McMaster has become one of the first postsecondary institutions in the country to endorse Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada, a pilot program from the Government of Canada designed to transform research culture by strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are critical for upholding Canada’s standing as a leader in international research. Thank you to @McMasterU President Patrick Dean for signing the Dimensions Charter. pic.twitter.com/3jxDp6YONZ

— Kirsty Duncan (@KirstyDuncanMP) May 21, 2019

Inspired by the United Kingdom’s internationally recognized Athena SWAN program, the Dimensions charter addresses systemic barriers within the research community, particularly those experienced by members of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

“When we harness the ideas and talents of everyone in the research community, we drive innovation, make our country more competitive, and all Canadians benefit,” said Maryam Monsef, minister of women and gender equity. “The [charter] will create more opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in research institutions across Canada, and serves as a powerful step towards building a vibrant, diverse and inclusive research community.

Kirsty Duncan, the federal minister of science and sport, announced the launch of the charter in early May, later visiting McMaster to participate in a signing ceremony with McMaster President Patrick Deane.

“Endorsing the Dimensions charter is an important way for McMaster to signal its commitment to strengthening our research culture by embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in our policies, practices and action plans,” said Deane. “Diverse opinions, backgrounds and experiences enable us to ask better research questions and devise more creative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The Dimensions charter is administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, familiarly known as NSERC.