Everyone is welcome in the Institute for Molecular Virology (IMV). We actively maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace where we want all to feel empowered to be their authentic, whole selves. All members of the IMV value the visible and invisible qualities that make individuals who they are. Our commitment to inclusion across diverse backgrounds, citizenship, economics, ethnicity, gender, genetic disposition, ideas, identity, military service, national origin, perspective, physical ability, race, religion, or any other aspect that makes people unique is inextricably linked to our creativity and productivity. The IMV puts effort into recruiting and retaining team members from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups because inclusivity is our innate identity, and insists that all incoming IMV members embrace our vision of equity and inclusion.
We are committed to fair representation of women and minorities on our faculty in particular, but also throughout virology research as a whole. The IMV strives to be leaders in initiatives that promote equity. Examples of our leadership in this area include the publication of two studies of gender parity trends for speakers at virology conferences (search: DOI:10.1128/JVI.00739-17, and: DOI:10.1128/JVI.00224-21), as well as the publication of a series of guidelines for virology laboratories (search: DOI:10.1128/JVI.01112-21) that address issues including safety, wellness, balance, teamwork, integrity, and professionalism.