Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
What is EDI?
EDI refers to principles for creating fair, respectful, and supportive environments in research.
Equity refers to removal of systemic barriers, ensuring that everyone has opportunity to participate in research.
Diversity acknowledges the presence of differences within a group or society. This can include differences in race, gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and other attributes that make individuals unique.
Inclusion ensures that everyone feels valued and included. It is about creating culturally safe environments where diverse individuals can fully participate and contribute.
Purpose and Commitment
We are committed to recruiting and supporting underrepresented groups, including women, racialized minorities, and persons with disabilities, while integrating lived experiences into research to enhance inclusivity. Additionally, we prioritize equity-focused impact assessments, inclusive engagement plans with fair compensation, and measurable tracking of increased representation within our team.
Our Core Members:
“Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are important to me because they bring diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences together, fostering innovation and improving outcomes in research and care. Prioritizing EDI ensures that all voices are heard and valued, leading to more impactful outcomes”
“Upholding the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is important to me because this recognizes and protects everyone’s rights within society. This is about social justice and inviting everyone to the table to be part of the conversation, change, and decision making.”
“EDI, equity, diversity, and inclusion, are easy words to throw around and say, yeah, yeah, everybody is equal, but EDI is much more than that. It is a mindset, which requires intent. Intent to include. Intent to always consider new paths. Intent to want to do better. EDI is more than including someone of, for example a different gender, or a different skin colour, or a person with a disability. For research to have long-lasting outcomes, diversity around the table that includes, for example, students, and those who are representative of the research area, e.g., older adults, and whose input is valued equitably will provide new perspectives and perhaps new possibilities.”
“By including the unheard voices in our studies, we not only enrich our perspectives but also foster a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our world. This helps us discover innovative and better solutions together!”
“Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is not just a ‘nice-to-have’—it is essential for creating a well-functioning, dynamic, and effective team. By ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, EDI strengthens collaboration and drives impactful change. I have worked with various diverse groups in research over the years, and I deeply admire the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the table. Their contributions enhance creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in meaningful ways.”
