IgEquity | UCSF ImmunoX

IgEquity

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Mission Statement

Our goal is to address and remove the barriers and biases standing in the way of gender equity in Immunology. We recognize that intersectionality is vital for building an inclusive and empowering environment, which is why we are committed to ensuring an equal voice for individuals of all voices of underrepresented genders in science. Over time, we believe our mission and values will promote equal opportunity and representation across all academic levels in immunology research and science.

IgEquity is welcoming to all individuals who would like to contribute to our efforts.

If you wish to support our causes, please click on this link for any contributions!

Team

Directors

Alumni Leadership

Initiatives

IgEquity is dedicated to removing barriers to gender equity in immunology through initiatives that are centered around three pillars:

1) Community and Engagement, 2) Advocacy and Accountability, 3) Mentorship and Outreach

Guided by these principles, we aim to achieve an inclusive and equitable environment in which scientists of all genders can thrive.

Our Community and Engagement initiatives support, empower, and equally elevate voices of all genders in science while fostering connections between faculty, fellows, and trainees.

Actionable Initiatives:

Host our annual immunology symposium to celebrate the work of all genders in academia, 2018 - present
Host local social networking hours, 2018 – present
Assist with organizational support during UCSF Graduate Program recruitment, 2019 - present
Hosted our first cross-institutional leadership retreat, 2025

The Advocacy and Accountability initiatives ensure our events are intentional, uphold organizational integrity, and help shape our future direction and goals.

Actionable Initiatives and Future Goals:

Evaluate IgEquity and community events to promote equal representation of all genders in science and ensure equal access to scientific and social platforms, 2018 - present
Work with ImmunoX to support a Bakar Trainee Momentum Program to facilitate childcare and scientific pursuits, 2019 - present
Work closely with the WiLS and ImmunoDiverse organizations to ensure we complement and support each other’s efforts within the UCSF ImmunoX community, 2020 – present
Develop and sponsor leadership awards to recognize, reward, and compensate individuals who contribute their time to our efforts, future

The Mentoring and Outreach initiatives aim to draw in and support upcoming scientists in immunology and promote gender equity outside of UCSF.

Actionable Initiatives and Future Goals:

Participate in local outreach efforts through the Bay Area Science Festival Discovery Day, 2019 – present
Host luncheons to foster connections between new graduate students looking for a thesis lab and PIs, 2023 – present
Coordinate quarterly UCSF-biotech networking dinners and site visits to expand professional relationships between academia and industry, 2024-present
Establish a ‘Pathway-to-Postdoc’ Award that supports scientists through the transition of pre- to postdoctoral research, future

Getting Involved

IgEquity is open all individuals who want to contribute to our efforts and mission. If you are interested in getting involved with our organization, please email us at igequity@ucsf.edu.

IgEquity Community: Anyone with a vested interest in learning about, participating in, and/or supporting our initiatives.

IgEquity Active Members: Members of our community who have taken on responsibilities of ideating, spearheading, and communicating initiatives. These members include postdocs, graduate students, technicians, and research associates. Members will be placed into one pillar based on their interests, are expected to attend monthly to biweekly subgroup meetings, and contribute to planning and executing initiatives.

IgEquity Deputy Directors: Active members that have taken on a two-year commitment as the leaders of IgEquity. The first year of this commitment requires shadowing current directors, while the second year requires taking on a full directorship role.

IgEquity Directors: IgEquity Directors commit to one year of executive leadership, directing the vision, mission and overall initiatives of IgEquity. Directors additionally commit to training a class of new deputy directors. Active members can become directors after completing one year as a deputy director.

IgEquity Faculty Leadership Team: ImmunoX and other UCSF Faculty that commit to providing one or more years of advising to the IgEquity leadership team. Faculty leaders meet with the Directors and Deputy Directors twice a year to provide direction, counseling, and support to IgEquity Initiatives.

Current and Future Industry Partners: Are you part of a biotech industry within the Bay Area? Are you interested in advancing gender equity within science? Would you or your company like to support or be involved in IgEquity initiatives? We would love to partner with you! Please reach out to i gequity@ucsf.edu to get in touch with one of our directors.

Symposium

The annual IgEquity Symposium was founded in 2018 to highlight exceptional scientists of all backgrounds within Immunology at UCSF. More recently, we have invited scientists from Bay Area institutions to share their work at this event. Our symposium is a highly attended event, with upwards of 200 Bay Area scientists and industry sponsors participating annually. If you are interested in presenting, participating, or sponsoring, please contact us at igequity@ucsf.edu.

Past Symposium Highlights:

2024

We were honored to have a Nobel Laureate as our keynote speaker.
Heard talks from other Bay Area faculty.
Partnered with ImmunoTEX to host a poster session.

2023

Partnered with WiLS to highlight research at the intersection of scientific fields.
Heard talks from trainees at other Bay Area universities.
Hosted poster session during networking reception.

2022

Implemented a social keynote to spark discussion on embracing change and transformation through community and relationships.

2021

Increased community engagement and reach by implementing virtual attendance option.

2020

Hosted a COVID-19 Mini Symposium to showcase current COVID-19 research efforts.

2019

Incorporated a networking luncheon, during which students were paired with UCSF faculty members or industry scientists in a small group format and discussed career trajectory, life balance, and gender equity challenges.

2018

Inaugural symposium!

News

IgEquity is thrilled to share our article, “A trainee-led approach to tackling gender inequity in immunology,” published this year on International Women’s Day. This piece highlights the tangible impact our organization has had in fostering gender equity in immunology—from advocating for structural change to building a supportive community for underrepresented genders in science. We hope this will serve as a roadmap for others hoping to form similar organizations at their institutions.

Background Color

Plain Navy

Content Lists

Links

If you wish to support our causes, please click on this link for any contributi…