Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

The promotion and integration of the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the research ecosystem is one of the main concerns of government funding agencies (NSERC, FRQNT) and academic institutions. These principles aim eliminate the systemic barriers that disadvantage particular groups, increase diversity and foster inclusive behavior in research.

For this reason, the GRIL has implemented initiatives, including an EDI Policy, to better inform its members of the importance of EDI in research, the possible ways to reinforce these principles in the academic environment, and the impacts of unconscious bias on research activities.

Learn more about unconscious bias:

Bias:

Biases are shortcuts our brain forms based on:

• our own culture;
• experiences;
• things other people tell us;
• institutional influences;
• and other external influences, such as social media.

When faced with situations or people, we use mental maps and patterns to classify them by making a number of automatic associations. Not surprisingly, our perceptions and assumptions based on these automatic associations are not always correct.

Because our unconscious biases tend to be ingrained, it takes some work to disrupt them, but it can be done through active reflection and practicing inclusive behaviours.

Unconscious bias (implicit bias, cognitive bias):

An unconscious bias is an implicit attitude, stereotype, motivation or assumption that can occur without one’s knowledge, control or intention. Unconscious bias is a result of our life experiences and affects all types of people. Examples of unconscious bias include gender bias, cultural bias, age bias, language and institutional bias.

Unconscious biases are important to recognize in instances when quality, relevance and competence are being evaluated.

Source :
Bias in Peer Review - A Training Module
Canada Research Chairs

Useful links:

Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologies (FRQNT)
Equity, diversity and inclusion

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Unconscious bias training module
Tri-Agency Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Université de Montréal - And look for the resources available in other institutions!
Équité, diversité et inclusion

Émission Briser le code, Télé-Québec
Le documentaire

Evaluation of Talent: possible impacts of unconscious bias
Evaluations of Talent - Mahzarin Banaji
Dr. Mahzarin Banaji, Professor, Harvard University

Éviter les biais cognitifs
Comment éviter les biais cognitifs pour prendre la bonne décision ?
Olivier Sibony, Directeur Associé Sénior de McKinsey & Company

Reference test on unconscious bias
Project Implicit
Harvard Department of Psychology

EDUlib - Université de Montréal
Trans•diversité est une formation gratuite et en ligne qui porte sur l’identité de genre, la transidentité et les meilleures pratiques de soutien auprès des personnes trans, que ce soit dans le milieu de l’enseignement supérieur ou dans la vie quotidienne

Global Research Council
Supporting Women in Research