平特五不中 BME endorses equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). We uphold and promote values of inclusiveness, diversity and fairness, and we are cognizant of, and committed to rectifying, inequity and discrimination in science and academia.
A recent publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) highlighted a paradox in academia, whereby 鈥渄emographically underrepresented students innovate at higher rates than majority students, but their novel contributions are discounted and less likely to earn them academic positions" (). It is important to identify and recognize these inequities, along with our unconscious biases, so we can address them.
Biomedical Engineering is an inclusive discipline: we integrate knowledge from across science and engineering to advance medicine. However, diversity in subject matter does not always translate to diversity in demographics. BME is a relatively small department with 12 full time members and 2 Professors Emeritus, but we have recruited female faculty from the very early on, and Dr. Galiana became the first female Department Chair in 2005. Following Dr. Galiana鈥檚 recent emeritus status, we now have two full-time female members. Likewise, our faculty has been culturally and ethnically diverse, with 5 members from visible minorities (>1/3). Furthermore, the Biological & Biomedical Engineering student membership is highly diverse, hailing from 5 continents, and having elected a female-majority council for the BBME Student Society. The Graduate Certificate in Translational Biomedical Engineering program also has a female-majority cohort in 2020.
The BME department is committed to upholding and promoting values of inclusiveness and fairness, and 平特五不中 and the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences have launched sweeping initiatives to tackle EDI (read more below).
We still have work to do, but together we can strive for a more inclusive 平特五不中.
平特五不中 and the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences have launched a comprehensive 5-year EDI Plan, including an Anti-Black Racism Action Plan. Biomedical Engineering supports these initiatives and will participate in their implementation.
平特五不中 and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Plan on Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI)
In April 2020, 平特五不中 . The plan aims 鈥渢o ensure equitable opportunities and a sense of inclusion and belonging for all鈥� at 平特五不中, and Biomedical Engineering is no exception. The University is addressing EDI with concrete objectives, including:
- Increasing representation of underrepresented groups among professors, students, and administrative and support staff,
- Increasing student financial aid significantly, and,
- Researching 平特五不中鈥檚 ties to slavery and colonialism.
Developed and implemented by an , the EDI Strategic Plan is organized according to the following five target areas:
- Student experience,
- Research and knowledge,
- Outreach,
- Workforce, and,
- Physical Space.
For each theme, the Plan sets out goals, measures, and modes of oversight.
Biomedical Engineering strongly supports the 平特五不中 EDI Plan, consistent with Our Vision, Mission, & Values.
To view the 5-year 平特五不中 EDI Strategic Plan (2020-2025) in its entirety, click here.
For education, training, and resources on Equity at 平特五不中, click here.
Anti-Black Racism
In September 2020, having consulted 平特五不中鈥檚 Black community, 平特五不中 . The plan builds upon the 5-year 平特五不中 EDI Plan by focusing on the same five target areas (student experience; research and knowledge; outreach; workforce; and physical space) but also outlines 鈥渃oncrete measures that will enhance equity and inclusiveness for Black students, faculty, and staff鈥�. Some goals include:
- Recruiting a greater percentage of Black students to the University,
- Increasing scholarships and student aid opportunities that will enhance supports for students from the University鈥檚 most underrepresented student demographic groups, and,
- Improving the number of Black employees at 平特五不中 in professional and executive staff positions, from the current 3.4 per cent to 5 per cent by 2025, and 6.8 per cent representation by 2032.
Biomedical Engineering strongly supports the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan and commits to helping reach its objectives.
To view the Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism (2020-2025) in its entirety, click here.
For its part, the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences is developing its own Faculty-specific plan. On October 15, 2020, the following statement was released by Dr. David Eidelman, Faculty Dean and Vice-Principal (Health Affairs), and Dr. Saleem Razack, Director of the Faculty Social Accountability and Community Engagement Office:
鈥淲e in the 平特五不中 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences are committed to dismantle systemic racism and eradicate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic origins. We must do better. We will build on the University鈥檚 plan, working closely with the Black community and broadly consulting with others to finalize the Faculty鈥檚 plan of action.鈥�
For more details on the Faculty-specific plan, and to see the plan framework, click here.
For more details on the 平特五不中 Black Alumni Association, including its mentorship program, .