Washington Update

FASEB Seeks Nominations for DEAI Officers

By: France-Elvie Banda
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
In January 2023, FASEB will begin accepting nominations for new officer positions, vice president and vice president-elect for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI).

FASEB remains committed to embedding and elevating diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion throughout its organizational structure. These new officer positions will enhance FASEB’s leadership in tackling DEAI policy issues and DEAI initiatives within the biological and biomedical research community.

The vice president and vice president-elect for DEAI will each serve for one year, terms beginning July 1, 2023, as an ambassador of FASEB’s DEAI initiatives and lead in collaborations with FASEB member societies and external entities/organizations on DEAI initiatives and share best practices.

To further support the work and influence of the vice president and vice president-elect for DEAI, the DEAI Committee will expand to include representatives from all Full Member societies. Applications open January 10–February 28.

Candidates for vice president and vice president-elect for DEAI should have:
  • Demonstrated passion for DEAI
  • Record of professional service, including active membership in a FASEB society
  • Strong interest in DEAI policy issues in the biological and biomedical sciences, and/or prior experience communicating those issues to policymakers and/or the public
  • Awareness of the challenges and concerns of historically excluded researchers in the biological and biomedical research communities
  • Expertise relevant to the development and implementation of DEAI and/or professional development programming for research-intensive and associated career paths
  • Demonstrated experience communicating a vision and transforming strategy into action with proven results
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills that build relationships, internally and externally, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus
  • Experience in academia, government, industry, and nonprofit sectors, including recruitment, promotion, and retention practices
  • Knowledge and experience in biological and biomedical research (or comparable experience)
  • Experience serving on an organizational governance board, council, or committee
  • Willingness to leverage professional networks (individual and/or group connections) for subject matter expertise 
For more information contact, France-Elvie Banda, DEAI Program Manager, and Sally Schwettmann, Director of Governance and Leadership.