The Seattle Children’s Research Institute has announced a new program featuring scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Over the next five years, the $45 million initiative will fund and train 50 scholars in the development of therapeutics for childhood diseases.
The new program allows for the inclusion of groups under-represented in biotech, including scientists from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, and people who identify as LGBTQ.
The program will include a new application process focused on a “candidate’s potential, motivation, natural curiosity, creativity and commitment to building their knowledge.”
“With the focus on generating breakthrough treatments specifically for children, along with the diversity, equity and inclusion that are at the core of the program, Seattle Children’s is poised to blaze a trail for other research institutions to follow,” said Meher Antia, Washington Research Foundation’s Director of Grant Programs.