About TAE
Transforming Academia for Equity (TAE) supports schools and programs of public health to dismantle systemic inequities and create inclusive environments for health equity researchers.
WHO WE ARE
The question is: How do we transform academia for equity?
Our project is rooted in public health schools because the field inherently aims to create healthy conditions for everyone. Despite its achievements, public health outcomes have been unevenly distributed across population groups. To address this, we must confront the legacies of both public health and the academic settings that host its research. The traditions and norms of academia have created barriers for diverse researchers in health equity studies. This initiative explores the complex, iterative work of achieving academic transformation for equity in public health.
Shaping the Future of Public Health Academia Through Systemic Change
Academic institutions, including schools and programs of public health, are at an important inflection point. Now more than ever, they are called upon to create and support inclusive spaces for all faculty, staff, and students — and to deliver health equity education and research that reflects the experiences of historically underrepresented communities. Our goal is to transform academia to be a place where equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging are valued and effectively integrated in the institutional policies, culture, and behaviors.
Our Purpose
Many academic institutions are rooted in and uphold systems that minimize or exclude researchers from underrepresented groups. The TAE initiative aims to dismantle these practices by supporting institutional change that:
- Elevates underrepresented scholars
- Reimagines ways of knowing and the structures around knowledge building and hierarchy
- Values diverse contributions to health equity research
Our Vision
Create equitable, inclusive, and resilient institutions where all faculty, staff, and students can thrive.
Our Approach
With funding from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Change Matrix Coordinating Center supports grantees to meet their TAE goals.
Coordinating Center Objectives
- Support seven TAE grantee institutions in advancing institutional EDIB goals in their schools and programs of public health
- Provide tailored coaching and peer learning for Guiding Teams (GTs) leading change efforts
- Create learning environments to reflect on systems change, adapt strategies, and innovate through the Leading Through Change Framework™
- Disseminate findings nationally through strategic partnerships with the Association for Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and Mirror Group
Coordinating Center Activities
- Peer learning convenings: “TAE Learns Together” in-person and virtual sessions to reflect, share, and innovate.
- Individualized support: Monthly leadership coaching, site visits, and guiding team consultations with Adaptive Change Specialists (ACS)
- Internal evaluation & documentation: Embedded learning cycles, learning logs, Before and After Action Reviews, and site-level storytelling through journey mapping
- Dissemination: Presentations at ASPPH, American Public Health Association (APHA), and Partners for Advancing Health Equity events; contributions to national publications and bundled evaluation reports
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to learn more about how TAE can support your team? We’re here to help, reach out and let’s continue the conversation.
Explore Resources and Events
Stay connected with the latest tools, insights, and learning opportunities from the Transforming Academia for Equity (TAE) initiative. Access materials developed by grantee institutions, browse upcoming convenings and webinars, and explore strategies being shared across the TAE community.
In Partnership with
Change Matrix
TAE is coordinated by Change Matrix, a consulting group that provides tailored support to each grantee institution. Our role includes strategic coaching, collaborative planning, facilitated learning sessions, and connection with field-wide resources and networks. We also partner with external evaluators and national associations to ensure shared learning across the broader public health space.