August 29, 2018

Our Mission

Our Mission

TriCEM is an incubator that promotes innovative developments in the theory and practice of evolutionary medicine by fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations among Triangle-based scholars, physicians, veterinarians, public health workers, and more.

What is evolutionary medicine?

Evolutionary medicine encompasses any study that examines medical and health-related themes in the context of evolutionary and ecological science. The integrative nature of this emerging field provides fertile ground for a number of research topics across disciplines such as epidemiology, psychology, cancer research, global health, veterinary science, and microbiology.

Research Tracks

  1. Cancer and Evolution
  2. Pathogenic and Commensal Organisms
  3. Brain Sciences
  4. Social and Biological Determinants of Health

Although not an official research track, we also support projects relevant to evolutionary medicine that fall outside our dedicated tracks: Innovative Evolutionary Medicine.

Equity and Inclusion

Equity and inclusion are integral to TriCEM’s mission. Diverse perspectives are critical for new ideas and insights, particularly in an interdisciplinary field such as evolutionary medicine. Accordingly, we acknowledge and value all dimensions of diversity. We are committed to respect, inclusivity, and equity for TriCEM participants at every level, regardless of socially-defined race, ethnicity, age, gender identity or expression, ability status, profession, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. 

We actively promote equity and inclusion throughout all aspects of our structure and programs. To achieve this, we have appointed a dedicated person who will be present at all meetings and in all planning discussions to ensure that we are centering and meeting our objectives. Through our equity and inclusion priorities, we aim to contribute to the increased recruitment, participation, and retention of diverse scientists within the evolutionary medicine community.

To help create an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all people, we also expect that any person affiliated with or funded by TriCEM abide by our code of conduct.

We are always looking for ways to improve on our equity and inclusion efforts. Please reach out to us if you have ideas for specific initiatives that would bolster our diversity mission.