Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research and innovation. By incorporating EDI principles, we harness a broader range of ideas, expertise, and perspectives, resulting in stronger outcomes that better reflect our diverse world. EDI considerations also help researchers create projects that have a positive impact on society as a whole. We take pride in being among the first signatories of the Government of Canada's Dimensions Canada charter, which aims to increase EDI within post-secondary institutions and the research ecosystem.

Contact

Video Series "EDI in Research"

EDI Resources Applicable to All Researchers

• EDI Framework for Research Excellence: This framework provides guidance on principles and practice of EDI in research and how to articulate your EDI efforts in grant applications.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Integrated Action Plan for Access, Community + Belonging Strategic Plan: This action plan outlines how all facets of UofA, including research, will contribute to the institutional goals of improving access, fostering community, and providing community to our staff and students. 
• Tri-Agency EDI Action Plan for 2018-2025: Canada’s federal funder goals and expectations for EDI.
• Canadian Gender, diversity and inclusion statistics: Statistics Canada portal to view national EDI data and trends.
• Gender-based Analysis + (GBA+): An analytical process to assess how diverse groups may experience policies, programs and initiatives.
• Tri-Agency unconscious bias in peer review (online module): Online training that is helpful for 1) mitigating your bias in hiring and building relationships, 2) anticipating bias of grant selection committee members, and 3) being a better grant reviewer. 
• Supporting Women in Research: An evidence-based and holistic guide to removing barriers and increasing opportunities for women in academia.
• "When Women Don't Speak: BYU Shows How Women Get Shut Out": A blog highlighting the subtle barriers academic women face in participation.
• Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education: A charter supported by the UofA to remove barriers and increase opportunities for Black academics.
• Dimensions Canada Charter: Tri-Agency training and recognition program to increase EDI in Research across Canada. The UofA is a signatory of the Dimensions Charter and a member of the current (2025/2026) cohort of the recognition program. 
• Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research: A resourcecreated for New Frontiers in Research Fund applicants but useful for all Tri-Council funding applicants. 

Additional Resources for Edi in Science, Technology + Engineering

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC): Guide on integrating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion considerations in research: NSERC’s official guide to incorporating EDI in grant applications. 
• Tip Sheet for Incorporating EDI in Research and Grant Applications: This tip sheet aims to assist all researchers in CNAS to incorporate EDI into their research.
• EDI in NSERC Alliance Grants: Considerations and guidance for the NSERC Alliance Program. More support and regular workshops are available through the Research Partner Network.
• "Intersectional Human-Computer Interaction: Engaging Identity through Gender, Race, and Class": Guidance on how to consider the end user of research and how intersectionality impacts technology development.
• Unconscious Bias: An infographic describing bias in STEM.

Additional Resources for EDI in Social Sciences and Humanities

• EDI in SSHRC Grants Info Session Recording and transcript: U of A Research Partner Network presentation on grant writing for SSHRC
• Guide to Addressing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Considerations in Partnership Grant Applications: SSHRC’s official guide to incorporating EDI in Partnership grant applications.
• EDI Dashboard: An aggregated summary of EDI in grant applications and success rates within SSHRC’s funding opportunities.
• Alberta Foundation for the Arts Pluralism Policy: AFA’s commitment to access, belonging, and connecting to communities through the arts.
• Culturally Diverse Arts: Canada Council for the Arts’ context brief on the arts of racialized artists

Additional Resources for EDI in Health Research

• Health Equity Datasets Inventory: A compilation of health equity datasets, data resources, and interactive dashboards.
• Encountering Expertise in Intersectional Health Series: A case study series of using intersectionality to strengthen health research design.
• Integrating Sex, Gender, and EDI in Health Research: A presentation slide deck from the Research Partner Network.
• Sex and Gender in Health Research: A CIHR resource with numerous case studies to understand how to integrate EDI in health research and the impacts that can come from doing so.
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility: A compilation of guidance and contacts from members of Health Data Research Network Canada.

Coming Soon!

• An online training module for applying EDI in your research culture and spaces
• Discipline-specific training modules on integrating EDI into research design