DEI Programs & Initiatives

DEI Programs

At Rockefeller, we seek to engage in programs that value and elevate diversity in all its forms, helping to create greater understanding and access. We take pride in being a hub for information and exchange of ideas for our community and invited guests.

• BIOGROW Program– A year-long program for first year graduate students that centers on creating diverse and inclusive spaces in the biosciences, and also aims to foster professional skills and knowledge to help achieve their long-term career goals.
• DEI Microgrant Program – A proposal competition that funds projects that further ODEI’s goals of building a culture of inclusion and belonging at Rockefeller University. Proposals, submitted by staff, trainees, and faculty, will be evaluated and awarded based on its ability to actively shape the DEI experience on and off campus.
• Equity Building Fellow Program – A paid fellowship open to postdocs and graduate students who have reached doctoral candidacy. Fellows work with institutional partners and student organizations to increase capacity and build coalitions to further Rockefeller diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. The “Equity Building Fellow” program has been named a recipient of the 2023 INSIGHT Into Diversity Inspiring Programs in STEM Award in recognition of its effort for the recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented students in the STEM fields.

• Exceptional Scholars Workshop – A biennial initiative that invites postdoctoral scholars from across the country to Rockefeller’s campus for a two-day workshop, designed to help participants excel in their faculty search and interview process, while also providing a forum to discuss DEI-related challenges faced by scientists of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
• Rising Scholars Workshop – A biennial initiative that aims to increase the diversity of graduate students and future faculty members by providing interactive scientific training, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities to promising young scientists from groups historically excluded from the life and biomedical sciences.

DEI Community Initiatives

We are committed to engaging our community of faculty, staff, and trainees in activities and events that will inform and inspire as we collectively work to build a more inclusive and empowering culture. Embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging must be done in partnership with the many individuals and groups across our university community. We do this by embracing, sharing, and celebrating our many differences and recognizing their value in how we engage with each other and explore science.

There are several dynamic programs and initiatives that directly or indirectly focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as our monthly student community lunches and staff community gatherings, both designed to engage individuals in conversations around life topics, which can include identity, inclusion, culture, imposter phenomenon, and more. We also see this valued exchange within our affinity groups, where, for example, women, members of our LGBTQ+ community, and other groups engage in conversations and activities that educate, affirm, and support.

As we continue our efforts in this area, we look forward to expanding current initiatives and birthing new programs that will serve to further develop and maintain a community of belonging.