The RQR is a network that values diversity and inclusion. Since the adoption of its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy in 2019, the RQR has implemented a range of initiatives to foster a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment that supports the success of all its members.
The RQR EDI committee includes researchers, students and administrative staff.
- Géraldine Delbès (INRS) – Chair
- Nour Abou Nader (Université de Montréal)
- Luisina Ongaro (McGill University)
- Adélaïde Allais (Université de Montréal)
- Donovan Chan (McGill University)
- Hengameh Kazemdarvish (McGill University)
- Sherin Ali Nowaito (UQAM)
- Gustavo Zamberlam (Université de Montréal)
- Esdras Corrêa Dos Santos (Université de Montréal)
- Dina Irsenco (Université de Montréal)
- Fanny Morin, RQR Coordinator
Educate RQR members about EDI challenges in the workplace
Promote EDI within the network
Maintain and develop an inclusive environment
The RQR Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee leads a variety of initiatives to foster more inclusive research environments. It organizes webinars and conference sessions as part of the RQR Annual Symposium, encourages participation in external EDI events, offers medical leave, parental leave, and recruitment awards, and developed EDIcebreaker, an interactive tool designed to facilitate meaningful conversations and spark discussions about equity, diversity, and inclusion within research teams.
Examples of topics covered:
- Assisted Reproduction
- Sexual Minorities in the Workplace
- Challenges of International Mobility
- First Nations and Reproduction
- Student Mental Health
- Care for Transgender Adolescents
- Sexual Diversity (2019)
- The Importance of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (2020)
- Being an Ally (2021)
- First Nations (2022)
- Diversity in Science (2023)
- Ethics in Reproductive Research (2024)
- Women in STEM Manifesto
- Screening of the documentary Picture a Scientist
Recognizing and promoting the EDI initiatives of RQR members within their communities:
- 2021: 3 awards
- 2022: 7 awards
- 2023: 1 award
- 2024: 1 award
Several resources are available to all RQR members.
- Administrative procedures for international students
- McGill University: https://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/pre-arrival
- Université de Montréal: https://admission.umontreal.ca/admission/vous-etes/etudiant-international/
- Université Laval: https://www.ulaval.ca/espace-etudiant/communaute-etudiante-de-linternational
- Université de Sherbrooke: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/international/fr/etudier-a-udes/admission-demarches-exigences-et-couts
- In the event of harassment: https://rqr-repro.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Resources_Harassment_RQR.pdf
- Government resources
- Fonds de recherche du Québec – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/equite-diversite-et-inclusion-edi/
- FRQ EDI Resources: https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/ressources-en-edi/
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) – EDI Guidance: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/Policies-Politiques/EDI_guidance-Conseils_EDI_fra.asp
- Unconscious Bias: https://rqr-repro.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Implicit_Biases_Resources.pdf
- LGBTQ+ People in the Workplace (SAVIE-LGBTQ): https://savie-lgbtq.uqam.ca/mediatheque/
- Québec Human Rights Commission (CDPDJ) – Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination: https://www.cdpdj.qc.ca/fr/formation/accommodement/Pages/html/motifs-discrimination.html
- RIQEDI Resources (Recruitment Bias): https://rqedi.com/
- Québec Science – When a Lab Is a Closet: https://www.quebecscience.qc.ca/edito/quand-le-labo-est-un-placard/
- Inclusive Academic Environments (INRS): https://inrs.ca/linrs/equite-diversite-et-inclusion/milieux-inclusifs/
- UQAT Video – Intersectionality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY_39mLmqDw&t=2s