Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)
The American Society for Nutrition (ASN)’s mission is to advance the science, education, and practice of nutrition with a vision of a healthier world through evidence-based nutrition. We recognize that it will take a steadfast approach involving the nutrition community, to include individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas to make our vision a reality. This is a fundamental strength of our professional society.
ASN is committed creating sustainable change as it relates to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) and to establishing an environment that champions diversity, and creates a sense of belonging for all members of the nutrition community in pursuit of its mission.
Diversity in Nutrition and Health Sciences
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IDEA Activities, Initiatives, and Resources
ASN Foundation Undergraduate Diversity Research Fellowship
The ASN Foundation Undergraduate Diversity Research Fellowship (UDRF), developed in conjunction with ASN’s Student Interest Group (SIG) and funded by generous donors to the ASN Foundation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Campaign, were created to promote diversity in the field of nutrition through long-term change. The UDRF is designed to provide direct funding for undergraduate research projects that may have an impact to the broader field of nutrition.
This award competition will give historically underrepresented undergraduate students research and travel funding to participate in a poster competition on their completed research project at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual flagship meeting, NUTRITION.
Learn More2025 Fellows
Coming Soon!
Diversity in Nutrition Oral Competition for Early Career Investigators
The Diversity in Nutrition Oral Competition for Early Career Investigators, organized by the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee (IDEA), provides an opportunity for young investigators from underrepresented communities within the biomedical and life sciences to participate in the annual meeting by discussing their research findings.
Finalists strengthen presentation and professional skills associated with a career in the sciences.
Learn More2025 Finalists
Coming Soon!
Support Opportunities at ASN’s annual meeting, NUTRITION
ASN is committed to making it annual meeting, NUTRITION, accessible to everyone who wishes to participate. By minimizing financial barriers, we ensure the best components of ASN’s annual flagship meeting — learning, connecting and sharing — are accessible to all.
Learn More and ApplyASN is offering the following attendee support opportunities for NUTRITION 2025:
- Abstract Submission Waivers
- Registration Fee Reduction and Hardship Waivers
- Scholarships for Individuals from Underrepresented Groups
- Family Support Grants
Additional Resources
- NSF’s Broadening Participation in STEM Initiatives
- Network of Minority Health Research Investigators (NMRI)
- National Academies’ Diversity and Inclusion in STEMM Collection
ASN’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee (formerly the Minority and Diversity Affairs Committee) was founded in the early 2000’s and has progressively evolved to support the overarching goals for ASN’s IDEA initiatives.
The IDEA Committee reports to the ASN Board of Directors.
Committee Charge:
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee shall enhance the participation and engagement of minority and diverse students, scientists, and professionals in the activities of ASN. The committee shall foster diversity, equity and inclusion throughout ASN, including its volunteer leadership, programs, services and products. The committee will promote professional and leadership development to increase diversity, including supporting members in establishing long-term professional relationships with ASN. The committee shall also encourage more research in the area of nutrition health disparities among diverse groups and provide opportunities for research advancement and growth in professional practices. The goals of the committee are to support, promote and increase the representation of diverse groups, particularly the minority members within ASN.
ASN is Here to Listen
Email us at info@nutrition.org to share your story, feedback, or suggestions for IDEA focused initiatives, activities and resources. Any information you share will be confidential.