Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

The UR CTSI is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in the scientific and medical research fields. Through a collaborative approach, UR CTSI supports initiatives that enhance understanding and awareness of unconscious bias and structural racism in healthcare and research. Our efforts aim to create an inclusive and accessible environment for diverse research communities.

We are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that embraces individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, marital status, age, physical abilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other non-merit factors. Our goal is to ensure employees, trainees, and students feel valued, included, and supported.

Workforce Diversity

The UR CTSI embraces the importance and benefit of fostering a diverse research workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Our commitment is reflected in our alignment with the URMC Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan, particularly Pillar Two, which focuses on recruiting diverse faculty, staff, and learners.

Our efforts include focused recruitment, retention, and support initiatives to ensure our team represents the broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives in our community. By embracing these principles, UR CTSI aims to enhance innovation, drive excellence, and promote health equity in translational science.

John Cullen, PhD, UR CTSI Director of Diversity and Inclusion, has been instrumental in driving these efforts. Notably, Dr. Cullen's annual presentation on “The Impact of Unconscious Bias on the Research Environment” is a critical component of UR’s NIH-mandated Responsible Conduct of Research education, reaching almost 1,500 researchers since 2017.

Additionally, Cullen collaborated with the Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics to co-develop the Human Values in Research Course, fostering ethical decision-making and social responsibility among PhD students. His work extends nationally through his roles with the AAMC, advocating for women in research, and developing the Appropriate Treatment of Research Trainees document. The transdisciplinary reach of UR CTSI ensures the promotion of DEI across the University of Rochester and beyond, significantly advancing the inclusivity and equity of the translational research workforce.

UR CTSI Health Research Diversity Initiatives

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in health care and health outcomes are pervasive in the U.S. and beyond. Though rates of disease and response to treatments can vary between genders and among racial and ethnic groups, health research studies often fail to accurately represent these groups.

To ensure that the research evidence available to medical professionals and policy makers reflects the diversity of the general population, researchers must take full account of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and age in their design, undertaking, and reporting of research.

Knowledge of the barriers to participation in research is important for trial design, community engagement, and subject recruitment. Underrepresented populations often have limited access to specialty care centers that serve as referral sources for clinical studies. Other barriers include, but are not limited to, fears of exploitation in medical research, low health literacy, cultural and linguistic differences, and competing demands of time.

Research Spotlight

Capellan Selected for GEPA Postdoctoral Appointee Award for Excellence in Equity and Inclusion

Jahaira Capellan, PhD, MS, RN, FNP-BC is this year’s recipient of the GEPA Postdoctoral Appointee Award for Excellence in Equity and Inclusion. The award recognizes postdoctoral appointees in the School of Medicine and Dentistry for their outstanding efforts to advance equity and inclusion through their research and professional practice.

Resources

Engaging Research Partners

Consultations, tools, and links that help you partner with local community groups and agencies to determine barriers to research participation and advance your research program are available on the Center for Community Health & Prevention Office.

Recruitment and Hiring Guidance

Download the Recruitment and Hiring Guidance document, which provides detailed best practices for creating inclusive job postings and guidance on sharing postings.

Make Your Meetings and Events Inclusive

Learn best practices for hosting inclusive meetings—both big and small, in person or virtual—with our Inclusive Meeting Host Guide and download our Best Practices for Inclusive Events to get helpful guidelines and action items regarding scheduling and promoting events as well as providing accommodations.

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Appropriate Treatment of Research Trainees Document

The AAMC Appropriate Treatment of Research Trainees document outlines the principles that are essential for nurturing supportive and inclusive research training environments which include leadership, professionalism, and equity. It also underlines the importance of not only highlighting behaviors that are appropriate and are embodied by the essential principles but also the need for acknowledging what constitutes mistreatment and inappropriate behavior.

Tools & Best Practices from the CTSA Program

University of Rochester researchers and community partners can leverage expertise from across the nation for best practices in community engagement and promoting diverse representation in health research. Access toolkits and resources from other institutions in the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program.

NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

As part of the NCATS consortium, UR CTSI’s DEIA policies and practices are informed by NIH. Learn More