Diversifying the field of Developmental Science: A conversation about NIH Diversity Supplements

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Abstract

As stated in the SRCD commitment to diversity and inclusion statement “Integrative developmental science must reflect diversity in the individuals and communities it studies, in the policies and practices it addresses, and in the scientific workforce it engages and trains”. In support of this initiative to diversify the scientific workforce, the National Institutes of Health have established Diversity Supplements. Diversity supplements are intended to enhance the diversity of the research workforce by recruiting and supporting students, post doctorates, and eligible investigators from diverse backgrounds. Even though nearly all NIH grants are eligible for these diversity supplements, they are grossly underutilized, with only 2.3% of PIs receiving a supplement between the years 2005 and 2020 (Boatright et al., 2022). The current roundtable seeks to increase this funding rate by demystifying NIH diversity supplements through a conversation with existing experts in the field of developmental science who have supported students at all stages with diversity supplements (Moderator/Organizer: Dr. Julie Schneider; Panelists: Drs. Srikanta Mishra, Silvia De Rubeis, Tara McKay, Alyson Abel, and Ece Demir-Lira). By elucidating this funding mechanism, we can begin to curate a field of researchers with a wide range of skill sets and viewpoints, and who are reflective of the children and families we work with.

Sub Unit

• Diversity, Equity & Social Justice

Discussant

• Alyson Abel, San Diego State University

Moderator

• Julie M. Schneider, Louisiana State University

Panelists

• Tara McKay, Vanderbilt University

• Ece Demir-Lira, University of Iowa

• Srikanta Mishra, The University of Texas at Austin

• Silvia De Rubeis