The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has unexpectedly terminated a US$60-million initiative focused on promoting diversity in science at US universities. This abrupt decision, coupled with the complete removal of all online references to the program, has caused significant distress among scientists who see this as a detrimental blow to efforts aimed at increasing representation and inclusion in STEM fields.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute ( HHMI ), a prominent private medical research foundation, has abruptly terminated a US$60-million initiative aimed at fostering diversity in science at US universities. The initiative, known as Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3), was abruptly ended on February 5th, with HHMI removing all references to the program from its website. This decision has left 104 universities, which were receiving grants as part of the six-year funding cycle, in uncertainty.
Scientists are deeply concerned, particularly in light of recent actions by the US administration targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and funding across the country. President Donald Trump has indicated that DEI initiatives diminish the importance of individual merit and hard work in selecting individuals for jobs and services. In response, US science agencies have been directed to remove DEI mentions from government websites.The sudden termination of the IE3 program by a private funder, which does not receive federal funding, has raised alarm bells among scientists. Danielle Beckman, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Davis, expressed profound disappointment, stating that this is a crucial time when private funders should be stepping in to bridge the gap left by the potential reduction in public science funding. While HHMI confirmed the termination of the IE3 program and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting outstanding scientists and aspiring scientists through other initiatives, they did not provide any explanation for the cancellation, the removal of all online references to the program, or the distress experienced by scientists.With a US$24 billion endowment, HHMI is a leading force in medical research. Its prestigious Investigator program provides awardees with US$11 million over a renewable seven-year period to pursue groundbreaking research. The IE3 initiative aimed to foster collaboration among universities by grouping awardee institutions into seven 'learning communities'. Each community, comprised of approximately 15 US institutions, received nearly US$9 million to invest in projects promoting diversity and inclusion. One such community focused on building robust peer-mentoring programs to enhance student outcomes. The decision to abruptly end the IE3 program has left scientists in a precarious position, as federal funding for research related to diversity and inclusion is anticipated to decline. The sudden removal of all online traces of the program has added to the sense of unease and uncertainty within the scientific community.
HHMI Diversity Initiative Inclusive Excellence 3 Science Funding Donald Trump DEI Policies Universities STEM
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