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.

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EDI Framework for Research Excellence

An AI-enabled thought partner helping researchers identify systemic barriers and develop authentic, impactful EDI strategies for grant proposals and training environments.

EDI resource (PDF)

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 U of A, 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 resource created 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