Washington Duke

Despite the significant contributions that graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty make to the research ecosystem, they are often offered inconsistent access to mentorship, and their professional development only intermittently addresses their holistic well-being. Institutions and leaders have an obligation to ensure that all members of their research enterprise are thriving in each of these areas.

Through highlighting the role that senior leaders play in embodying an equitable research ecosystem, we will share strategies and resources that may be developed into actionable plans that integrate mentorship, well-being, and professional development into the experiences of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students. This approach aims to create a more effective and equitable higher education research ecosystem. 

At this workshop, senior leaders will engage in an overview of the current challenges facing graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty, and explore the development of new modes of engagement and innovations that integrate mentorship, well-being, and professional development into practices at their institutions. Workshop participants will also discuss existing effective tools, interventions, and frameworks to help address barriers and promote success – particularly for those individuals from historically underserved and excluded groups in research.