The Alliance for Visible Diversity in Science (AVDS) focuses on one central mission - to increase racial and ethnic equity within the research programs at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) by recruiting, retaining, and most importantly, supporting graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty members from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognize and reflect the important notion that in order to increase diversity on our campus, we must make targeted, deliberate, and measurable efforts to create an environment that not only welcomes, but encourages a diverse population of people.

In modern science research, academic success and scientific breakthrough rests on our utilization of multifaceted approaches and perspectives. By cultivating visible diversity, we believe that the exposure to a variety of ideas and collective experiences will foster creativity and relationships - enriching our academic environment and strengthen our scientific community as a whole.

The Alliance for Visible Diversity in Science is a collective of individuals with diverse views, joined by their commitment to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in the sciences. AVDS executes its mission in a collaborative and democratic manner. Therefore, no individual’s opinions are representative of AVDS as a whole.