BIOEquality Agenda

Justice Through Equity

The BIOEquality Agenda is a national effort in collaboration with our partners and member organizations in the biotechnology sector that aims to counteract the systemic inequality, injustice, and unfair treatment of underserved communities.

BIO Digital D&1 Panel
Leading Through Crisis: Speaking Up and Out on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Issues Impacting our World
Dr. Michelle McMurry Heath
Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath's BIO Digital Keynote Address

Biotechnology can be a positive force for change in these communities. BIO intends to leverage the existing efforts of BIO member companies to focus on 3 pillars of change.

3 Pillars of Change

1

          

Promote Health Equity
  • Enhance clinical trial diversity by partnering with Contract Research Organizations and Minority Serving Institutions
  • Promote access to vaccines and therapeutics for uninsured and underserved populations, especially related to COVID
  • Foster enhanced nutritional, environmental, and mental wellness opportunities in economically disadvantaged communities

2

          

Invest in the Current and Next Generation of Scientists
  • Inventory and promote visibility of industry-sponsored minority training programs
  • Establish STEM training best practices for underrepresented populations
  • Create a network of minority scientists and engineers  
  • Facilitate a partnering network, including hiring of industry-trained minority scientists and engineers

3

          

Expand Opportunity for Women and Other Underrepresented Populations
  • Enhance use of minority- and women-owned small businesses in biotech supply chains, to promote economic development of marginalized communities and especially those, hard hit by COVID-19
  • Promote diversity of the NIH SBIR Grants
IamBIO-podcast-COVID19
Clinical Trials and Tribulations

The I AM BIO podcast spotlights diversity in clinical trials, vaccine education and overcoming the legacy of Tuskegee. Dr. Michelle interviews Tal Zaks, Chief Medical Officer of Boston biotech Moderna, about the company’s commitment to enroll people of color and vulnerable populations in its historic Phase 3 covid vaccine trial. 

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your player of choice.

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