In a concerted effort to further enhance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the Canadian research ecosystem, the three federal research funding agencies (Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)) are releasing the Tri-Agency Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (2018-2025), developed under the leadership of the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC).
The EDI Action Plan’s two overarching objectives are to increase the equitable and inclusive access for all members of the research community to granting agency funding opportunities as well as to influence the achievement of an inclusive post-secondary research system and culture in Canada.
In a statement, the three presidents affirm their commitment to act now, and call on everyone to help drive the cultural and systemic change that is needed.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the increased recognition of systemic racism have reinforced the importance of continuing to embed EDI considerations into the Agencies’ operations, in academic institutions, and across the research enterprise as a whole using an intersectional approach.
Undoubtedly, achieving an equitable, diverse, and inclusive research ecosystem is essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to find effective solutions to local, national and global challenges.
Should you have any feedback, comments or suggestions, the Agencies invite you to share them via email:
- Contact CIHR at edi@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
- Contact NSERC at nseequity-equitesng@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
- Contact SSHRC at equity-equite@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca
Stay tuned for updates from the granting agencies on future engagement opportunities for equity- and rights-seeking groups.