Hands on a table working on an action plan

EDI Action Plan for Research

The goal of the EDI Action Plan for Research is to identify strategies and actions that strengthen institutional commitment to EDI in research and create an inclusive climate for uOttawa researchers and trainees whereby systemic barriers that prevent full participation of members of underrepresented groups in research are addressed.

Overview

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 uOttawa 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.

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. It is instrumental in achieving the objectives of the uOttawa Strategic Research Plan, 2020-2025.  Learn more about uOttawa’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. 

Recommendations

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 uOttawa’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.

Multiple hands

A diverse and inclusive research environment fosters innovative research.

Read more about the EDI Action Plan for Research (PDF, 3 MB)

The EDI for Research Advisory Committee

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 uOttawa 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 uOttawa 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 uOttawa 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.

Members of the committee