NRMNet: Building a National Resource for Mentorship, Networking and Professional Development to Enhance Diversity

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research Workforce Development
• Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
• Mentorship Programs

Background:

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) to diversify the biomedical research workforce.
• The DPC aims to enhance participation and persistence of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in research careers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase diversity in the biomedical research workforce through culturally responsive mentorship, networking, and professional development.
• To provide a national network of mentors accessible to diverse mentees via the NRMNet portal.
• To support mentee transitions across career stages with networking and professional development resources.

Main Methods:

• The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) was funded as part of the DPC initiative.
• The NRMNet portal was developed in 2015 to create a broad-based network.
• NRMN implemented strategic recruitment efforts to expand its network.

Main Results:

• The NRMN network expanded to nearly 13,000 diverse mentors and mentees nationwide within five years.
• NRMN has representation in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
• Over five years, 66% of mentees and 33% of mentors were from underrepresented groups, reflecting significant racial and ethnic diversity.

Conclusions:

• The NRMNet portal effectively enhances participation and engagement of underrepresented individuals in biomedical research.
• Culturally responsive mentorship, networking, and professional development are key components of the NRMNet's success.
• The portal supports individuals across all career stages in biomedical research.