91��Ʒ���ϳԹ�

The EDI Action Plan for Research was created through a participatory process, including the realization of an environmental scan on the current status of EDI in research informed by 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ� actors who are directly involved in research and are able to influence a culture of equity in research within our University community. The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) established an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to provide advice on the development and implementation of this action plan. In parallel, the OVPRI signed and committed to the Dimensions Charter, and to joining the first Dimensions EDI Canada pilot cohort to help co-develop and participate in the recognition program. 

The Action Plan builds on foundational EDI work undertaken by the Office of Vice-President, Research and Innovation, such as the 2017-2019 Canada Research Chairs Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan (PDF, 984 KB) and the 2019 recommendations of the OVPR IDÉE (Inclusion – Diversité – Équité – Excellence) Ad-Hoc Committee; work of the Special Advisor to the 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ� President; and the EDI for Research Advisory committee. It is instrumental in achieving the objectives of the 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ� Strategic Research Plan, 2020-2025.  Learn more about 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ�’s Canada Research Chairs Equity Mission Statement and Action Plan Progress Reports (PDF, 265 KB) 

The CRC EDI Action Plan, as well as other EDI initiatives, are part of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan for Research. 

The EDI Action Plan for Research makes recommendations organized into four interrelated thematic areas and actions.

Build awareness and recognize excellence

Equity, diversity and inclusion in research is a continuous process of cultural transformation that requires leadership in communication, awareness-building (creating inspiring conversations) and recognizing excellence.

Strengthen professional development (skills, training and tools)

Developing skills and expertise are a key building block for creating a diverse and inclusive research environment.  

Provide institutional support and infrastructure

Guidelines, conditions and incentives to integrate EDI are required to ensure sustained results. 

Measure needs, evaluate performance and document lessons learned

Clear, realistic and measurable goals, targets and indicators will allow 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ�’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation and faculties to monitor progress, to take lessons from actions conducted, and to identify the adjustments required for a sustainable change in the culture of EDI in research we aim to create.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for Research (the “EDI Advisory Committee”) advises the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation on the development, implementation and evaluation of the 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ� Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan for Research. The EDI Advisory Committee will follow up on the 2019 recommendations of the VPR IDÉE (Inclusion – Diversité – Équité – Excellence) Committee that the University develop an EDI Action Plan for Research.

Accountability

The EDI Advisory Committee is chaired by the Assistant Vice-President, Research Operations and Strategies, who is the OVPRI's champion for EDI in research.

Responsibilities

• Advise on EDI priorities and objectives, ensuring alignment with the Research Strategic plan and other university EDI initiatives, such as the University’s participation in the Dimensions pilot;
• Identify EDI-related barriers that impact the recruitment, retention and advancement of researchers (focusing on members of the underrepresented groups) of 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ� and its affiliated institutes and recommend strategies to address these barriers;
• Advise on the design and promotion of training and education programs (both mandatory and voluntary) and materials related to EDI;
• Advise on communication and awareness campaigns, tools, prizes and recognitions, or activities to promote EDI in research;
• Recommend methods, data collection activities, and analytical perspectives by which progress and performance can be measured, monitored, reviewed, and communicated;
• Ensure liaison and strong communications with key stakeholder groups (researchers, trainees, faculties, OVPR, central services);
• Foster collaboration with academic and non-academic representatives of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups who may benefit from or participate in research conducted at 91��Ʒ���ϳԹ� and its affiliated institutes;
• Advise on strategies that influence an institutional culture that promotes EDI in research.

Term

Members shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year and can serve up to three (3) consecutive terms.

• Alison Hosey (Assistant Vice-President, Research Services)
• Awad Ibrahim (Vice-Provost, EDI; Faculty of Education)
• Eva Ottawa (Faculty of Law)
• Kednapa Thavorn (Faculty of Medicine)
• (Faculty of Engineering)
• Philippe Thierry-Douamba (Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs)
• Jennifer Chandler (Faculty of Law)
• (Faculty of Social Sciences)
• (Facutly of Arts)
• Jaclyn Brusso (Faculty of Science)
•  ()
• Daniel Trotter (Faculty of Science)