摘要：This introductory article provides background and sets the stage for the mentoring programs described in this special supplement. The goal of these programs is to develop scientists from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in the area of HIV/AIDS research on issues related to mental health. We describe recent epidemiological trends associated with HIV infection in diverse populations, the need for mentoring programs to study disparities, and the ongoing mentoring programs supported by the National Institutes of Health targeting investigators underrepresented in the workforce. We also provide a summary of the content of the articles to follow. We conclude with a comment on future needs and actions. The underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans in the scientific workforce has become a national crisis. Over the past decade, reports published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1 the National Science Board, 2 and the National Science Foundation 3 have underscored the importance of diversity in our country's continued success in science. As the population of the United States continues to become more ethnically diverse, recognition is growing that diversity in the research workforce is linked to improving health care quality and access for socially disadvantaged racial/ethnic populations. Government agencies, as well as private foundations and educational institutions, will continue to be challenged to develop programs that effectively recruit, train, and retain high-quality research scientists from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. Despite a number of government-sponsored initiatives, progress in diversifying the scientific workforce has been hindered by the challenges often facing scientists in their career paths. The programs described in this supplement, intended to aid in the development of scientists from racial/ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the scientific workforce, will help close the crucial gaps in the area of scientific research.
