NIH Enhancing Diversity and Inclusivity Conference

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Small Business Program Office (SBPO), and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), in collaboration with the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will host a conference to address disparities in healthcare and promote diversity and innovation in health-related fields.

Specifically, the conference will seek and encourage participation by HBCUs and black healthcare professionals and scientists to ensure the perspectives of underrepresented groups are heard and valued in the healthcare sector.

Theme:

Enhancing Diversity and Inclusivity When: Monday, March 11, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Purpose: The conference aims to bring together key stakeholders, including HBCUs, black healthcare professionals, and black scientists to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the healthcare sector. This conference is sponsored by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and is designed to facilitate collaborations between HBCUs, and large and small businesses interested in programs supported by NIH and ARPA-H.

Goals: • To encourage innovation, knowledge exchange, and advancement of research in health-related fields. • To promote the development of acquisition vehicles for HBCUs to receive awards. • To promote health equity by actively involving HBCUs, black healthcare professionals, and black scientists in collaborative discussions. • To promote a platform for large and small businesses interested in programs supported by NIH and ARPA-H that are used to connect, share ideas, and explore potential partnerships in the healthcare sector.