Affirming NIH's commitment to addressing structural racism in the biomedical research enterprise.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity Research
• Biomedical Workforce Development

Background:

• Structural racism presents significant barriers within the biomedical research landscape.
• Addressing health disparities requires a comprehensive and systemic approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) strategic framework for combating structural racism.
• To detail NIH's commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in research and the workforce.

Main Methods:

• The framework involves understanding systemic barriers to equity.
• It emphasizes developing robust health disparities and equity research.
• Key components include internal cultural change, transparency, accountability, and transforming the extramural ecosystem.

Main Results:

• NIH has formally acknowledged the need to dismantle structural racism.
• A multi-faceted approach is being implemented across internal operations and external funding mechanisms.
• The initiative aims to embed DEI principles throughout NIH-funded research.

Conclusions:

• NIH's commitment signifies a critical step towards health equity.
• The outlined framework provides a roadmap for systemic change in biomedical research.
• Sustained effort in research, culture, and policy is essential for lasting impact.