The 2026 Faculty of Science EDI Award

Biological Sciences EDI Committee, Faculty Of Science EDI Award

Congratulations to the Department of Biological Science EDI Committee on receiving the Faculty of Science EDI Award! The 12 member team, comprising faculty, staff, postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students has embodied a productive working group model to achieve tangible outcomes for inclusion and systemic change. 

This recognition also honours the past committee members whose vision, dedication and foundational work made these achievements possible. Their contributions are woven into everything the committee continues to accomplish.

In 2024, the committee co-developed a comprehensive survey to assess departmental climate and demographic landscape. The survey report serves as a departmental roadmap for addressing gaps in belonging, representation, and engagement. Last year, the EDI committee also made strides for graduate student success by creating a Student-Supervisor Relations Worksheet to facilitate transparent, proactive conversations about mutual expectations in research environments. These resources — combined with those for wellness, mental health support, conflict resolution, and crisis — are shared with all new graduate students. The team has also developed a worksheet resource for field researchers to ensure safety and inclusion are prioritized in remote environments, and the team has led graduate student admission policy reform with regard to English Language Proficiency requirements to remove systemic barriers for international applicants while maintaining high academic standards. Furthermore, the committee engages in community outreach activities, including a monthly EDI newsletter and a recent graduate research trainee workshop designed to increase communication, inclusion, and belonging. 

The team’s dedicated and passionate contributions — past and present — have resulted in practical resources to make a difference in the day-to-day activities of colleagues and students — leading to their recognition with this year’s Faculty of Science EDI award. Congratulations to the members of the Biological Science EDI Committee!