The DEI Community Feedback effort aims to provide quantitative and qualitative assessments of how well the Institute of Neuroscience promotes a diverse, inclusive, and equitable research environment and to track progress in these areas as the DEI committee implements new programs, policies, and procedures.

Our efforts comprises two phases:

(1) Planning, budgeting, securing funding, and executing an initial assessment of ION climate as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, and action.

This work includes soliciting feedback, both formal and informal, to ensure equitable representation on our website and to highlight our goals of building an inclusive and accessible environment for prospective ION students, faculty, and staff.

(2) Establishment of a feedback loop using anonymous reporting, surveys, and/or focus groups to monitor progress and coordinate efforts with the Environment and Recruitment Subcommittees.

ION climate survey: the first survey was successfully conducted during the academic year 2020/2021, highlighting challenges faced by the ION community and leading to the implementation of significant improvements in ION and Biology Department governance and practices.

ION Town Hall meetings are held periodically and attended by trainees, staff and faculty, with the goal of discussing outstanding issues facing the ION community and seeking shared solutions.