Through the establishment of an Inclusive Research Team, and the design of a strategic action plan, the University of Waterloo is taking strides towards removing barriers and achieving an equitable academic, research and campus environment. Working in knowledge mobilization, specialized consultations, grant resources and strategic advice, Waterloo’s Inclusive Research Team works to build Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Relations capacity within the Office of Research.
Established in 2022, this team helps to drive innovative ideas, address systemic barriers, and create a more equitable research ecosystem. The team empowers researchers and administrators to actively practice and embed EDI and Indigenous Research into their work, demonstrating Waterloo’s institutional change leadership. In 2022, the Inclusive Research Team reviewed and advised on 65 grants for EDI content, over 100 consultations on EDI and Indigenous research projects and led 40 training sessions.
Feedback received from researchers includes:
“We had EDI researchers working with us throughout the drafting of the SSHRC Partnership Grant proposal, but even with that expertise in place, the review sent to us by the EDI team at the Office of Research helped immeasurably. These comments made it possible for us to readjust the planned research structure and team composition as well as plans for HQP recruitment and mentorship. The EDI team’s review pushed the Co-Directors to consider alternative working practices and research approaches.”
August 2023