Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

COPL is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion as defined by its funding agency the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ).

For more information on the FRQ’s EDI principles, visit this link: https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/en/equity-diversity-and-inclusion

As part of its duties and responsibilities to the challenges it faces, COPL has put in place several initiatives to ensure that its actions are consistent with its commitments.

EDI Committee
Since 2020, COPL’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has been consolidated, and the group’s bylaws have been revised in detail in consultation with an EDI advisor. A permanent EDI committee was created to guide COPL in its efforts to provide a healthy, equitable and inclusive collaborative research environment, free from discrimination. Since then, the committee has tackled topics as varied as epicene writing, the recruitment of international students, the place of women in science and engineering, and the welcoming, support and successful integration of designated groups.

Survey to understand the student experience in STEM research and graduate training
This study, currently underway, will contribute to proposing a more equitable and inclusive training pathway, environment and support practices across the strategic cluster. It aims to identify ways of strengthening the sense of self-efficacy and belonging, as well as the professional aspirations of the next generation, while overcoming systemic and structural barriers.

EDI training
COPL regularly collaborates with other strategic clusters to offer training courses on EDI.

• Workshop on microaggressions in the workplace
  This joint initiative of the CCVC, COPL, INTRIQ, CQMF and RQMP strategic clusters brought together 161 participants in a hybrid format. More than 10 academic institutions in Quebec (Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke and Quebec City) offered a physical meeting place to discuss the theme.
• Training in non-violent communication
  This training, also offered in hybrid format across the province, welcomed 103 participants online and in reserved rooms at member universities.
• Training on welcoming and including international students and employees: a shared responsibility
  This training was offered to members during COPL’s 2023 Annual Day.

Useful information
To find out about the resources available to members to help them incorporate EDI principles into their practices, click on this link: Useful information.

Contact persons
To discuss equity, diversity and inclusion issues, please contact our committee representatives.

Lawrence Chen
Professor, McGill University
lawrence.chen@mcgill.ca

Leslie A. Rusch
Professor, Université Laval
leslie.rusch@gel.ulaval.ca

You are also invited to write to us at copl@copl.ulaval.ca