Broadening Biomedical Research Workforce Participation through Culturally Responsive Mentoring

PROJECT ABSTRACT Utilizing effective evidence- and asset-based approaches in mentorship are essential to improving the success of trainees from diverse backgrounds in STEMM and biomedical/behavioral research. While the scholarship has noted the benefits of asset-based and culturally responsive mentoring approaches, few

opportunities exist to gather like-minded individuals to learn and discuss practical ways of moving the research to practice. Moreover, limited resources and opportunities exist on how institutions and organ- izations can institutionalize culturally responsive mentoring approaches using asset-based practices. As

such, we proposed a conference with the theme “Broadening Biomedical Research Workforce Partici- pation through Culturally Responsive Mentoring” to be held on January 23-24, 2025 (intentionally selected to align with January mentoring month) in Fort Worth, TX. The overarching goal of this proposed

conference is to impart to attendees an integrated understanding of asset-based culturally responsive mentoring approaches that can be used in STEMM and biomedical/behavioral research paces to enhance participation in the biomedical workforce and train the next generation of scientists. The conference will

feature educational and interactive presentations, panel and round table discussions, breakout sessions, and networking facilitated by nationwide experts in asset-based and culturally responsive mentoring approaches, DEIA, and organizational culture and change. Further, the conference will provide opportunities for networking beyond the conference through a virtual Community of Practice, as well as

access to a national Resource. The audience will consist of nationwide individuals (approximately 500 participants) from multi-tier levels including an audience of leadership, policymakers, NIH-funded Program Directors, mentors, administrators, and mentees within the STEMM and biomedical/ behavioral research

space. The Specific Aims of the conference are these: 1) Enhance the understanding of asset-based culturally responsive mentoring approaches across career stages to enhance participation in the biomedical workforce and train the next generation of scientists; 2) Create a Community of Practice to engage in collaboration and networking surrounding culturally responsive mentoring practices to enhance

participation in the biomedical workforce. 3) Develop and disseminate nationwide an Enhancing Biomedical Research Workforce Participation through Culturally Responsive Mentoring Resource. The expected outcome is to increase understanding of practical approaches for conducting mentoring in an intentional

and structural way, using asset-based and culturally responsive approaches, as a means to enhance participation in the biomedical workforce and train the next generation of scientists.