PROJECT SUMMARY – PLAN TO ENHANCE DIVERSITY (PED) The Salk Cancer Center (SCC) values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the research workforce, as we believe it improves science by promoting unique perspectives, enabling healthy social engagements and cooperation, and facilitating innovation. For the first time in our history, we have enshrined these values into the top level of the SCC Strategic Plan. Importantly, the Plan to Enhance Diversity (PED) has equal weight and importance as the other four elements of the SCC Strategic Plan, namely Science, Infrastructure, Education & Training, and Philanthropy. This is critical because SCC goals can only be achieved if the SCC membership, leadership, and stakeholders represent the diversity of the nation. Over the past several years, the Salk Institute and SCC have systematically evaluated our DEI efforts, beginning with a comprehensive climate survey developed and administered by an outside organization. This was followed by a series of town hall meetings seeking more detailed input from the Salk community. The SCC sought additional input from our External Advisory Board and a broad section of SCC faculty and trainees. From these efforts, the SCC identified four key opportunities to establish a sustained DEI-oriented culture. These are to: 1) increase diversity in SCC leadership and committees, 2) recruit more diverse candidates across all stages of the scientific workforce, 3) secure public and private funding to support DEI activities, 4) and improve awareness about SCC efforts related to DEI. Importantly, we are making systematic and significant steps toward seizing these opportunities. The SCC is the most significant scientific organization at Salk, bringing together diverse research interests and resources across the Institute. Thus, the SCC will implement the PED with the understanding that leadership by example will, in turn, contribute to a sustained cultural change across the Salk Institute as a whole. The PED aims to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, foster a sustained, long-term commitment to DEI, and identify and fund existing and new opportunities intended to increase DEI across the SCC. Efforts spearheaded by the SCC will include: 1) advocating for the recruitment, promotion, and retention of faculty and trainees from diverse backgrounds into leadership positions, 2) networking and training within and outside the Salk Institute to help develop future leaders in DEI, 3) expanding trainee networks through courses, conferences, and organizations focused on diversity, and 4) identifying and pursuing targeted funding opportunities through governmental and private philanthropic opportunities. Finally, we will implement a plan to broaden awareness of Salk’s many DEI efforts within the research community. Salk is one of the premier research institutes in the world, generating future thought leaders across disciplines. Our efforts will provide new opportunities for t...