Welcome to the IDEAL Research Program

Introducing IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Learner) Research 

IDEAL Research comprises the resources and services of the office formerly known as ORDT (Office for Research and Diversity Training) but with an expanded mission, objectives, and vision.  IDEAL Research is situated within the IDEAL Experience Program, which supports our diverse community of learners by cultivating a culture of equitable inclusivity across all PSOM education programs.

IDEAL Research’s signature programs include the Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) and PennPREP (Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program). These programs provide research training opportunities for students holding identities that are historically underrepresented in biomedical research. To enhance our reach, IDEAL Research has initiated the Recruitment Ambassadors Program to connect prospective trainees with current faculty, graduate students, and post-docs.

To expand its mission to the needs of current Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) graduate students and Biomedical Postdoctoral Program (BPP) postdocs, IDEAL Research is introducing the Trainee Advocacy Alliance (TAA). TAA is a collaborative group of BGS graduate students, BPP postdocs, and Penn faculty members from across the University who are committed to creating, nurturing, and maintaining a Penn biomedical research community that embodies inclusivity, diversity, and equity. With the full support and access to resources within IDEAL Research, TAA will provide trainee support for diverse members of the Penn Medicine research training community, especially those holding identities that are historically underrepresented in the biomedical sciences.

Mission:

The mission of IDEAL Research is to ensure alignment between innovation and impact in biomedical research with a commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity that is necessary for research excellence by valuing, engaging, and embracing the diversity of identity within the Penn Medicine research community and ensuring access to opportunities to individuals from marginalized identities to grow, contribute, and develop within it.

Objectives:

1. Provide research training opportunities to undergraduates and post-baccalaureate scholars
2. Recruit the next generation of biomedical research trainees
3. Establish community driven support networks for trainee advocacy
4. Facilitate opportunities for community engagement and outreach
5. Lead in grant administration and program evaluation

Vision:

The vision of IDEAL Research is to create, nurture, and maintain a Penn Medicine research community that embodies diversity, values inclusivity, and promotes equity.