Morgridge’s commitment to a workplace where everyone thrives
The Morgridge Institute’s commitment to including everyone in science is an extension of our mission: We must recruit the most talented people from all segments of society to deliver on our promise to make discoveries that improve human health and promote lifelong interest in science. We also must maintain a professional culture where all feel welcome and included.
We can’t afford to leave talent behind.
Understanding, learning, and improving are the cornerstones of science. We want to apply these same principles to understanding and diversifying our workforce, and we see the scientific research environment as the ideal environment for this. When we bring people together to discuss ideas and insights, people come to know and value one another. Different perspectives and backgrounds spark creative thinking and enhance the end results.
Our Approach
Our goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every individual feels that they belong and can contribute to our mission of science, research, outreach and education.
- Climate surveys
Since 2021, we have conducted two extensive surveys of our workplace climate to understand our community’s perception of workplace belonging, effectiveness, and well-being. These data have been used as a basis for continuous improvement of our programs and practices.
- Learning communities
Morgridge has two active staff-initiated and staff-run groups — the Community Roundtable and the Women’s Café — that are focused on exploring dimensions of inclusion and building a community within Morgridge. The Roundtable has developed into an advisory group for Morgridge leadership, helping us identify tactics and resources that are especially beneficial to our goals.
- Community outreach
Morgridge has a unique mission for a biomedical research institute — a commitment to sparking public passion for science through outreach and education programs. Since our founding, we have supported and developed programs for students who traditionally have not had extensive access to STEM programming. We have long-term partnerships with afterschool and community centers throughout Dane County and Wisconsin, who participate in a wide range of Morgridge science camps and field trips. We also developed an intensive summer science camp for high school juniors from Wisconsin’s small rural schools, in partnership with the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance.
- Conference sponsorships
The Morgridge administration strongly encourages all scientific staff to expand their horizons by attending major conferences that seek to expand participation in science. Morgridge pays 100 percent of the cost for the opportunity.
Today, we continue working toward creating a scientific workplace that is committed to inclusive excellence. That means focusing on our current workforce as well as nurturing those who aspire to scientific careers. The stake are high for American science and for the future of human health.