The Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP) was founded in 1991 by Joan Y. Reede, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., M.B.A, with the aim of increasing individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life interested in science and medicine while helping health care institutions, biopharma/biotechnology firms, educational institutions, professional organizations and private industry members meet their need for a well-rounded workforce. BSCP was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1994. The founding sponsors of BSCP are the Harvard Medical School Minority Faculty Development Program, the New England Board of Higher Education, and the Massachusetts Medical Society.

The primary objective of all BSCP activities is to identify, inform, support, and provide mentoring for academically outstanding students/fellows. BSCP’s first student conference took place in March 1992 and was attended by 300 high school, college, medical, and graduate students of color. Since its inception, more than 18,000 students, postdoctoral trainees, and junior faculty members have participated in BSCP programs. Participants range from high school to postdoctoral level and attend from across the country.

  • Participants: Since its inception, student/fellow participants have attended from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as 41 countries. They join and return at different levels throughout their academic career.

Participants stay connected to BSCP as they change their physical locations and transition through their career path – Some even return as student advisors!

  • Our Community: BSCP is supported by the community, especially within the scientific, academic, biopharma, and healthcare fields. In return, the organization nurtures the current talent pool throughout their academic and early career journey’s.

BSCP provides engagement opportunities for its partner organizations’ employees to volunteer, connect, and create impactful relationships with participants.

  • Talented Workforce: BSCP is a resource of exceptional students/fellows at all levels who can be cultivated into a talented workforce. Students/fellows can be recruited for summer, post-bac, and gap-year programs, as well as fellowships and early career positions. The strength of our future workforce is being determined right now. Because the early talent we nurture today will drive tomorrow’s research and innovation.
  • Volunteers: Over 2000 professionals from basic and clinical sciences, medicine, public health, academia, human resources, and the biopharmaceutical industry have volunteered their time and expertise. With a small staff of five full-time employees, BSCP relies on the generosity of volunteers to continue to successfully carry out the BSCP mission through its multiple initiatives.