FASEB to Host Conference to Address Workforce Development

By: Brandon Corbett
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
FASEB will host a unique conference where research training directors can gain new and valuable skills to bring back to their research labs and classrooms. This gathering will unite thought leaders overseeing a variety of programs addressing the future of workforce development in biomedical research.

Formerly called the Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity Conference (TWD), this year’s Biomedical Training Program Directors’ Conference is aimed at program directors within the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) training, workforce development, and diversity institutional training programs, as well as associate deans.

The conference will feature several esteemed program directors from across the country’s prominent institutions:

• Neda Gould from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Wendy Ingram of Dragonfly Mental Health will discuss early-career researcher and faculty wellness, including strategies that address mental health and wellness challenges for trainees and faculty.
• Janet Branchaw of the Wisconsin Institutes for Science Education and Community Engagement and Philip Clifford of the University of Illinois, Chicago, will address skills to elevate research mentoring.
• Marlene de la Cruz of the University of California, Irvine; Joyce Lloyd of the VCU School of Medicine; and Rajini Rao of Johns Hopkins University will discuss inclusivity in recruiting, admissions, and retention in research training programs.
• Jennifer Heemstra of Washington University in St. Louis and Reinhart Reithmeier of the University of Toronto will review how to promote a positive culture within research labs to encourage creativity and collaboration.

With the success of the previous iteration of this conference, this updated version will provide a unique opportunity for these dedicated program directors to meet in person, exchange innovative ideas, share best practices, learn from experts, and engage with NIGMS program officers. Faculty from small and independent institutions are encouraged to apply for a travel award to support their participation in this important dialogue.

FASEB Director of Science Policy Yvette Seger stressed the importance of the conference. “The goal of the Biomedical Training Program Directors’ Conference is to foster an environment that promotes an active dialogue about strategies that lead to successful outcomes as well as approaches to tackling unexpected challenges or barriers.” She continued, “Reflecting broader societal discourse, special emphasis is placed on early-career researcher and faculty wellness and building a positive research culture.”

Attendees interested in submitting an abstract for the poster session should do so by June 3. Registrants can save $40 by registering before June 7. All registration closes June 30. The conference is supported by an award (grant 1R13GM154471-01) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Click here to register now.