RI-MUHC ANNUAL REPORT 2024
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (EDI) INITIATIVES
- REPRESENTING AND RESPONDING TO THE POPULATION’S REALITIES
- RECOGNITION FOR RESEARCH INITIATIVES
- EDI EVENTS AND ORGANIZATIONAL INITIATIVES
REPRESENTING AND RESPONDING TO THE POPULATION’S REALITIES
Since the introduction of an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Committee and dedicated EDI specialist two years ago, the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) has made headway in an ambitious three-year action plan. The premise of this plan is that EDI is not an addition to research; it is an approach to strengthen excellence in research and to improve work experience for all.
“Equity, Diversity and Inclusion approaches bring research closer to marginalized groups, helping to integrate these groups in ethical ways and produce research responsive to their needs, priorities and visions,” says EDI Specialist Diego Herrera, PhD. “EDI contributes to excellence in research, which is defined by its ability to represent and respond to the population’s realities.”
In 2023-2024, EDI initiatives at the RI-MUHC included:
- Realization of a three-year EDI Action Plan approved by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS);
- Coordination of working groups in critical areas through the RI-MUHC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (see the “Oversight” section of this report);
- Coordination of a network of EDI specialists in Quebec hospital-based research centres;
- Participation in an Intersectorial EDI Community of Practice to share best practices and keep abreast of EDI developments with advisors from organizations across Canada;
- Coordination of EDI evaluation in the awards for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Health Care Research at the RI-MUHC, which recognize academic excellence in students from racialized groups (see the “Trainee successes” section of this report);
- Creation of the RI-MUHC’s first guide to recruit and retain people with disabilities, Challenging Barriers: 2024 Institutional Guide;
- Creation and promotion of the online course, “Let's Be Allies: Foundations in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”;
- Promotion of the RI-MUHC’s first Inclusive Writing Guide, launched in 2023;
- Support to researchers in the integration of EDI in their research proposals, projects and chairs;
- Major events marking the International Day of People Living with Disabilities, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, and more.
RECOGNITION FOR RESEARCH INITIATIVES
The RI-MUHC is proud that several researchers gained recognition in the past year for work that integrates EDI goals with research excellence. A sampling of their successes follows.
Two CIHR-IMHA Inclusive Research Excellence Prizes for RI-MUHC researcher
For Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, PhD, health outcomes research begins with meaningful patient partnership. Her two completed winning projects, selected by the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) community within the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), will serve as examples of research excellence to help guide the CIHR’s concept development for inclusive research excellence.
RI-MUHC researcher receives Government of Canada funding to improve health care for women and gender-diverse people
Dr. Isabelle Malhamé and her team are helping to implement the new National Women’s Health Research Initiative to address under-researched and high-priority areas of women’s health.
Empowering Change
Dr. Nitika Pant Pai was selected to participate in the 2024 North America Cohort of the WomenLift Health (WLH) Leadership Journey. The program aims to empower mid-career women to advance to senior leadership positions in global health.
EDI EVENTS AND ORGANIZATIONAL INITIATIVES
Major events this year honoured many of the diverse communities that contribute to the life of the RI-MUHC and advancement of its mission, including those below.
Recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Advocates and colleagues gathered this fall at the RI-MUHC to raise awareness and help promote the integration of people living with disabilities into our work and research spaces.
An opportunity to learn, celebrate and connect during Black History Month at the RI-MUHC
An expert panel explored Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in research and healthcare.
Celebrating Pride Month with the first Pride in Research seminar
The RI-MUHC led a one-hour webinar to explore the perspectives of LGBTQIA2S+ people in the research space.
RI-MUHC participates in the DuoEmploi program
During the Quebec Week for Persons with Disabilities, two people joined research and administrative teams for a daylong internship.
Learn more about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the RI-MUHC.
