PAIR UP Imaging Science Program, a new framework for a diverse scientific workforce

PAIR-UP is a new conceptual framework for developing a diverse scientific workforce for the 21st century. PAIR-UP stand for Partnering to Advance Imaging Research for Underrepresented scientists Program. The goal of PAIR-UP is to solve the longstanding and wicked problem of underrepresentation of Black scientists in the imaging science field. PAIR-UP uses a multipronged approach designed to create culturally responsive environments at historically white colleges and universities (HWCUs) where Black scientists are culturally isolated. The PAIR-UP model shows that maintaining a strong cultural identity empowers Black scientists to be more creative and productive and therefore persistent in the discipline.