UNBC joins national Dimensions Canada cohort to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research

As part of the new cohort, the university is reaffirming its commitment to tackling inequities faced by equity-deserving groups across all disciplines and research activities. The initiative will involve a structured process of self-assessment, planning and accountability designed to create long-term cultural change. [unbc.ca ]

Dr. Sarah Gray, UNBC’s Interim Vice-President of Research, says joining the cohort is an opportunity not only to learn from other institutions, but also to bring a northern perspective to a national conversation.

“Dimensions Canada is a program that brings together post-secondary organizations annually to work collaboratively to develop EDI strategies that are novel, new, and that will work in the context of those institutions,” Gray explained.

She says UNBC’s role in the cohort will be shaped by the region it serves.

“Like anything we do here at UNBC, research is really guided by our context, which is the region that we serve. We are doing research in and for a northern, rural context — and I think that really guides everything we do. In the Dimensions cohort, that’s what we will be bringing to the group.”

UNBC first signaled its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion when it endorsed the Dimensions Charter of Principles in 2019. That charter represents a nationwide framework encouraging institutions to embed inclusive practices into their policies, programs and research environments.

Participation in the Dimensions recognition program is considered a next step beyond that endorsement. It requires institutions to examine their current practices, measure their progress and implement changes supported by evidence and community engagement.

Through the process, universities are expected to:

Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their research culture
Develop an action plan addressing identified gaps
Demonstrate measurable progress over time

Those steps are designed to move institutions beyond statements of intent and toward tangible outcomes.

Gray says that approach is particularly important.

“We aren’t just taking something off the shelf that has already been tried at another university in Canada,” she said. “There’s a real emphasis on contextualizing the work — making sure the strategies we develop reflect who we are and who we serve.”

The Dimensions Canada program itself reflects a broader shift within academia. Increasingly, research institutions around the world are recognizing that diversity strengthens innovation and improves research outcomes.

The Canadian initiative is modelled on similar programs internationally, including the Athena Swan Charter in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Science in Australia Gender Equity, and SEA Change in the United States. [unbc.ca ]

Those frameworks share a common goal: improving representation and inclusion within research environments, while also increasing the quality and impact of scholarship.

According to federal agencies, the Dimensions program seeks to foster “transformational change” by supporting institutions in identifying inequities and building more inclusive systems. [nserc-crsn….canada.ca ]

It also focuses on ensuring equitable access to funding opportunities, improving participation in research and embedding equity principles into research design and practice. [nserc-crsn….canada.ca ]

The newly announced 2026 cohort includes a small group of post-secondary institutions from across Canada, representing a mix of universities, colleges and research organizations that will collaborate over the coming months. [nserc-crsn….canada.ca ]

Participants meet regularly to share knowledge, tools and strategies, creating a community of practice aimed at accelerating progress across the sector.

For UNBC, one of the most significant aspects of joining the program is its potential to reflect the realities of northern and rural communities—perspectives that are often underrepresented in national discussions about research policy.

Gray says that unique context will inform how the university approaches the program’s requirements.

“Our research is deeply connected to the needs of the region,” she said. “That includes working with Indigenous communities, addressing rural challenges and ensuring that our research benefits people in the North.”

By bringing those perspectives into the cohort, UNBC hopes not only to improve its own practices but also to contribute to a broader understanding of how equity and inclusion can be advanced in diverse settings.

A key component of the Dimensions recognition program is engagement—ensuring that the process involves voices from across the institution and beyond.

At UNBC, that work will be led in collaboration with the university’s Equity and Inclusion Office, including manager Mindy Gobbi.

Together, they will work with students, faculty, staff and community partners to examine policies, practices and cultural dynamics within the university’s research ecosystem.

That process is expected to include:

Collecting and analyzing data related to participation and outcomes
Seeking input from various campus and community groups
Identifying barriers faced by equity-deserving groups
Developing targeted actions to address those barriers

The program emphasizes transparency and accountability, meaning progress will be tracked and shared over time.

Grey says the collaborative nature of the work is one of its strengths.

“I think both of us felt really pleased with the first introductory meeting,” she said, referring to her work with Gobbi. “They really want that contextual piece. They want institutions to build strategies that reflect their realities, not just adopt existing models.”

The Dimensions program focuses on supporting groups that have historically faced barriers within research environments.

These include women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority or racialized communities, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. [nserc-crsn….canada.ca ]

Federal agencies emphasize that addressing the challenges faced by these groups is essential to ensuring fairness, improving research outcomes and strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Joining the Dimensions Canada cohort marks the beginning of what is expected to be a multi-year process for UNBC.

The recognition program includes several stages, with institutions progressing as they demonstrate increasing levels of commitment and achievement.

While the work will require time and sustained effort, university leaders say the benefits are clear.

An inclusive research environment, they argue, leads to better ideas, broader perspectives and more meaningful outcomes for society.

For UNBC, the initiative is also tied to its broader mission as a northern institution—supporting communities, advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges.

“Joining the Dimensions Canada cohort is a meaningful step forward in building a research environment where everyone can thrive,” the university noted in its announcement, emphasizing the link between inclusion and excellence. [unbc.ca ]

As the work begins, students, faculty and staff will play a central role in shaping what that future looks like.

Through collaboration, data-driven decision-making and a focus on accountability, UNBC hopes to not only meet the expectations of the Dimensions program, but to set an example of how equity, diversity and inclusion can be advanced in a northern context.

by Cheryl Jahn

UNBC joins national Dimensions Canada cohort to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research

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