On October 14, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), chaired by President Clayton Rose, announced its long-term plan to increase racial, ethnic and gender diversity in science. The institute committed to investing $2 billion over the next decade in pursuit of ten goals, all of which are designed to significantly promote equity and inclusion in academic, research and professional environments.

HHMI is a scientific philanthropy group which supports advancement in biomedical research and science education across the nation through various opportunities for employment, an extensive network of mentorship, prized grants and other resources. Rose joined HHMI in 2009 as a trustee, serving as a member and chair of various committees before he was elected the Chair of the Trustees in April of 2020.

The $2 billion investment will enable HHMI to assist undergraduates and graduates pursuing a future in STEM, introduce 200 underrepresented biomedical science professors to a team of colleges and universities and implement programs that engage with societal and cultural awareness in the workplace.

“The program that HHMI is embarking on has the very real possibility of significantly moving the needle on diversity, inclusion and equity in the sciences, and to bring to great scientific accomplishment [and] the very best minds, regardless of their identity,” Rose said.