I am pleased to announce that our 2022–2023 virtual Scientific Workforce Diversity Seminar Series (SWDSS) begins on Wednesday, September 14, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET with "How Does Diversity Affect Innovation in Pharma?"
Registration is now open for this panel discussion about the impact of scientific workforce diversity on the pharmaceutical industry. Our conversation will center on how inclusive, equitable workplace cultures can enhance creativity, team effectiveness, and outcomes.
This seminar introduces a new SWDSS component for all trainees: A one-hour tea-time discussion from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET focused on career development. During this informal conversation, panelists will discuss their professional pathways, sharing insights on opportune transition points, the value of a circle of mentors, and career options outside of academia.
The seminar will consist of brief presentations and a question-and-answer session with the following speakers:
- Aida Habtezion, M.D., MSc, FRCPC, AGAF, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Worldwide Medical & Safety, Pfizer
- Graham Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc., Head of Connected Health Research and Innovation, Novartis
- Michelle McMurry-Heath, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO, Biotechnology Innovation Organization
- Meena Subramanyam, Ph.D., Global Program Leader and Conditional T Cell Engager Platform Lead, Takeda Oncology
In addition to the panelists, two of my NIH colleagues will join the tea-time discussion:
- Faith Harrow Plante, Ph.D., Chair of the NIH Training Directors Committee, Scientific Training Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH will moderate the conversation.
- Sharon Milgram, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Intramural Training & Education, will provide the opening remarks.
Evidence suggests that diversity in science and medicine leads to more innovative solutions. The COSWD team chose the September seminar topic because it demonstrates the influence of workforce diversity on one research and development field. Although the focus is on the pharmaceutical industry, our discussion will be relevant to anyone working in biomedical and behavioral research and other scientific disciplines.
Our inaugural SWDSS season was a great success, with more than 4,200 people attending our five 2021–2022 events. I am excited to launch our second series of engaging conversations with experts on current scientific workforce diversity topics. Please plan to attend our September 14 event and invite your colleagues to join us.
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