In 2015, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, under the leadership of Susan Solomon, published their recommendations for advancing gender equity in science. Among these was the recommendation for a simple report card to be submitted with grant applications to their foundation. It was clear that the report card metrics per se would not be considered in the awarding of the grants. The information obtained over the past four years from these report cards was recently published. Data from 541 institutions in 38 countries (>70% U.S., the remainder majority in Europe) from both basic science and clinical (ratio 2:1) departments confirm that the pipeline of students and graduate students is robust. Yet the numbers decline with progression up the academic ladder and into leadership. Women also lagged behind in participation in influential institutional committees and inclusion as noted/named speakers. Compilation of the data represents a snapshot of some departments whose faculty have applied for grants over the last few years. Ideally, the very effort of collecting the information has encouraged these departments to look at themselves and reflect on opportunities that might advance gender equity. What is most important about this effort, however, is the fact that it occurred. It represents an example of a systematic approach to collect data that will help us identify our progress, along with best practices, on an all too lengthy journey toward an environment that utilizes, values, and encourages all of our talent.
