The Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh (CNUP) is dedicated to building a diverse, creative, and inclusive community and to enhancing the academic environment for all trainees, faculty, and staff. We are committed to closing gaps in experience and opportunity within the CNUP based on race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, religion, political affiliation, physical and mental ability/disability, and age. We believe that the CNUP and the broader academic community must 1) work to end prior practices and attitudes that foster institutionalized racism and discrimination, 2) promote and facilitate progressive discussions on structural inequality in academia, and 3) advance substantive change that establishes a standard by which diversity is embraced and its contribution to scientific and educational excellence recognized.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees
Issues of diversity and inclusion are handled at multiple levels within the CNUP. The founding departments of Neuroscience in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and Neurobiology in the School of Medicine have committees devoted to advancing initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These committees are composed of faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral fellows. Other departments affiliated with the CNUP have similar committees. As the CNUP is a multidisciplinary center with members from 21 different basic science and clinical departments, there is also a Student-Organized Diversity and Inclusion Committee (DIC) within it, comprised of graduate students and training faculty committed to making the CNUP a more diverse, inclusive, and supportive community.
The shared purpose of these committees is to understand and improve the experience of traditionally underrepresented or unheard members within the CNUP. Collectively, they aspire to expose and resolve issues related to systemic racism and discrimination, promote the recruitment and hiring of traditionally underrepresented students, staff, and faculty, and facilitate a learning and research environment dedicated to mutual respect.
If you have suggestions or concerns you would like to bring to one of these committees, please contact one of the following:
Student-Organized DIC at cnupstudentdicommittee@gmail.com
Neuroscience DEI in A&S at sesack@pitt.edu or fanselow@pitt.edu
Neurobiology DEI in SOM at kaa2@pitt.edu