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The American Physiological Society (APS) values and embraces diversity. APS is committed to creating an environment where individuals can exchange ideas and feel safe, accepted, and respected. The Society’s dedication to education and to the understanding and betterment of life requires that we embrace diversity and create opportunities for empowerment for all.

APS diversity programs are designed to increase the overall participation of groups which are currently underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the US.

Awards and Fellowships

APS offers a number of fellowships for trainees from underrepresented backgrounds:

These programs are designed not only to provide funding, but to also offer opportunities to build professional networks.

Importance of Diversity in STEM

Pamela Gunter Smith, President of York College in Pennsylvania and past Porter Committee Chairperson, talks about APS’ longstanding commitment to diversity.

APS Signs on to Congressional Letter Condemning Anti-Asian Discrimination Related to Coronavirus

The American Physiology Society joined and signed on to a multi-society letter to Congress in response to support Asian Americans or Asian scientists, who are negatively affected by discriminatory acts associated with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A congressional resolution was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives that denounces this issue and is entitled, “Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19.” The lead sponsors of the resolutions are Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), and Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI). 

Flagship Diversity Program

APS’ flagship diversity program is the Porter Physiology Development Fellowship. We recently caught up with some of our esteemed past fellows during the program’s 50th anniversary. Read more about their careers post-fellowship.

Scientific Community Supports Call for Research and Action on Systemic Racism in Academia

More than 70 organizations and institutions have joined the American Physiological Society (APS) in signing a letter to Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) supporting her call for a study to acknowledge and assess systemic racism in academia. Johnson, chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology, wrote to the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) in late July, to request NASEM undertake this study.

STEM Inclusion Study: Climate Report for APS

The first study of its kind, this NSF-funded project investigated the experiences of professionals from across STEM disciplines and industries to identify potential mechanisms of disadvantage at the interpersonal, organizational and professional levels. This climate report was prepared specifically for APS, thanks to our members who opted-in to participate. Read the report and recommendations.

Undergraduates from Underrepresented Groups Gain Research Skills and Career Aspirations Through Summer Research Fellowship

APS shares insights from interviews with 25 past STRIDE Undergraduate Summer Research Fellows and what we’ve learned from this 7-year program in this Advances in Physiology Education article.

Diversity Resources from our Experts