Building an equitable and inclusive research ecosystem: UCalgary unveils Dimensions EDI Action Plan

The University of Calgary is releasing its Dimensions Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, a road map to advancing research excellence in a fair and inclusive environment. 

“The Dimensions EDI Action Plan reflects the commitment to institutional excellence and outlines specific actions that demonstrate how equity, inclusion and accessibility are integral to achieving excellence in research,” says Dr. Malinda Smith, vice-provost and associate vice-president research (equity, diversity and inclusion).

The plan builds on the Dimensions EDI Charter and UCalgary’s participation in the Dimensions EDI Pilot Program. In 2023, UCalgary was awarded the Dimensions: Construction Award recognition by the Government of Canada for its impactful actions to embed EDI in research and innovation. 

UCalgary’s new Dimensions EDI Action Plan is focused on how to promote equitable inclusion in research. It is shaped by two foundational principles: “nothing about us, without us,” and “one-size-does-not-fit-all.” 

“Nothing about us, without us” recognizes that no initiative or policy should be developed without meaningfully engaging the unique needs of those impacted.  

“One-size-does-not-fit-all” acknowledges the need for a deep understanding of the unique experiences of individual groups to truly improve access, provident supports and services where needed, and help for people to thrive. Needs may appear similar on the surface, but they are not identical.

“Establishing inclusive processes is a cornerstone of achieving equity and excellence in research,” says Smith.

Initiatives within the plan will systematically advance equitable inclusion in research. The plan advances equity for everyone. It also engages and centres the voices of equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, and more.  

“UCalgary is committed to fostering a research culture that values diversity and innovation equally,” says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “This plan is a critical step toward ensuring our research community reflects the wide range of perspectives needed to address today’s most complex challenges.” 

The plan identifies five core goals to advance EDI in the research ecosystem, including: 

1. Develop strategies to support and sustain diverse talent and inclusive research excellence. 
2. Create an accessible, equitable and inclusive research environment to enable individual flourishing and institutional research excellence. 
3. Establish a research environment supported by bias-mitigation policies and processes. 
4. Consolidate EDI, accessibility within the research ecosystem. 
5. Develop a disaggregated EDI Data in Research Strategy. 

Aligned with UCalgary’s broader research priorities, including in Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, and the Institutional Research and Innovation Plan, the Dimensions EDI Action Plan also supports the university’s commitment to advancing transdisciplinary research excellence. Work is also underway with the Presidential Task Force on EDIA to establish a broader EDIA strategy for the entire university. 

“UCalgary is fostering collaboration to create a more equitable and inclusive research ecosystem. Evidence shows that diversity in teams improves critical thinking, leads to better decision-making, and makes us smarter,” says Smith. 

“Given the productivity gap, we cannot ignore the research that diversity can fuel productivity and profitability, that there is a diversity dividend. We simply cannot afford to leave any talent untapped. Our actions to advance equitable inclusion through Dimensions will yield much-needed positive results for all,” says Smith. 

For more details about the Dimensions EDI Action Plan, visit the EDI website.