Dec. 20, 2024
Building an equitable and inclusive research ecosystem: U91快色 unveils Dimensions EDI Action Plan
The 91快色 is releasing its Dimensions Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, a road map to advancing research excellence in a fair and inclusive environment.
鈥淭he Dimensions EDI Action Plan reflects the commitment to institutional excellence and outlines specific actions that demonstrate how equity, inclusion and accessibility are integral to achieving excellence in research,鈥 says Dr. Malinda Smith, vice-provost and associate vice-president research (equity, diversity and inclusion).
The plan builds on the Dimensions EDI Charter and U91快色鈥檚 participation in the Dimensions EDI Pilot Program. In 2023, U91快色 was awarded the by the Government of Canada for its impactful actions to embed EDI in research and innovation.
Malinda Smith, vice-provost and associate vice-president research (equity, diversity and inclusion).
Riley Brandt, 91快色
U91快色鈥檚 new Dimensions EDI Action Plan is focused on how to promote equitable inclusion in research. It is shaped by two foundational principles: 鈥渘othing about us, without us,鈥 and 鈥渙ne-size-does-not-fit-all.鈥
鈥淣othing about us, without us鈥 recognizes that no initiative or policy should be developed without meaningfully engaging the unique needs of those impacted.
鈥淥ne-size-does-not-fit-all鈥 acknowledges the need for a deep understanding of the unique experiences of individual groups to truly improve access, provident supports and services where needed, and help for people to thrive. Needs may appear similar on the surface, but they are not identical.
鈥淓stablishing inclusive processes is a cornerstone of achieving equity and excellence in research,鈥 says Smith.
Initiatives within the plan will systematically advance equitable inclusion in research. The plan advances equity for everyone. It also engages and centres the voices of equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, and more.
William Ghali, vice-president (research).
鈥淯91快色 is committed to fostering a research culture that values diversity and innovation equally,鈥 says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). 鈥淭his plan is a critical step toward ensuring our research community reflects the wide range of perspectives needed to address today鈥檚 most complex challenges.鈥
The plan identifies five core goals to advance EDI in the research ecosystem, including:
- Develop strategies to support and sustain diverse talent and inclusive research excellence.
- Create an accessible, equitable and inclusive research environment to enable individual flourishing and institutional research excellence.
- Establish a research environment supported by bias-mitigation policies and processes.
- Consolidate EDI, accessibility within the research ecosystem.
- Develop a disaggregated EDI Data in Research Strategy.
Aligned with U91快色鈥檚 broader research priorities, including in Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, and the the Dimensions EDI Action Plan also supports the university鈥檚 commitment to advancing transdisciplinary research excellence. Work is also underway with the Presidential Task Force on EDIA to establish a broader EDIA strategy for the entire university.
鈥淯91快色 is fostering collaboration to create a more equitable and inclusive research ecosystem. Evidence shows that diversity in teams improves critical thinking, leads to better decision-making, and makes us smarter,鈥 says Smith.
鈥淕iven the productivity gap, we cannot ignore the research that diversity can fuel productivity and profitability, that there is a diversity dividend. We simply cannot afford to leave any talent untapped. Our actions to advance equitable inclusion through Dimensions will yield much-needed positive results for all,鈥 says Smith.
For more details about the Dimensions EDI Action Plan, visit the EDI website.