Webinar: Supporting Minority Postdocs

A critical transition point for entry into the professoriate is a postdoctoral experience. In the STEM and biomedical science fields, one or more years of work as a postdoc are increasingly required for advancement into tenure-track faculty positions, but according to recent NSF data only 8.3 percent of postdoctoral scholars in STEM fields were from underrepresented backgrounds. Furthermore, underrepresented postdocs are not entering tenure-track faculty positions in sufficient numbers, especially at research-intensive institutions.

This webinar, co-hosted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU), and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), is part of a series intended to stimulate discussion and engage university leaders around topics from the recent report Increasing Diversity in the Biomedical Research Workforce: Actions for Improving Evidence, supported by the National Institutes of Health. During this webinar, we will explore known barriers to minority postdoc success as well as the efficacy of national programs designed to advance them to the professoriate (e.g. NIH IRACDA). Speakers will also highlight successful regional programs, such as the Carolina Postdoctoral Program for Faculty Diversity. The webinar will conclude with information about a proposed action item to partner with national stakeholders to evaluate the impact of diversity programs on postdoctoral scholars.

The webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Click here to register

Speakers include:

• Sibby Anderson-Thompkins, Ph.D., Director of Postdoctoral Affairs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Kathleen Flint Ehm, Ph.D., Director, Office for the Integration of Research, Education, and Professional Development and Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Stony Brook University
• Jessica Faupel-Badger, Ph.D., Director, NIGMS Postdoctoral Research Associate (PRAT) Program, National Institutes of Health
• Frances Leslie, Ph.D., Vice Provost and Dean, Graduate Division, University of California, Irvine

Who should attend this webinar? Anyone interested in the success of minority graduate students and faculty in STEM. Interested individuals may include university leaders and administrators, deans, academic affairs staff, diversity professionals, and faculty.