From the McCormick Lab:
The cancer research community includes people from many countries, backgrounds, and life experiences. Scientific progress depends on the open sharing of ideas and the contributions of international and historically underrepresented scientists. Importantly, many groundbreaking discoveries in the field of RAS biology have been made by world-renowned colleagues, including women, people of color, and researchers from many countries of origin.
However, science does not exist separately from society. From the murder of George Floyd in 2020 to more recent events in 2025, we have seen how systemic inequities lead to violence, loss of life, and ongoing harm to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), underrepresented minority (URM), and international communities. These harms are not isolated events and instead reflect long-standing failures within our social and justice systems. We are AGAINST racism, discrimination based on nationality or immigration status, police brutality, and all forms of systemic discrimination.
As scientists, we have access to resources, platforms, and institutional power. We believe we have a responsibility to use that position to speak out, push for change, and educate ourselves and others about racial injustice and barriers to the inclusion of immigrant researchers in the scientific community.
Within the McCormick Lab, we are committed to creating a work environment where people from different backgrounds feel supported and able to succeed. Diverse perspectives strengthen our science and improve how we work together. Our commitment goes beyond statements and includes action, such as donating to organizations including Black Lives Matter, Steps to Success, and the Equal Justice Initiative.
We are also building long-term partnerships with organizations such as SEP, SACNAS, and SRTP to support mentorship, training, and research opportunities for underprivileged and underrepresented students.
Our goal is to help build a scientific community that is fair, inclusive, and accountable. Through consistent effort and follow-through, we aim to reduce barriers and create an environment where all scientists can thrive.
(https://sammykatta.com/diversity)