We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to realizing the promise of genome engineering. We strive to provide a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and reflects the diversity of our community, with equal opportunity in hiring, development, and advancement.

We envision a world in which genome-engineering innovations benefit humanity and are accessible to all. We are dedicated to creating genome technologies that benefit historically underserved communities or advance genome-editing technology to meet these ends. Dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders in these communities is crucial to doing this work effectively. 

Among our research projects that aim to benefit underserved groups (detailed below), we are particularly proud of our efforts as a partner in the only non-profit group creating a CRISPR therapy for sickle cell disease. This disease affects about 10,000 Black Americans in California alone, and about 8 million people worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. You can learn more about our work on this flagship project here.

For CRISPR technology to truly benefit all, we must create new paradigms for distributing genome-engineering technologies that ensure broad, equitable access. Learn more about the IGI Public Impact program.

A Strategic Plan for DEI at IGI

Inspired by the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement more broadly, a group of IGI members formed a DEI Committee in 2020. Over the following two years, the committee worked with the UC Berkeley Division of Equity & Inclusion to create a demographics and climate survey for IGI members and wrote a DEI Report and Strategic Plan. The documents were completed in 2022. In 2024, we hired a Diversity & Outreach Manager to help enact the Strategic Plan. 

Learn more about IGI’s ongoing efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

We welcome all applicants for employment and commit to providing all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.