Pilot Program in Atlanta is Announced

LaGrange Georgia, November 11, 2024 –ARCS Foundation, Inc. a nonprofit dedicated to advancing U.S. scientific progress through scholar awards, and Roche Diagnostics Corporation, a global leader in diagnostics, have joined forces to address the critical shortage of professionals in clinical laboratories. This pioneering program focuses on increasing the number of PhD-level experts, vital for advanced diagnostic testing.

Urgent Need for Qualified Lab Professionals

The healthcare sector currently faces a severe shortage of clinical lab professionals, with vacancy rates around 13% in U.S. hospitals. The growing need for advanced personalized medicine tests and timely patient care is driving the demand for these essential roles. Filling PhD-level positions is especially difficult due to the specialized expertise required. This shortage threatens healthcare efficiency and innovation, creating an urgent need to expand the workforce.

As a healthcare leader, Roche is committed to developing the next generation of scientists to meet the growing demands of clinical labs. Reaching new heights since the pandemic, the shortage of skilled healthcare workers continues to be a challenge here in the U.S.,” said Brad Moore, President and CEO of Roche Diagnostics North America. “Addressing the root cause of this labor challenge requires building a pipeline of potential workers interested in and excited about a rewarding career in healthcare and diagnostics. Thus, it’s imperative we support our future workforce to promote the value of careers in STEAM and the skills it takes to be successful in these fields, particularly clinical laboratories.”

Pilot Program Overview

The Roche/ARCS pilot program is a one-year initiative designed to address the shortage of professionals in clinical labs. The new pilot is based in Atlanta, a city known for its strong life sciences sector. Additionally, ARCS Foundation Atlanta Chapter, one of 15 nationwide ARCS chapters, has a vibrant, 30- year history of support for graduate STEM education in the region. Coupled with Georgia's robust network of life sciences companies and research institutions, this makes Atlanta an ideal setting for the initiative.

Three ARCS Scholars who are studying at Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Georgia have been selected for the pilot. The recipients of the Roche/ARCS Scholar Awards are conducting research that will prepare them for careers in clinical labs. Roche will also sponsor ARCS Atlanta’s annual Scholar Award Celebration, underscoring its commitment to foster the next generation of clinical lab leaders.

This initiative represents a collaborative effort by Roche and ARCS Foundation to create a sustainable solution to the workforce shortage in clinical labs. The Roche/ARCS Atlanta partnership will serve as a national model for addressing healthcare laboratory talent deficits. Based on the pilot’s success, Roche plans to expand the program to other ARCS chapters and universities, aiming for broader national impact.

A Trusted Partnership

Roche and ARCS Foundation have a history of collaboration. From 2015 to 2018, ARCS and The Roche Foundation jointly supported a cohort of life science doctoral students in 25 ARCS partner universities across the U.S. Building on this legacy, the new program will prepare PhD scholars for careers in clinical labs.

Founded in 1958, ARCS Foundation supports talented U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and health fields at leading research universities. ARCS has awarded more than $140 million to over 12,000 students, many of whom have made significant contributions to science and U.S. global competitiveness.

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering students today to become the scientific leaders of tomorrow. By investing in these future innovators, we are not only addressing an immediate workforce need but also laying the foundation for long-term advancements in clinical laboratory science.” said Beth Wainwright, National President of ARCS Foundation.

Roche's Educational Initiatives

Roche has launched various programs to address critical workforce shortages in clinical labs, from experiential learning for high school students to undergraduate STEM programs. With the ARCS partnership, Roche now also supports graduate-level training, aiming to alleviate the critical shortage of clinical lab professionals.

About ARCS Foundation

ARCS Foundation is a national nonprofit organization promoting American scientific competitiveness by supporting U.S. citizens completing degrees in STEM and health disciplines. Since 1958, ARCS has awarded over $140 million to more than 12,000 scholars. www.arcsfoundation.org

Contacts:
Nancy Chambers
ARCS Foundation, Inc.
nchambers@atlanta.arcsfoundation.org
404-504-4474