New focus on justice through equity in diverse clinical trials, STEM education and expanding entrepreneurship to undeserved communities will drive nation’s largest life science advocacy organization
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today announced BIOEquality Agenda which aims to attack the systemic inequality, injustice and unfair treatment of women and communities of color through the positive force of biotechnology. Recognizing that gains from transformative science are not always shared equally, BIO is challenging the industry, and its partners, to find solutions for inequitable healthcare delivery, disparate economic development and nutritional and environmental disparities in the US and around the globe.
BIOEquality Agenda revolves around three pillars of change that will support stronger and healthier communities:
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
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
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
Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath who…
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