Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
For several years now, Canadian and Quebec funding agencies for research have been working to create a culture of inclusion and promote the integration of EDI principles in research program design and funding practices. Their efforts aim to ensure equitable access to financial support for all members of the research community, as well as promote inclusion, diversity, and equity in the very design of projects.
It is in this context that Génome Québec has established an EDI committee and entrusted it with the mandate to study different scenarios that would integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into organizational practices. The committee has worked with the support of EDI consultants to initiate a thoughtful and productive reflection. The following organizational commitment was adopted in 2021.
Génome Québec is recognized as a socially responsible organization that respects and embraces the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, thereby contributing to a more equitable society. Génome Québec is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within its ecosystem through concrete actions that highlight the full richness of humanity.
In 2021, the committee embarked on an extensive reflection exercise to identify the EDI needs within the organization and its ecosystem. An analysis of strategies implemented by other organizations operating in the research field, along with discussions with an EDI consultant, enabled the proposal of an action plan aimed at achieving the following five work objectives over the next three years:
- Conduct an assessment of Génome Québec’s ecosystem.
- Raise awareness within the Génome Québec community about EDI issues.
- Ensure inclusive communication.
- Ensure equity in access to Génome Québec funding.
- Contribute to the promotion of EDI at the provincial and national levels.
Regarding objective 4 specifically, Génome Québec intends to identify, analyze, and overcome barriers to funding access, as well as develop measures to include EDI concepts in its research funding programs.