ORWH is now accepting applications for a Challenge Prize competition aimed at increasing gender diversity among faculty members at colleges and universities and removing barriers to the uptake of systemic institutional approaches for transformative change. As previously announced, the Enhancing Faculty Gender Diversity Prize will recognize institutions that have acted systemically to address gender diversity and equity issues among faculty members within their biomedical and behavioral science departments. The competition will highlight and promote their best practices, lessons learned, and evidence-based approaches.  

“Our ultimate goal is to foster more inclusive and equitable environments in academia so women in biomedical and other STEMM careers, including women of color, are able to reach their full potential,” said ORWH Director Janine A. Clayton, M.D. “Supporting women from their early careers through leadership positions will enhance the research enterprise, as the path of discovery will be increased through the expertise, perspectives, and creative problem-solving the women scientists will bring to the table.”  

“COVID-19 has created additional challenges for women in various careers, with science and academia being no exception, increasing the potential value of the information shared via the Challenge Prize,” said ORWH Associate Director for Careers Xenia Tigno, Ph.D.

Colleges and universities from across the United States have the opportunity to be recognized in the prize competition by sharing successful approaches to improving gender diversity within their biomedical and behavioral science departments. The prize will award up to 10 institutions with $50,000 each, for a total of $500,000 in prizes. Institutions will have an added opportunity to inform the development of a toolkit for sharing their strategies and approaches for wide dissemination. 

The prize competition is limited to U.S.-based accredited public or private nonprofit academic institutions that grant baccalaureate or advanced degrees in biomedical, behavioral, or health sciences. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. (Eastern) on April 16, 2021. You can learn more about the prize here.