DMC’s Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
The mission of the Duke Microbiome Center (DMC) is to cultivate and support world-class microbiome science at Duke University. We recognize that excellence in discovery is strengthened when people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are fully engaged in our shared work.
In alignment with Duke University’s core values of Respect, Trust, Inclusion, Discovery, and Excellence, we foster an environment where all members of the DMC community—trainees, faculty, and staff—can contribute meaningfully to advancing microbiome research and its positive impacts on society. Our approach to inclusive excellence is grounded in our understanding that:
- Breadth of perspectives, methods, and ideas enriches scientific innovation and problem solving;
- Representation of the variety of human populations in microbiome research improves the rigor and relevance of our discoveries;
- Collaborative, respectful engagement is essential for advancing both science and its applications for human health.
Guided by these principles, we strive to:
- Build an environment of mutual respect, accountability, scientific integrity, and open collaboration;
- Encourage broad participation in microbiome science through training, mentorship, and research opportunities;
- Strengthen our community’s capacity to work across differences in perspectives and experiences;
- Advance impactful research that addresses pressing challenges in human and environmental health.
Through these commitments, the DMC contributes to Duke’s mission to integrate inclusion and excellence in education, research, and engagement.
In addition to supporting and engaging in inclusive excellence efforts across the broader Duke community, the DMC is currently offering the following programs:
