Developmental Biology Department’s Commitment to Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion

The Developmental Biology Department at Stanford is committed to increasing diversity and promoting equity and intentional inclusion in our community. We believe that central to the success of our department is creating and maintaining a space where every individual is supported and able to achieve the goals they set for themselves.

Our community is enriched by the perspectives of people who have identities and life experiences that reflect the diversity of the population as a whole. We recognize that diversity of race, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, socioeconomic background, culture, and interests elevates our community, levels of discussion, and research as a department. All voices and ideas matter and contribute to the production of our best science -- research does not operate in a vacuum, and we are most likely to succeed with the help of friends and colleagues that can provide different perspectives.

As a department, we aspire to advance knowledge and educate the next generation of scientists. Without an understanding of the breadth of challenges faced by others, we cannot bring these aspirations to fruition. It is critical that we recognize the importance of intersectionality and the effect of multiple oppressive systems on members of our community. We can and will do more to be introspective, compassionate, and deliberate allies, and to show up for one another. Training, advocating for, and supporting those who are underrepresented in science will continue to be a primary goal of our department. Promoting equity in science and the broader community will have an impact that outlasts any one scientific discovery.

As a department, we commit to the following goals and actions:

1. Actively encourage applications from prospective trainees from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.

   • Represent our department at undergraduate conferences for URM students such as SACNAS and ABRCMS.

2. Prioritize inclusive practices in faculty recruitment and hiring.

3. Foster a culture of learning and reflection that allows department members to have conversations about institutional policies that contribute to systemic inequality.

   • Hold a Journal Club for trainees to read and discuss books and articles addressing systemic racism and how to dismantle structures that reinforce discrimination.

   • Participate in an annual department-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshop.

4. Extend opportunities to participate in research to undergraduates from minority-serving institutions and diverse backgrounds.

5. Provide department members with an up-to-date list of resources, including funding and fellowship opportunities, outreach opportunities, and anti-racism resources.

6. Have multiple channels for receiving anonymous feedback from department members about ways we can improve our collective efforts.

   • Department members can provide any anonymous feedback here.
     (you will have to sign in with your Stanford email but your email address will not be saved/recorded)

Note: This is a living document that we will continue to revise and update regularly to reflect the actions our department is engaged in to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Last updated 12.16.2023.