“Justice… is not a static value but an ongoing methodology that can and should be incorporated into tech design. For this reason, too, it is vital that people engaged in tech development partner with those who do important sociocultural work honing narrative tools through the arts, humanities, and social justice organizing.”
Ruha Benjamin, Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
EDIC MEMBER INITIATED FUNDS
AWARD AMOUNT
Up to $5,000
APPLICATION DEADLINE
July 31, 2025
CONNECTED-EDI WORKSHOPS
Coming Soon!
Connected-EDI is focused on sharing the most current resources and event calendar in one space! From research guides to finding exciting research/creation opportunities, the resources below will help with creating and maintaining inclusive spaces across the program.
If the resource you're looking for isn't found below, please contact EDI & Community Outreach Specialist, Andrew Castillo, for additional support.
RECOGNIZING LEADERS IN THE CONNECTED MINDS COMMUNITY
Connected-EDI wants to celebrate the incredible efforts and achievements of our membership through our Member Highlight program. Learning from others can help inspire your next project or ensure you’re staying up-to-date on the latest better practices in EDI. New members are highlighted every month, perhaps your leadership efforts will be on our site next!
Learn more about York and Queen’s strategic plans to integrate EDI across both institutions, as well as Tri-Council resources for integrating EDI.
- Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028
- Addressing Anti-Black Racism: A Framework on Black Inclusion
- CIHR Strategic Plan 2021-2031
- Tri-Agency EDI Action Plan 2018-2025
- Supporting Indigenous Research and Research Training in Canada
- Tri-Agency Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- SSHRC Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Systemic Ableism
Learn better practices from Tri-Council funders on how to integrate EDI across research design. Information about institutional spaces dedicated to inclusion, community, and well-being at York and Queen’s are also available.
Tri-Council Resources:
- NSERC Guide on Integrating EDI Considerations in Research
- NSERC Guide for Applicants: Considering EDI in Applications
- NFRF Best Practices in EDI in Research Practice and Design
- SSHRC Module on Bias in Peer Review
- CIHR EDI in the Research System
Institutional Resources:
- Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion
- Black Excellence at York University (BE YU)
- Race Inclusion and Supportive Environments (RISE)
- Gender Identity & Gender Expression
- Inclusive Queen's
- Human Rights Advisory Services
- Human Rights and Equity Office
- Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion
- Queen's Women's Network
- Positive Space Program
Guidelines and readings are available to help strengthen understanding of inclusive and equitable research practices for working with individuals from underrepresented groups that move research forward, while ensuring safety throughout.
Whether you are starting to integrate EDI into your work, looking for new resources, and/or seeking affirmation of best practice, the following resources can help in creating a more inclusive research space.
For additional resources, please contact EDI & Community Outreach Specialist, Andrew Castillo.
- Connected Minds - EDI Research Considerations Tool
- Frameworks in Health Research
- EDI in Engineering
- EDI in Biomedical and Human Behaviour Research
- Charter for Equitable and Inclusive Co-Creation
- Automation & AI - Examining Some Long-Term Societal and Ethical Impact Features
- AI Will Change the World so It's Time to Change AI
- Conducting Accessible Research - Including People with Disabilities
- Decolonizing Research Approaches Towards Non-Extractive Research
- Ethics Guidance for Disability Research
- Research Ethics with Gender and Sexually Diverse Persons
- Towards a Non-Extractive Research Ethics for Transcultural, Translingual Research
Connected Minds is made up of over 280+ members, and we're still growing!
Self-identification allows Connected Minds to better understand the demographics of the membership and ensure the program is equitable and inclusive.
If you’re new to the program, looking to complete or update your self-identification information, and/or limit how your information is used, the Self-Identification Survey can be accessed online or by scanning the QR code on the screen.
If you have any questions about self-identification or experience any technical difficulties, please contact the EDI & Community Outreach Specialist, Andrew Castillo.
Please Note: FIRE-UP used to be called the Affirmative Action Selection Process (AASP).
FIRE-UP ensures research excellence is the number one priority. All applications deemed "Exceptional" by the adjudication committee will be recommended to the Directorate for funding approval. Only applications deemed fundable, but not "Exceptional" will participate in FIRE-UP.
- The Program Director, Operations Manager, and EDI and Community Outreach Specialist (hereafter referred to as CM Staff) will take a list of fundable applicants from the adjudication committee and identify those who fall under one or more of the federally designated groups (Women; Racialized Individuals; Indigenous Peoples; People with disabilities/Disabled Persons) and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ institutional priority group, and/or African, Black, Caribbean CFREF priority groups.
- The diversity composition of the applicant pool for each institution (York & Queen’s) will be assessed using self-identification data collected via Survey Monkey.
- CM Staff will determine the funding priority of each candidate based on current program targets.
- Candidates who do not identify as individuals from underrepresented groups or who have opted out of the FIRE-UP will have their funding priority exchanged with the next highest-ranking applicant that aligns with the program priority order.
- The number of candidates recommended for funding will be based on the remaining fellowships available at each institution.
- If an African, Black, Caribbean and/or Indigenous candidate has indicated on their application that they wish to be considered under the African, Black, Caribbean /Indigenous funding allocation and they did not rank high enough on the funding priority list to secure an available spot, they will be recommended for funding under this allocation (subject to availability).