Implementation and Impact of a Diversity Supplement Repository

ABSTRACT The National Institutes of Health (NIH) diversity supplements represent an opportunity to enhance diversity in the biomedical research workforce. Despite their potential impact, practical barriers prevent effective use of these resources. The Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI) at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) developed and implemented of an institutional repository and support system to improve diversity supplement applications. The centralized repository and support system incorporated three strategies: (1) a secure web-based repository housing successful examples of supplements, (2) match making for diversity supplements and mentors, and (3) web-based resources for potential applicants. The repository was implemented in June 2021 and includes 51 supplement samples across 14 divisions of NIH as of November 2024. The repository has been accessed by 51 potential applicants since implementation in 2021. Few investigators have requested match making. Early indicators show a doubling in diversity supplement applications compared to pre-implementation period at UCSD. We outlined our approach to addressing some of the barriers in diversity supplement applications, which could provide a model for other institutions. Pending solutions to some of the lessons learned, coordinated efforts aimed at diversity supplements could be a practical approach toward a more diverse biomedical research workforce. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Funding Statement This project was made possible by Clinical and Translational Science Award UL1TR001442. Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes Footnotes ↵* Co-first Authors Data Availability All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors