Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST)
Building the Alaska BLaST Program
Our BUILD-funded Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program will enhance capacity for undergraduate biomedical research training and efficacy for engaging students from diverse, especially rural Alaskan, backgrounds in education and training for biomedical research careers.
NIH Diversity Statement
Every facet of the United States scientific research enterprise—from basic laboratory
research to clinical and translational research to policy formation–requires superior
intellect, creativity and a wide range of skill sets and viewpoints. NIH’s ability
to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and
innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds
who will help to further NIH's mission.
Research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams. Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems. There are many benefits that flow from a diverse NIH-supported scientific workforce, including: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of the researchers, advancing the likelihood that underserved or health disparity populations participate in, and benefit from health research, and enhancing public trust.