The Mayo Clinic recently held its Celebration of Women in Science, featuring a distinguished lecture by Joni Rutter, Ph.D., director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In keeping with her mission to advance inclusivity in the scientific community, Dr. Rutter underlined the significance of including varied identities and backgrounds in all fields of study.
Dr. Rutter's lecture resonated with her audience as she shared key advice for advancing both careers and research. She stressed the importance of finding a supportive team and continuously expanding one's skill set. Her message was particularly relevant given the historical underrepresentation of women in medical research, a disparity that can lead to scientific bias and health inequities. "Find your team" and "continuously expand your skill set" topped Dr. Rutter’s list of advice on how to advance both careers and research.
"She challenged all of us to promote inclusion to create systemic change so that scientists can accomplish research more effectively, predictably, and rapidly to meet the unmet needs of patients," said Dr. Garovic, reflecting on Rutter's call to action.
The fight a family member had with primary myelofibrosis, a rare disease for which there was no cure at the time, had a significant impact on Dr. Rutter's commitment to science. This personal connection fueled her passion for advancing research to find cures. As the director of NCATS, she envisions "re-engineering the pipeline" of research to overcome scientific and operational obstacles, thereby accelerating the development of new treatments.
Her remarks were particularly poignant given the context of the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program, which is the NIH's largest single investment in biomedical research. Mayo Clinic's CTSA award, renewed in 2022, is a cornerstone of its research infrastructure. The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) at Mayo Clinic, supported by the CTSA, serves as a central hub for advancing research and education within the institution. CCaTS provides essential tools and expert consultation across all stages of medical research, from discovery and pre-clinical science to clinical and community-engaged research, and late-stage application and commercialization.
Mayo Clinic is dedicated to transforming healthcare through scientific advancements, with a particular focus on the female body across all life stages. This commitment is reflected in its robust support for research that addresses the unique health needs of women, aiming to eliminate health disparities and improve outcomes for female patients.
Dr. Rutter's participation in the Celebration of Women in Science at Mayo Clinic underscores the vital role of inclusivity and diversity in advancing medical research. Her inspiring message and dedication to overcoming barriers in the research pipeline serve as a powerful reminder of the potential to achieve significant scientific breakthroughs through collaborative and inclusive efforts.