The BIOEquality Agenda is a national effort in collaboration with our partners and member organizations in the biotechnology sector that aims to counteract the systemic inequality, injustice, and unfair treatment of underserved communities.
Leading Through Crisis: Speaking Up and Out on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Issues Impacting our World
Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath's BIO Digital Keynote Address
Biotechnology can be a positive force for change in these communities. BIO intends to leverage the existing efforts of BIO member companies to focus on 3 pillars of change.
3 Pillars of Change
1
Promote Health Equity
Enhance clinical trial diversity by partnering with Contract Research Organizations and Minority Serving Institutions
Promote access to vaccines and therapeutics for uninsured and underserved populations, especially related to COVID
Foster enhanced nutritional, environmental, and mental wellness opportunities in economically disadvantaged communities
2
Invest in the Current and Next Generation of Scientists
Inventory and promote visibility of industry-sponsored minority training programs
Establish STEM training best practices for underrepresented populations
Create a network of minority scientists and engineers
Facilitate a partnering network, including hiring of industry-trained minority scientists and engineers
3
Expand Opportunity for Women and Other Underrepresented Populations
Enhance use of minority- and women-owned small businesses in biotech supply chains, to promote economic development of marginalized communities and especially those, hard hit by COVID-19
Promote diversity of the NIH SBIR Grants
Clinical Trials and Tribulations
The I AM BIO podcast spotlights diversity in clinical trials, vaccine education and overcoming the legacy of Tuskegee. Dr. Michelle interviews Tal Zaks, Chief Medical Officer of Boston biotech Moderna, about the company’s commitment to enroll people of color and vulnerable populations in its historic Phase 3 covid vaccine trial.