Encouraging Biotechnology Workforce Diversity

Posted under 2012 BIO International Convention, Blog, Business and Investments, Business of Biotech, Companies, Diagnostics, diversity, diversity summit, education, Funding, Medical Devices, Medical Supply, Pharmaceuticals, professional development, Startups, STEM Education, students, Universities, Videos by biotechnow@bio.org (Biotechnology Industry Organization)

By Jeff Ghannam, Communications Director, International Center for Professional Development

Leading biotechnology companies are partnering with the International Center for Professional Development (ICPD) to support a training and mentoring program at the 2012 BIO International Convention that encourages workforce diversity in the biotechnology industry.

The Scientist Mentoring and Diversity Program (SMDP) encourages graduate and post-doctoral science students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to consider careers in biotechnology. Thirty students will be awarded scholarships for the year-long program. A vital component of the program is student attendance at the BIO International Convention, which will be held in Boston, June 18-21, 2012.

“Minorities are underrepresented in the biotechnology industry as in many other science, technology, engineering and math professions, and the biotechnology industry is doing something about it,” says Scott May, executive director at the International Center for Professional Development. “This effort is important for many reasons, but in particular, a diverse workforce is more productive as it brings a larger pool of ideas, skills, and experiences that collectively increase the knowledge base required for scientific innovation.”

Minority populations in the United States experience higher rates of mortality due to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and HIV/AIDS. These disparities may be partially attributed to a low number of minorities in the biomedical workforce. Increasing the diversity of perspectives in science research will lead to better opportunities for scientific advancements and eventually reduced health disparities among ethnic and racial groups.

In addition to three days of career training, the Scientist Mentoring & Diversity Program will provide participants with personalized mentoring and direct access to industry contacts. Participants receive scholarships to attend the SMDP training and the 2012 BIO International Convention. They also receive one year of mentoring and access to an exclusive online mentoring portal that provides ongoing support and connectivity.

The Lead sponsors of the 2011-2012 Scientist Mentoring and Diversity Program are BIO and Amgen. Additional SMDP sponsors include Johnson & Johnson, Baxter, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Deloitte, and Howard University. Sponsors of the program receive extensive ongoing professional development for their mentor employees and easy access and recruitment of pre-qualified and top-quality ethnically-diverse researchers.

“This initiative has enjoyed the support of the industry for more than a decade,” says May. “We are currently seeking the support of other companies who want to join us in this important effort.”

ICPD also supports the annual Diversity Summit held at the BIO Convention. The summit brings science and healthcare thought leaders together to address health issues affecting underserved populations.

This year ICPD will launch a Scientist and Mentoring and Diversity Program training session focused on careers in the medical device industry. It will be held in conjunction with AdvaMed: The Med-Tech Conference in Boston, MA.

For more information, visit the International Center for Professional Programs at www.icpdprograms.org.

Jeff Ghannam is the Communications Director for the International Center for Professional Development (ICPD). ICPD offers continuing education programs for students and professionals using personalized, face-to-face experiential training and ongoing web-based support. Please contact him at jghannam@icpdprograms.org.

AAAS Trains Student Scientists in the Art of Science Communication

Posted under Blog, Business and Investments, communications, Companies, Diagnostics, education, Funding, Medical Devices, Medical Supply, Pharmaceuticals, Startups, students, Universities, Videos by biotechnow@bio.org (Biotechnology Industry Organization)

Rahman A. Culver, project director, American Association for the Advancement of Science

From grant writing to interaction with their community, today’s young scientists must also be able science communicators. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship seeks to increase communication skills in student scientists. The lessons they learn through the fellowship experience will benefit their career path and help them increase public understanding of science and technology. “As a writer, I came to appreciate the human side of science. I discovered that the people and personal histories that drive science are also an important part of the story. People and local interest help provide the context for readers to interpret a science news event,” said 2011 Fellow Helen Shen, who completed her fellowship at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

For more than 30 years the fellowship has trained student scientists who have gone on to contribute to the larger scientific discussion including, Eric Lander, founding director of The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT; Edward J. Weiler, former associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, NASA; and Kenneth Chang and Erica Goode of the New York Times.

The fellowship places senior undergraduate and graduate science, engineering and mathematics students at media sites nationwide to work as science reporters for 10 weeks. By exposing reporters and editors to the expertise of student scientists, while also training those same students in the nuances of journalism, the program can improve the quality of information that is disseminated. As 2010 Fellow Benjamin Pittman-Poletta noted, “My time at The Oregonian gave me a well-rounded introduction to science journalism, with a focus on feature stories with strong local angles and connections to larger issues. I learned how important it is to state a clear point of view when writing about complicated topics, and how gratifying it is when the points you make hit home for your readers.”

AAAS selects 10-15 Fellows each summer. There is a $4,500 stipend plus travel expenses. Applicants must be enrolled as college or university students (at least in their senior year of undergraduate study) — or have completed a degree — in the natural, physical, health, engineering, computer, or social sciences or mathematics in order to apply. Graduate and doctoral students are welcome to apply, but must be currently enrolled or apply for the summer fellowship within one year after graduation or defense of their thesis. Students enrolled in English, journalism, science journalism, or other non-technical fields are not eligible for this fellowship. The deadline to apply for the 2012 program is January 15, 2012. Learn more and download an application at: http://www.aaas.org/programs/education/MassMedia/.

Rahman A. Culver, a project director at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, serves as the manager for the Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellowship Program. He earned his master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University. He can be reached at raculver@aaas.org.