Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Long-standing structural disadvantages separate many underserved communities in the U.S. from opportunities to benefit from and add to scientific knowledge. The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology has a set of initiatives to bridge these gaps and expand and diversify the interdisciplinary workforce. NITMB integrates inclusiveness into its training, education, research capacity building, community outreach, workforce development, and dissemination activities.

A major goal of the NITMB to broaden participation and increase diversity in mathematics and biology by engaging a broad audience in the community and colleges around the country. NITMB’s activities will leverage its physical location in Chicago, which has a large population of people who are under-represented in the scientific workforce.

NITMB has partnered with Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), a minority-serving institution (MSI) on Chicago’s WestSide, to provide research opportunities for their undergraduate students and teachers combined with exchange experiences for NITMB faculty. Partnerships with other Chicago MSIs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide will be developed over time using lessons from the seed partnership with NEIU.

NITMB is collaborating with Northwestern’s Science in Society, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and teachers in the Chicago Public Schools to improve underserved students’ access to high-quality mentoring and integrated math and science learning. NITMB is partnering to expand an out-of-school-time program called Science Club. Science Club participants from middle school work closely with graduate student mentors on science projects over the whole year. NITMB plans to expand Science Club’s educational model and geographic reach to the broader Chicago community.