PAIR UP Imaging Science Program, a new framework for a diverse scientific workforce

PAIR‐UP is a new conceptual framework for developing a diverse scientific workforce for the 21st century. PAIR‐UP stand for Partnering to Advance Imaging Research for Underrepresented scientists Program. The goal of PAIR‐UP is to solve the longstanding and wicked problem of underrepresentation of Black scientists in the imaging science field. PAIR‐UP uses a multipronged approach designed to create culturally responsive environments at historically white colleges and universities (HWCUs) where Black scientists are culturally isolated. The PAIR‐UP model shows that maintaining a strong cultural identity empowers Black scientists to be more creative and productive and therefore persistent in the discipline.