Rooted in CASSS’ core values of integrity, community, purpose, and collaboration, CASSS' commitment to inclusion is demonstrated through the successful implementation of several initiatives that aim to advance the interests of diversity, equity,
and inclusion (DEI). The development of these initiatives was a collaborative effort. With input and support coming from a passionate and invested group of staff, volunteers, and attendees, these initiatives are designed to meet the needs and interests
of the global community and our mission. In 2023, the following initiatives became program highlights and served as opportunities to engage our members in new and meaningful ways.
Roundtable Discussions Dedicated to DEI Topic at CASSS Symposia
Roundtables remain one of the most in-demand and interactive methods for knowledge sharing at CASSS Symposia, and they provide opportunities for attendees to engage in intimate and focused discussions on relevant topics of interest. Beginning with WCBP 2023, CASSS Symposia now includes at least one roundtable discussion focused on DEI-related subject matter. By participating in these roundtables, attendees have engaged in open, respectful, and thought-provoking discussions on strategies for creating more diverse workforces, DEI and belonging, and unconscious bias in the workplace.
You can review the abstracts and notes from the DEI roundtable topics at CE Pharm, Cell and Gene Therapy Products, Mass Spec, and WCBP on the CASSS website.
Introduction of Emerging Leader in the Advancement of Scientific Knowledge Award (ELAA Award)
The inaugural Emerging Leader in the Advancement of Scientific Knowledge Award is the first of its kind at CASSS. This competitive award aims to provide three early career professionals with the opportunity to aid in the planning of the 2024 WCBP Symposium, while receiving hands-on guidance and mentoring through the planning and inclusion of their session content in the Symposium scientific program. The first honorees of this competitive distinction are Roger Liu, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., John Orlet, Pfizer, Inc., and Chong Wang, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Learn more about the 2024 cohort of WCBP Emerging Leaders.
Implementation of CASSS Code of Conduct
An important element of the attendee experience at CASSS meetings is the opportunity to share knowledge through participating in meaningful discussions, asking questions, and engaging in friendly debates and hallway conversations. The implementation of the CASSS Code of Conduct has reaffirmed our commitment to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, industry, partners, exhibitors, CASSS staff members, service providers, and all others, while continuing to uphold the overarching organizational values of community and collaboration.
Creation of the CASSS Diverse Voices: Breakfast Chats Series
Launched at the 2023 Mass Spec and Higher Order Structure Symposia, the Diverse Voices: Breakfast Chats series provides an opportunity for CASSS members to meet and engage with industry experts in a unique networking setting, and hear from industry experts as they share their professional journeys, successes, failures, and love for their careers. So far, the Diverse Voices series has highlighted compelling stories and inspirational anecdotes from Benjamin Barnhill, aTyr Pharma, Inc., Jana Hersch, Genedata Inc., Ken Miller, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Jinhui Zhang, CDER, FDA, Dennis Gessmann, Pfizer, Inc., and Emmanuel Cudjoe, Yale University School of Management. This program was then expanded to WCBP 2024.
We look forward to expanding these DEI efforts throughout 2024 and beyond. Be on the lookout for weekly program announcements where we will continue to highlight our DE&I initiatives and share opportunities to make meaningful contributions to CASSS' commitment to providing an inclusive environment to our members.