Table of Contents How Asian American and Pacific Island Researchers Are Contributing to the Future of Science People of Asian and Pacific Islander descent number about 24.2 million in the United States today. They make up 13% of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, and many play critical roles in global research. Even so, ongoing analyses, including a recent report by the Pew Research Center, show that progress is still needed to achieve gender, racial, and ethnic diversity within STEM fields. In recognition of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, celebrated throughout May, members of the Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences and Pew-Stewart Scholars Program for Cancer Research recently talked about their latest investigations and how to promote diversity within STEM. They are among the promising leaders playing an important role in shaping the future of the scientific community.