Summary
The diversity of a team can help drive and shape research questions, methods, and perspectives. Studies have found that researchers from groups that are underrepresented in their discipline tend to be more innovative and discover new conceptual linkages, and that gender diversity may lead to better science (Leaps and Boundaries).
Despite efforts to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) by post-secondary research organizations across Canada, individuals from groups that have been marginalized continue to be underrepresented. Recent analyses of the OECD International Survey of Scientific Authors and staffing data for 15 globally competitive universities indicate sustained underrepresentation of women and racialized individuals in academia. This persistent inequity means diverse voices and contributions continue to be excluded, limiting the research system’s ability to reach its full potential. A more comprehensive understanding of existing EDI policies and promising practices is needed to inform strategies within research institutions and other organizations to address these challenges.
The question: What is the state of knowledge regarding measures that organizations in Canada and around the world are implementing to achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion in the post-secondary research system?
The sponsors: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Canada Foundation for Innovation; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; National Research Council Canada; and Health Canada.
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