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Elsevier Foundation commits $1m to diversity in science
Elsevier's not-for-profit Elsevier Foundation has committed $1m to programmes encouraging diversity in science, technology and medicine and promoting science research in developing countries.
"The future of science requires a robust and diverse workforce, drawn from all corners of society," the Foundation said, announcing the establishment of "new partnerships to help underserved youth get greater exposure to science and health education".
In London, the Foundation will support the launch of Imperial College London’s White City Maker Challenge programme "offering 14-18-year-olds from one of London’s most disadvantaged urban communities the opportunity to enhance soft skills and engage with cutting-edge science, engineering and design through workshops, afterschool clubs, mentoring and project teams". Similar projects will run in Amsterdam and New York.
Meanwhile, citing research of its own that found only 2% of sustainability science research output is produced by developing countries, a new Research Ecosystems programme will seek to redress the balance with three partnerships designed to widen access to academic knowledge, including a new Publishers without Borders module with the African Journal Partnership Programme.
A third programme, Innovations in Health Information, will support healthcare delivery in developing countries, addressing problems such as the high risk of maternal death across Africa and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
David Ruth, executive director of the Foundation, said: “Our goal is to harness the forces of innovation and academia to open up opportunities among underserved communities and developing countries. We’ve actively sought out partners who will complement and extend our ability to foster advancements in research ecosystems, global health, and diversity in science.”
The Elsevier Foundation has collaborated with global and local partners in the non-profit community for over a decade, making over 100 grants worth a total of $5m.
