Scientific pursuits often require examining a problem from different angles in order to gain a complete understanding. Such an undertaking often requires multiple researchers, each with a unique skill set. But what happens when certain voices are ignored over and over, in favor of others? It breeds inequality that weakens our science and our sense of community.

For the inaugural DEI Award, two projects have been selected for funding by the Committee on Diversity at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. “Surviving grad school: a student and research-led seminar series,” proposed by the Graduate Biomedical Engineering Society and “More than an internship: RIPE mentorship work experience for underrepresented students,” proposed by communications team at Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency were awarded $2500 and $7500 respectively.

Sara Pedron Haba (RBTE), a research assistant professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering and a member of the Cancer Center at Illinois, was recently named a 2022 awardee of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). 

The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) values equality and respect for every member of its community. Investigators, students and staff from diverse backgrounds bring their lived experiences and unique perspectives together. This diversity improves the IGB’s ability to solve problems and be responsive to societal needs. Since its inception in 2018, the IGB Committee on Diversity (COD) has been dedicated to creating a more inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment within the IGB community.