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The foundation of good science is diversity of ideas, research, and talent, but true diversity does not occur in isolation. Even today, only 24 percent of all STEM employees in the United States are Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native.
Just as robust research requires forethought and intentionality to eradicate potential bias, creating a diversity of voices, backgrounds, and expertise in STEM fields requires careful consideration and action. is required. It is important to develop a strong pipeline that allows more people from different populations and groups to enter the field.
“Science seeks truth, and you cannot pursue truth without accepting different ideas,” says Pillai. “To get to a better place, we need an environment where people from different backgrounds can discuss ideas, and that’s the culture that Regeneron continues to grow in.”
This is the main reason why Regeneron adopts the DEI framework of “Better Workplaces, Better Science, Better World.” This aims to increase diversity within the company and foster the sharing of ideas that is so important to producing great science at Regeneron, and ultimately a better world. A focus on actions and results avoids “diversity tokenism” and fosters real change. That’s because Regeneron’s diversity is interwoven with and emerges from a core understanding that the effectiveness and strength of science is made possible by fostering the sharing of all ideas.
“We focus on diversity in our own way, through science,” says Pillai. “For us, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words, they are deeply ingrained in our culture and the way we do science.”
To foster a sense of belonging and conversation among scientists and attract a more diverse workforce, Regeneron creates opportunities for colleagues to come together. For example, there are currently 10 of her ERGs across a variety of common identifiers, including Black, Female, Mental Health/Neurodiversity, Disability, and LGBTQ+. Each division is led by a senior executive and currently has a total of 5,000 employees, approximately half of the company’s workforce. Among other initiatives, ERG currently sponsors more than 115 annual events, ranging from Women’s History Month celebrations to health equity seminars and webinars that raise awareness of mental health issues. All of these events are designed to foster allyship and encourage conversation about difficult topics. These are skills you can apply to respectful discussions of science in Regeneron’s labs.
“I still host many scientific conferences,” Yancopoulos says. “What I like is when entry-level researchers challenge me by making the mistake that something may or may not be true. But that’s what we do at Regeneron. The idea is that even entry-level scientists can challenge me, and they’ll know that I like it because I’m an advocate of trying anything. Sho.”
Other initiatives include Inclusion Cafés, 90-minute virtual learning sessions with subject matter experts on DEI issues. Mentoring+ programs often match young employees with business leaders to discuss their career goals. Culture Labs is a platform for leaders to learn how their members experience Regeneron’s culture. Empathy circles are safe spaces for colleagues to share their thoughts and concerns in response to external events. For years, the company has hosted empathy circles, where thousands of colleagues from across the company come together to listen and share. This allowed us to have a lasting impact on the company’s culture. These circles cover a variety of topics and allow all employees to feel welcomed and valued. “This strategy creates an ecosystem to channel the energy of diverse perspectives into great medical care,” said Sally Paul, Regeneron’s executive vice president of human resources.
Regeneron also understands that diversity within the STEM professions does not occur naturally. That’s why the company is committed to bringing more diverse students from different backgrounds into the field, and is committed to providing all students with a real opportunity to enter the scientific field and promote good scientific practice. We sponsor outside programs. This year we renewed our sponsorship of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of the Science Association and the world’s largest high school science and engineering contest.
“At a time when we see companies committing resources but not always following through, Regeneron invests where we know it can make a difference and brings science to the best and brightest. This is a true example of making a difference,” says Pillai. .
These STEM Pipeline programs are personal to Mr. Yancopoulos, who credits his attendance at Bronx High School of Science and the Regeneron Science Talent Search, now the oldest and most prestigious science and math competition in the United States. We highly appreciate being selected as a top prize winner. , as a first step to launching Regeneron. “For me, helping the next generation is like coming full circle,” he says. “We’d better do our best to cheer everyone up, because we don’t know where the next Albert Einstein will come from.”
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