About the JEDI Committee
Who We Are
We are a global community of researchers, professionals, and collaborators committed to advancing science through innovation, openness, and mutual respect. Our focus is on building a supportive environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in biomolecular modeling and design. With a shared dedication to excellence and professional development, we foster a collaborative culture that drives scientific progress for the benefit of all.
Our Mission
It is our mission to support access to cutting-edge science and build a culture where all are welcomed, valued, given a voice, empowered to contribute, and thrive.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a world-wide, accessible software community pushing the boundaries of science for everyone's benefit.
What We Do
Here are some of the key projects and initiatives we are working on to foster growth, collaboration, and engagement within our community.
Keynote speaker at Summer RosettaCon
A keynote focused on creating a respectful community and promoting professional development opportunities for our members.
Code of Conduct creation and implementation
Developing and enforcing a clear Code of Conduct to ensure a respectful, ethical, and welcoming atmosphere for all community members.
Community outreach
Efforts to raise awareness about biomolecular modeling and design, highlighting its importance and providing guidance on how to join the community.
Information sessions for recruiting our programs
Hosting informational sessions to recruit prospective students, helping them understand how to get involved in our programs (REU interns, RaMP postbacs, graduate school opportunities) related to biomolecular modeling and research.
Networking events at conferences
Organizing social gatherings during conferences to welcome and help new members network, meet others, and integrate into the community.
Grants and lab exchange programs
Offering financial support through mini-grants and travel grants, as well as facilitating lab exchange programs to encourage collaboration and professional growth.
Expanded professional development opportunities (coming soon)
We have plans to introduce additional programs aimed at advancing the professional growth of community members through workshops and resources.
Our History
The RosettaCommons JEDI Committee, originally known as the Diversity Committee, was established in recognition of the fact that collaborative science is strengthened when people with a variety of perspectives and experiences contribute to shared goals. One of the committee’s first major milestones was the 2018 ratification of the RosettaCommons values statement, which emphasized the importance of respectful and professional collaboration across institutions.
Since then, the committee has led several important efforts: adopting a community-wide Code of Conduct with a formal reporting process, launching an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program that begins with a Rosetta Code School, and engaging with conferences that support broader participation in science, such as SACNAS, ABRCMS, Tapia, and Grace Hopper. The committee has also supported surveys to assess the community environment, hosted invited speakers on professional culture topics, and offered dependent-care grants to help cover costs so more individuals could attend RosettaCon.
These efforts have shaped both the structure and culture of the Rosetta community. Attendance at RosettaCon has become more balanced over time, and practical changes such as networking and mentorship events have contributed to a more welcoming and supportive environment. What began as a small initiative in 2014 is now a core part of how RosettaCommons operates, informing both internal practices and outreach efforts.