Entry Date:
January 19, 2006

Diversity Initiatives in Scientific Research

Principal Investigator Eric Lander


The Broad Institute is committed to increasing the number of scientists from diverse backgrounds in the field of genomics. The Diversity Initiative in Genomic Medicine was launched in 2003 under a grant from the National Institutes of Health, and includes programs designed to attract minority students through hands-on research at the pre-baccalaureate, undergraduate and postdoctoral levels.

(1) The Summer Research Program in Genomics (SRPG) -- SRPG is a nine-week undergraduate research program designed for students with an interest in genomics and a commitment to research. Students spend the summer in a laboratory at the Broad Institute, engaged in rigorous scientific research under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers.

(2) Minority Introduction to Engineering, and Science at MIT (MITES) -- MITES is six-week residential, academic enrichment summer program that introduces high school seniors to engineering and science. Students interested in genomics take part in a hands-on lab course sequencing DNA and studying disease genetics.

(3) Broad Medical Fellowship Program -- Broad Medical Fellows will take part in an eight-week summer program, where they will work on an original research project in genomic medicine.

(4) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program -- The Broad Institute offers three-year postdoctoral training in genomics through a fellowship program that prepares the candidate for a successful research career.

(5) Visiting Faculty Program -- The visiting faculty program at the Broad provides scientists the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge genomics research.