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PhD bridge programmes as engines for access, diversity and inclusion

Nature Astronomy volume 3, pages 1080–1085 (2019)Cite this article

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Abstract

The lack of diversity in physics and astronomy PhD programmes is well known but has not improved despite decades of efforts. PhD bridge programmes provide an asset-based model to help overcome the societal and disciplinary obstacles to improving access and inclusion for students from underrepresented groups and are beginning to show some success. We describe several well-known PhD bridge programmes in the United States and discuss lessons learned from their experiences. Many of these lessons can be extended more broadly to physics and astronomy PhD programmes to increase access, diversity and inclusion.

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Fig. 1: Cal-Bridge South Cohort 5.

Cal-Bridge Program

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and Cal-Bridge Program, Pomona, CA, USA

    Alexander L. Rudolph

  2. Vanderbilt University and Fisk–Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program, Nashville, TN, USA

    Kelly Holley-Bockelmann

  3. University of Southern California and California Consortium for Inclusive Doctoral Education, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Julie Posselt

Authors
  1. Alexander L. Rudolph
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  2. Kelly Holley-Bockelmann
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  3. Julie Posselt
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All authors contributed equally to this work.

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Correspondence to Alexander L. Rudolph.

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Rudolph, A.L., Holley-Bockelmann, K. & Posselt, J. PhD bridge programmes as engines for access, diversity and inclusion. Nat Astron 3, 1080–1085 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-019-0962-1

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