New York Stem Cell Foundation

NYSCF is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in STEM, both internally and externally. Overcoming the impact of systematic racism, sexism, and other discrimination that has systematically marginalized certain groups from STEM research is critical for a productive, innovative scientific community. We need 100% of the available brainpower to reach treatments and cures as quickly as possible. 

To do our part, we launched our Initiative on Women in Science and Engineering (IWISE) to create, implement, and promote actionable strategies for advancing women in STEM. We have also established the NYSCF Academy for Science and Society (or NYSCF Academy) provides comprehensive scientific education for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and scientific understanding who want to enable progress and equal opportunity.

Our IWISE Working Group articulated its plan in a paper entitled, “Seven Actionable Strategies for Advancing Women in Science, Medicine, and Engineering”, published in Cell Stem Cell in March of 2015, which includes:

1. Implement flexible family care spending
2. Provide “extra hands” awards
3. Recruit gender-balanced external review committees and speaker selection committees
4. Incorporate implicit bias statements
5. Focus on education as a tool
6. Create an institutional report card for gender equality
7. Partner to expand upon existing searchable databases of women in science, medicine, and engineering.

The NYSCF Academy serves under-resourced schools and communities to better prepare them for careers in STEM fields and help the next generation of scientists and engineers to turn their ideas into meaningful outcomes for patients. We are committed to creating ongoing learning opportunities through democratized access to educational resources and scientific knowledge through some of the following engagement programs:

• Virtual classroom & activity center
• Research institute tours
• Immersive Program
• Internship Program
• High school teacher education
• Family Stem Cell Day 
• Career development workshops
• Webinars with leaders in the field
• And more!

For more information on our education & equity initiatives, please visit our website at nyscf.org.