The NextGen initiative, led by professors Aaron Streets, Polly Fordyce and Jason Sello and funded by CZ Biohub SF, has successfully diversified faculty hiring in biological and biomedical sciences at Bay Area universities. Launched in response to systemic racism concerns, the initiative focuses on the recruitment stage, showcasing early-career scientists from underrepresented groups. The annual symposium, now in its fourth year, has significantly increased diversity in STEM faculty hires, inspiring similar programs nationwide. The success is attributed to active recruitment efforts, demonstrating the potential to reshape academia by fostering inclusivity.
Read more about it here.