genomics lab experience to thousands of students across the country.

The mobile lab, designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, will provide a physical space with appropriate wet-lab equipment to carry out experiments like real-time DNA sequencing, as well as the ability to conduct genomic data science and learn bioinformatics using NHGRI’s accessible cloud computing capabilities. This has the potential for large-scale outreach and engagement, with partnerships with middle schools, high schools, women’s colleges, and minority-serving institutions providing additional opportunity for educators to work with their students in the mobile lab.

The FNIH is actively seeking private-sector participation to support summer program sites and the mobile genomics lab over a 5-year period. Funding partners will have the ability to brand components of the program. Partners will help develop educational and programmatic materials, receive regular updates on the program’s progress, and participate in annual meetings for the project. Project participants will also receive broad acknowledgment for being a scientific and funding partner. The FNIH aims to secure funding commitments and launch the project in Q4 2024, with the first summer program cohort beginning in June 2025.