The document outlines the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) comprehensive strategy to strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within its workforce and the broader biomedical research community. Guided by federal mandates, such as Executive Order 14035 and legislative directives, NIH developed a strategic plan with both broad and specific objectives to address systemic barriers and disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and other factors. The plan incorporates input from both internal and external stakeholders and features accountability measures to track progress over the next five years. Key priorities include implementing equitable organizational practices, fostering cultural and structural change, and advancing DEIA through focused research initiatives.
Central to NIH’s efforts is the UNITE Initiative, developed in response to pivotal social events in 2020, which seeks to address structural racism and promote inclusive excellence across the biomedical landscape. Actions under this initiative include significant funding for transformative research on health disparities, enhanced recruitment and mentorship programs such as the FIRST initiative, and institutional reforms to improve workplace climate and recognize inclusivity. The NIH also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches, a well-coordinated DEIA community, and regular stakeholder engagement through working groups and feedback mechanisms. Overall, the document demonstrates NIH’s ongoing commitment to leveraging diversity as a driver of scientific innovation and to creating an inclusive environment that enables all members of the biomedical workforce to thrive.
