The National Academies Press released a benchmark publication entitled The Impacts of Racism and Bias on Black People Pursuing Careers in Science, Engineering, and Medicine: Proceedings of a Workshop, edited by The National Academies Roundtable on Black Men and Black Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine Chair, Dr. Cato T. Laurencin.

There has been a growing understanding of the effects of racism in driving the underrepresentation of Blacks in Science, Engineering and Medicine. The workshop explored multiple aspects of racism and bias, trends in Black Americans’ enrollment in medical school and representation among faculty, and the role of structural racism in COVID-19’s disparate impacts, among other topics. The publication represents proceedings of the workshop conducted by the National Academies Roundtable on Black Men and Black Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine.

The National Academies Roundtable on Black Men and Black Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine focuses on the challenges and opportunities encountered by Black men and women as they navigate the pathways from K-12 and postsecondary education to careers in science, engineering, and medicine.