Future applicants with under-represented identities in science and medicine (URiM) are experiencing significant setbacks in applying to combined degree programs this year and beyond. This problem has been significantly exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Virtual Summer Research Program (VSRP) through the American Physician Scientists Association (APSA), a program led by the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion committee, is hoping to bridge this gap, and we need your help!

In 2020 we paired 150+  mentors, principal investigators and graduate students with premedical and pre-graduate trainees for mentored research experiences. In 2021, we are hoping to pair 200 URiMs (we anticipate 600+ will apply). Ultimately, we hope to increase diversity by expanding access to dual degree programs to those whose previous research experience was limited by socio-economic factors–and for this, we are asking graduate students, post-docs, and principal investigators in any lab or research group to sign up as mentors for this virtual research experience from June 14th to August 6th 2021. Visit https://www.physicianscientists.org/page/VSRP-2021 to learn more and sign up (note that your PI must sign-off although non-PIs can certainly mentor!). The deadline is May 1st, 11:59pm.

If we want the next generation of scientists to be diverse, we must participate in uplifting URiM applicants that are facing compounded roadblocks due to COVID-19 and ongoing racial and economic disparities that plague our nation. If you are asking yourself, what can I do to increase diversity in biomedical research? Well, this!

Register today for the the 2021 Virtual Symposium on Gender Bias in Science Communication hosted by GWIS Philadelphia! The event will take place Friday, April 16, 2021 from 1:00 – 6:00 PM EST.

The registration link can be found here: https://forms.gle/cRxoJDQ8DRHuKcT26

Participants will receive a giftcard to Cognitive Surplus.

BGS seeks nominations for the two prizes described below. Nominations may be made on a rolling basis.  If the award money is to be used for travel to a conference, please submit the nomination at least 2 months prior to the date of the conference. BGS faculty members should nominate their students via email to rebecca.lopez@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
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Jessica Lok Prize for Cystic Fibrosis Research or Related Research in Infectious Disease, Metabolism and Growth

This prize was established in 2007 for BGS students carrying out cystic fibrosis- or related research in infectious disease, metabolism and growth.  The prize honors Jessica Lok, who died in 2006 at the age of 21 from cystic fibrosis.  Jessica is the daughter of Sparky Lok, Professor of Pathobiology.  The funds for this prize are provided by BGS and the prize’s purpose is to help inspire young basic science investigators to pursue research related to cystic fibrosis, infectious disease, metabolism and growth.

The prize will be awarded on a yearly basis in recognition of an outstanding dissertation, publication or presentation of data at an academic conference relating to cystic fibrosis, infectious disease, metabolism and growth.  Students must be nominated for the prize by a faculty member.  The nominating letter should include a description of the student’s research and why the student is being nominated.  A copy of the dissertation, manuscript or meeting abstract must accompany the letter of recommendation.

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Jon Samuel Kanefield Prize for Cystic Fibrosis Research

This prize was established in 2003 for BGS students carrying out cystic fibrosis- or related research.  The prize honors Jon Samuel Kanefield, who died in 1998 at the age of 42 from cystic fibrosis.  The funds for this prize were generously given to BGS by Linda Kanefield, his sister, and Norman G. Schneider.  Its purpose is to help inspire young basic science investigators to pursue research related to cystic fibrosis.

The prize will be awarded on a yearly basis in recognition of an outstanding dissertation, publication or presentation of data at an academic conference relating to cystic fibrosis.  Students must be nominated for the prize by a faculty member.  The nominating letter should include a description of the student’s research and why the student is being nominated.  A copy of the dissertation, manuscript or meeting abstract must accompany the letter of recommendation.