Fostering and celebrating excellence, equity, diversity and inclusiveness within our research community and in our research approaches is one of the main directions and objectives of the University of Ottawa Strategic Areas of Research.

We foster transformational change in research

  • By valuing a plurality of visions, ideas, and ways of being in research;
  • Strengthening EDI skills through proactive exchange and learning spaces;
  • By advancing a culture of self-reflection on the systemic factors that contribute to excellence in research.

uOttawa receives Dimensions EDI Canada recognition: Foundation stage

Dimensions foundation logo

In 2019, the University of Ottawa was selected as one of 17 Canadian postsecondary institutions to take part in the Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada pilot project following a competitive letter of intent process. The project is an initiative of Canada’s Tri-Agency, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). 

The aim of the five-year pilot program is to foster transformational change with respect to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the postsecondary research ecosystem by assessing and publicly recognizing postsecondary institutions working to increase EDI in their environments and beyond.

As part of its participation in the Dimensions pilot cohort, and in addition to participating in co-developing the program, uOttawa completed program-required EDI work and submitted an application for Foundation Stage Dimensions recognition. After thorough review by anational committee of EDI experts, and after a two-part review process that included an interview with the review committee, uOttawa was proud to receiveDimensions recognition in March 2023. For more detail see the uOttawa EDI Action Plan for Research.

The underrepresented groups in research

Within its commitment to diversity, the University of Ottawa has prioritized five groups traditionally underrepresented in research.

These groups are made up of people who identify as:

Hands on a table working on an action plan

EDI action plan for research

This Plan implements strategies and actions that create an inclusive climate for research at uOttawa by addressing needs and barriers of researchers and trainees of underrepresented groups.

uOttawa’s commitment to EDI

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, the President created the position of Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence (EDI) working collaboratively with all uOttawa units and members.

five students standing next to each other

Apply for the 2024 Robbins-Ollivier Award for Excellence in Equity

CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC are accepting nominations for bold initiatives that address systemic barriers in research and academia through the Canada Research Chairs Program.

Students working at a computer

Community-Based Research Grants

This grant pilot is designed to support uOttawa researchers who partner with community organizations that work with equity-deserving or marginalized groups in order to plan and implement community-based research activities.

Woman in a laboratory

EDI resources

These resources include data on underrepresented groups in research at uOttawa, a list of experts who work on topics related to these groups, as well as a list of our experts’ publications that provide guidance on strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion in research.

EDI in practice

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Contact us

We’re happy to connect!

Ideas, questions or suggestions on how to improve research through EDI practices?

[email protected]