CEO Blog

Since its inception in February 2021, the UNITE initiative at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been working to identify and address structural racism within the NIH-supported and the greater scientific community, and to establish an equitable and civil culture within the biomedical research enterprise and reduce barriers to racial equity in the biomedical research workforce.

As part of this work, the initiative has been conducting a series of public online sessions to present the latest data and ideas on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the biomedical workforce and in research, and featuring leaders from the NIH community as well as other experts from the biomedical research community.

As busy researchers, clinicians, and educators, the time you have available for other professional endeavors is limited. Yet so many GSA members make the time to be fully engaged with their Society, strengthening the field daily.

So during this Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating YOU as GSA could not move forward without the volunteer commitments of its members. GSA President Peter Lichtenberg says it best in a new video he’s recorded especially for this occasion.

GSA’s Careers in Aging Week (CIAW) 2022 is taking place from April 17 to 23. The Society, along with partner organizations, needs your help to raise awareness about the wide-ranging career opportunities in the field of aging.

Check out GSA’s CIAW Week Toolkit for resources on how to get involved and spread the word. CIAW is observed every year by businesses, clinics, coalitions, organizations, universities, colleges, and other parties across the world.

Researchers have until April 15 to apply for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Butler-Williams Scholars Program, and if you’re eligible, I encourage you to apply for this training program taking place virtually this summer! Or if you’re a mentor to someone who qualifies, please share this opportunity. As GSA has long provided a home for junior scholars through our Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization, we proudly welcome Butler-Williams participants into the fold.

GSA’s vice president of policy and professional affairs, Patricia “Trish” D’Antonio, was part of a select panel of experts convened recently by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to discuss increasing routine vaccinations. Among her many responsibilities, Trish serves as co-chair of the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), which works to strengthen and enhance access to and increase utilization of vaccines among adults. Participation in coalitions like AVAC is one of many ways that GSA is able to amplify its advocacy efforts.