Developing CIHR’s Anti-Racism Action Plan: Environmental Scan Findings and Virtual Engagement Sessions
CIHR is co-developing an anti-racism action plan with the CIHR External Advisory Committee on Anti-Racism, with the aim of addressing systemic racism across all aspects of the CIHR funding system.
Update on Environmental Scan Findings
To inform the co-development of the action plan, CIHR conducted an environmental scan to identify key issues, challenges, and barriers resulting from systemic racism in the health research funding system. We are pleased to share a summary of the findings from the environmental scan, which included a review of various peer-reviewed and grey literature.
The environmental scan is one of many sources informing the development of the CIHR anti-racism action plan. Recognizing the importance of hearing from a diversity of perspectives, especially communities most affected by systemic racism, other sources include:
- A public online discussion about systemic racism within CIHR’s programs, policies and processes (hosted by CIHR from February to April 2021);
- A series of virtual engagement sessions with the health research community (being hosted in March and April 2022); and
- Ongoing consultations with key stakeholders.
Update on Virtual Engagement Sessions
As part of the co-development process, CIHR is hosting small group virtual engagement sessions with members of communities marginalized by racism, specifically those who identify as visible minorities, to seek feedback on the proposed approach for CIHR’s anti-racism action plan. Recruitment for these sessions took place in January and February 2022, and we thank all those who expressed an interest in participating. To accommodate the high level of interest, CIHR is pleased to be hosting twice as many sessions as originally planned. A summary of what we learn from these sessions will be published on our website in the coming months.
Respecting the unique identities of rights-holding Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, CIHR is arranging additional opportunities to meaningfully engage with Indigenous partners. More details will be shared when available.
We look forward to sharing our progress as we work towards fulfilling our commitment to removing systemic barriers from CIHR’s research funding system. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact: edi@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
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