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Our Community

Salk Culture

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - Our Community - Salk Culture

Salk Culture

Jonas Salk believed that if we worked together to nourish everyone’s talents, society would thrive. An inclusive culture fosters free exploration in research and scientific approaches and a collaborative, harmonious working environment. At Salk, we create inclusive cultures and foster a sense of belonging on campus through our shared values: integrity, community, accountability, respect, and empowerment. The Office of Equity, & Inclusion provides leadership and support, and collaborates with faculty, trainees, and staff to advance these efforts.

J.E.D.I. Council

Established in 2020, the J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council) Council works with the Office of Equity & Inclusion (OEI) to support Salk’s justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging centered efforts. This significant collaboration provides insight, diversity of thought and recommendations, that support engagement and community at Salk.

The group’s meetings are open to the entire Salk community. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Affinity Groups

Salk supports affinity groups as a resource for trainees and employees. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team is actively invested in the success of our affinity group network, which launched in 2020. These groups aim to enhance employee well-being, strengthen Salk culture, and offer a platform for advocating for the interests of a particular group as a means of enhancing inclusion and belonging at the Institute.

Engagement and Wellbeing

The Salk Engagement and Wellbeing initiative aims to increase meaningful interactions across the Salk community. A network of ambassadors identifies and champions a broad range of opportunities to bring together members of our scientific population and those who support research through their operational expertise.

Mentorship

Our programs connect mentors and mentees with professional development opportunities and an enhanced support network. Postdoctoral mentees have the opportunity to develop new skills, approaches, networks, and greater confidence as they prepare to take the next step in their careers. We also offer Entering Mentoring, an evidence and cohort-based, interactive mentorship training seminar developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research. The Entering Mentoring curriculum is based on research conducted at the University of Wisconsin and funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Its goal is to provide faculty, trainees, graduate students, and scientific staff with support and techniques for effective, culturally-responsive mentorship. Additionally, in 2021 the OEI team and Postdoctoral Office launched the Salk’s Alumni Mentoring Program which will continue thanks to a broad and diverse pool of mentors who are Institute alumni.

Salk Discussion Circle

The Discussion Circle is a quarterly event where interested members of the Salk community come together, select materials, and share ideas and opinions in a space free of judgment. The books and films discussed span a variety of genres, all connected by the common thread of encouraging thoughtful consideration of diverse subjects and themes.

Science and Justice

This public series is a platform for audiences to learn about connections between Salk’s research and issues related to justice that face communities, our nation, and the world. Speakers engage in moderated discussions, based on their respective areas of expertise, and collaborations that explore how modern scientific understandings can help us achieve equity and justice.

  • May 25, 2023
    Salk Professor Thomas Albright and Peter Neufeld, co-founder and co-director of The Innocence Project
    View the recording.
  • June 11, 2024
    Salk Assistant Professor Dmitry Lyumkis and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
    View the recording.

SACNAS Professional Chapter

Salk is among the few independent research institutes that maintain a professional chapter of SACNAS, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in the Sciences. This group engages and supports membership in the national organization and on a local level raises awareness of barriers and solutions relevant to the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans—from early education to professional levels—in STEM. Their goal is to foster networking, advocate for Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans at Salk, build community relationships, and strengthen the pipeline of all underrepresented scientists at every stage of their career.

Society of Research Fellows

The Salk Society of Research Fellows (SRF) is a group of volunteer postdocs and graduate students who work together with Salk faculty and administration to enhance the experience for all trainees at Salk. By increasing opportunities for academic and professional development, engaging in community outreach and programming, and supporting leadership opportunities, SRF strives to create a collegial, motivating, and fun atmosphere for trainees. One of SRF's longstanding initiatives is the Salk Ambassador Program. This program is open to all incoming trainees and is particularly valuable for those coming from other countries and cultures, as it can ease the adjustment to San Diego and to Salk.

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