Guidelines for organizing accessible and inclusive research retreats

Margaret J Fuller; Madison R Mix; Ellen Voigt; Darren S Hoffmann; Pamela K Geyer

doi:10.1016/j.tibs.2023.12.003

Guidelines for organizing accessible and inclusive research retreats

Trends Biochem Sci. 2024 Apr;49(4):277-279. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.12.003. Epub 2024 Jan 6.

Authors

Margaret J Fuller¹, Madison R Mix², Ellen Voigt³, Darren S Hoffmann⁴, Pamela K Geyer⁵

Affiliations

¹ Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
² Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Immunology Graduate Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
³ Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Cancer Biology Graduate Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
⁴ Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
⁵ Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. Electronic address: pamela-geyer@uiowa.edu.

PMID: 38184399
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.12.003

Abstract

Research retreats are elements of scientific graduate training programs. Although expected to provide strong educational value, some students are reluctant to attend. Here, we identify participation barriers and provide guidelines for retreat design that minimize obstacles and establish an inclusive environment to improve attendance and enrichment for all attendees.

Keywords: accessibility; graduate training programs; inclusivity; research retreats; universal design.