A lot has been written about diversity issues in science. Compared with two decades ago, women are now better represented among medical and graduate students, postdocs, and assistant professors. However, despite gains, we still have a smaller than desired number of senior women faculty and far fewer faculty from under-represented minority groups—at Mount Sinai and nationwide. Recent studies continue to document implicit biases in the scientific workplace, and concerns remain around quality of life issues and obstacles to faculty retention and promotion that affect everyone. At the Friedman Brain Institute, we are driving an ongoing discussion — now in its fifth year — designed to formulate positive steps through which we can make progress in these areas. We cannot solve societal issues, but perhaps we can serve as a smaller focus group and demonstrate the kinds of tangible actions that lead to real improvements.
Mission Statement
Our goal is to support highly innovative and productive research in basic, translational, and clinical neuroscience by promoting an exciting and inclusive environment that empowers all members of our community to contribute to scientific discovery and clinical translation. Our goal is to generate an environment that fosters creative approaches to fully understand brain and nervous system function and develop therapies and cures for disease and eventually preventive measures. We commit to listening to and learning from the many and different voices of our community in order to remove barriers to opportunities and success for everyone.
Statement Promoting Equal Opportunity
We denounce all forms of racism and bias endemic in our society. Bias, as well as structural and overt racism, negatively impact our trainees, staff and faculty, and prevent us from reaching our full potential. We pledge that:
- All our faculty, trainees, and staff will be attentive to steps required to ensure equal opportunity for all.
- We will continue to build partnerships with local and all underserved communities to provide opportunities in science and medicine.
- We will actively listen to and respect, support, as well as advocate for our trainees, faculty and staff to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, feels welcomed and appreciated at Mount Sinai, and has the tools they need for professional success.
- We will work to extend this focus on the neuroscience community to the greater community at Mount Sinai.