Increasing the genomic workforce through research capacity building: Designing evaluation plans for maximum impact

More interventions are needed to address the need for workforce diversity and research capacity building (RCB) in genomics. In 2023, the National Human Genome Research Institute and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health funded the Diversity Centers for Genome Research Consortium to address this critical gap. The NIH program staff designed a prospective evaluation plan and developed common data elements (CDEs) that capture common evaluation outputs, synergize and streamline reporting, and facilitate continuous quality improvement. We created five CDEs: genomics programs and equipment, scientific productivity, scientific collaboration, community engagement, and workforce development. The prospective development of an evaluation plan based on CDEs facilitates the ongoing evaluation, reporting, and adjustment of RCB interventions to enhance the diversity of the genomics workforce.