Many communities are working on improving EDI in academia, which involves research, courses, and the broader higher education community.

In the sections below, we list ideas for ways to learn, change, and act to improve EDI. While we have undertaken many of these steps ourselves, we know we still have much more to do.

As individuals

As individuals, there are many ways in which we can take action to improve EDI. Here are just a few ideas.

• Learn through reading and watching videos/films

• Complete training in:

  • Unconscious Bias, such as through the Canada Research Chairs program

  • Training in what to do if someone discloses sexual violence

  • Mental health training, such as through More Feet on the Ground

As part of Dr. Flynn’s own professional activities, she has led changes to the Canadian Society for Chemistry’s Accreditation Guidelines, which now include a requirement for chemistry programs to describe their EDI efforts, including for Indigenous students. As a member of the Global Young Academy, she is part of the Women in Science, Open Science, and Science Advice (co-lead 2019) Working Groups; in all those roles, she has contributed to publications and discussions raising awareness of issues. She has also completed the training listed above.

In our research group

Products of research: Our group uses research findings to develop evidence-based, Open Education Resources in French and English, aimed to reduce barriers in higher education. Our Growth & Goals module is designed to empower learners to take greater control of their learning. Our OrgChem101 website and other chemistry tools help students learn key chemistry concepts.

Research team: our diverse team is always learning, with recent workshops on Navigating tough conversations and Anti-racism. Group members are encouraged and supported in attending and giving presentations, workshops, and conferences related to EDI. Some recent examples have included: Leaders Overcoming Gender Inequality in Chemistry (LOGIC) retreat, anti-racism workshops, and mental health workshops.

EDI lenses in research: our research involves looking at education with an EDI lens, with dedicated research questions.

In the larger research ecosystem

National initiatives are being implemented to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in research. Canada’s Tri-Council addresses some of these on their sites. In particular, uOttawa is a signatory in Canada’s Dimensions EDI pilot program, designed to “help drive deeper cultural change” in the research ecosystem. Participation in that program involves collecting and analyzing data on an ongoing basis, and using the findings to make and enact a plan to improve EDI at the institution.