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Increasing diversity in the nutrition, obesity, and diabetes biomedical workforce: the BRIDGES consortium

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Scientists from diverse backgrounds are underrepresented (UR) in academia. This lack of diversity impedes scientific discovery and innovation. UR scientists tend to conduct research on issues relevant to UR populations, including chronic disease prevention and management, and health disparities. Difficulty in attaining grant funding is a major barrier preventing UR scientists from remaining in academia. Programs designed to provide UR scientists with career development training can help increase the number of UR scientists who obtain grant funding. These programs have shown some level of success, yet none have been specifically designed to target scientists conducting research pertaining to the interests of the National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK). Here, the Bringing Resources to Increase Diversity, Growth, Equity, and Scholarship for Obesity, Nutrition, and Diabetes Research (BRIDGES) consortium is described. BRIDGES is the first program to be funded by the NIDDK designed to increase the success rate of UR scientists competing for and obtaining funding related to nutrition, obesity, and diabetes. Four programs across the country, located in California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Louisiana, were funded in 2022. By design, some programmatic elements are shared across each of the funded programs, including mentoring and a pilot and feasibility funding program. Some elements are specific to each program. The BRIDGES program is expected to impact a substantial number of UR scientists who are then likely to have an influence on nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and health disparities research, shaping NIH priorities, and future scientists conducting NIDDK-related research.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.12.011
Authors: Robert L Newton, Robert L Newton, Peter T Katzmarzyk, O. Kenrik Duru, Anna Lee, Ashley Irwin, Carol M Mangione, Natalia E Morone, Elimelda Moige Ongeri, Saame Raza Shaikh, Fatima Cody Stanford, Takara L Stanley, Kimberly Parker Truesdale, Robert L Newton, Robert L Newton, Peter T Katzmarzyk, Corby K Martin, Ursula White, Casie Lindsly, Robbie Beyl, Kara Denstel
Institutions: Pennington Biomedical Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Boston University, Boston Medical Center, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,100
Funders: Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Harvard University, National Institutes of Health, University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, San Diego, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of North Carolina, National Institute on Aging, Office of Naval Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, Office of Disease Prevention, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Office of Nutrition Research
Awards: G1202497701, G1985352637, G4943184546, G67549176, G8022677244, G9000140147, G9000273006, Center for Health Innovation and Maximizing Elder Care, UCLA LIFT-UP (Leveraging Institutional support For Talented, Upcoming Physicians and/or Scientists)
OpenAlex ID: W4405426348
FWCI: 2.233
Cites: 35
Cited by: 3
Related to: 10