The Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics recognizes that the diversity of its community – including faculty, trainees, staff, and students – is an essential component of our mission to improve biomedical research and human health through the application of quantitative science and the incorporation of innovative technologies. With leadership from the Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we are committed to proactively fostering an inclusive environment in which diverse perspectives and backgrounds are welcome and thrive. Specifically, we recognize and embrace our shared humanity, strive to see each of us live up to our full potential as scientists, as educators, as trainees, as managers, as administrators, as members of society and our community. We celebrate each other's successes, strengthen each other in adversity, and recognize our independent as well as shared ambitions.
We are committed to taking action to dismantle racism in all forms. Our faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to speak openly, honestly, and without retribution about experience with racism and necessary improvements. We will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, nationality, language, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.
- Conduct open searches for faculty and staff.
- Annually review and strengthen the statement of support for equity, diversity and inclusion within all job postings.
- Have a diverse set of speakers for events and speaker series hosted by the department with nominations accepted by all members of the department.
- Provide implicit bias and anti-racism training for the department.
- Maintain and disseminate resources for self-education on structural racism and anti-racism.
- Provide transparency through our Departmental Faculty Handbook regarding the process of hiring, mentoring and promotion.
- Provide formal mentoring to all junior faculty through a committee with 3 mentors.
- Maintain funding (10% effort) for the role of Associate Chair for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Engage with faculty, staff and students directly and through the Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to identify new areas for progress.
- Help underrepresented students in the department find communities to support them across Duke.
- Create a safe, inclusive environment for all our faculty, trainees, staff, and students.
- Recognize and reinforce ethical behavior and science.
- Recognize and reward contributions that enrich each other, our department, our institution, our communities.
- Reaffirm our common humanity and celebrate our differences.
The following initiatives were prioritized by a process of engagement with all members of the Committee, first to brainstorm initiatives of potential interest and then an anonymous survey gauged level of interest and willingness to lead and/or participate.
- Student sub-committee: work with students to address student needs.
- Work with Education Program to develop strategies to recruit and support students from diverse backgrounds.
- Community Outreach Working Group: provide exposure and experience to Durham High School students.
- Survey/Focus groups: how to better support the department.
- Enhance recruitment of diverse candidates for employment.
Duke University has a rich variety of groups and communities of support.
- Campus Groups - Students are invited to explore over 400 campus groups available through student affairs.
- Duke International Student Center - Provides educational programs, services and advocacy to Duke global community, offering extensive cross-cultural information and training to enhance the mission of the university.
- DukeF1RSTS - First Generation Graduate School Network
- Duke Disability Alliance - The mission of Duke Disability Alliance (DDA) is to promote advocacy and awareness of issues concerning students with disabilities, physical or otherwise.
- IDEALS Office - Contributes to the diverse scientific climate within the Biomedical Graduate Programs in the School of Medicine.
- Student Affairs - Provides programs and services that support the growth of Duke students, enhance their intellectual, social, cultural and physical development, and complement Duke’s academic excellence.
Visit the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for other resources and Campus Partners.
Visit the School of Medicine Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for a wide variety of resources.