Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Georgia. Our department formed a Community committee to promote a diverse and inclusive environment that is open to all people and viewpoints. BMB Commitment to Community: The BMB department recognizes the value of personal diversity. There are differences among people in our department based on their lived experiences, talents, and their social identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, and other personal characteristics. The department aims to create environments in which all individuals and groups feel welcomed, respected, and valued to fully participate and to provide individuals and groups with fair and equitable opportunities. Committee Scope: Gather information and share with the department regarding the extent to which the department is meeting its aim of creating environments that are equally accessible and welcoming to all people for teaching, research, and work life (e.g., the Climate Survey). Publicize and direct department members to university policies and procedures on diversity and inclusion (e.g., https://eoo.uga.edu/policies-resources/ndah-policy/). Sponsor and/or promote programs that help department members build knowledge and skills for working in diverse and inclusive spaces (e.g., research mentoring workshops). Promote diversity and inclusion in the faculty ranks by advising faculty search committees regarding best practices to identify and evaluate a diverse pool of candidates. Work with other departmental committees (e.g., undergrad and grad affairs, staff search committees) and other University groups and committees (e.g. ILS and other departmental Community committees) to develop policies and practices that promote community. Excellence and Inclusivity in Biochemistry Seminar Series Award: The University of Georgia BCMB Excellence and Inclusivity in Biochemistry Seminar Series has been named a recipient of the Insight Into Diversity magazine's 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. The department has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to access, diversity, and inclusion in UGA’s STEM fields and advances the core values of Community through programs and initiatives deserving of this national recognition. Nadja Zeltner, Amy Medlock, Bob Haltiwanger, Natarajan Kannan, Jin-Kyu Lee For questions or comments please contact our committee through this link.