EDIA Resource Hub

TMU Recommendation nine, from the Standing Strong Task Force (SSTF) report, mandates that all academic programs incorporate mandatory learning opportunities about Indigenous history and Indigenous-colonial relations for all students. This recommendation (opens in new window)  is a key part of Toronto Metropolitan University's (TMU) commitment to reconciliation and decolonization.

"It is precisely because education was the primary tool of oppression of Aboriginal people, and miseducation of all Canadians, that we have concluded that education holds the key to reconciliation."  -  Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Removing Barriers to Experiential Learning

Experiential learning—whether in research labs, thesis projects, or hands-on courses—is a cornerstone of scientific education. Yet, not all students have equal access to these opportunities. Financial constraints, family obligations, unclear processes, accessibility challenges, and a lack of mentorship can create hidden barriers that prevent students from participating and thriving.

At the Department of Chemistry and Biology, we are committed to breaking down these barriers. By clarifying pathways, providing clear guidance, and supporting students of all backgrounds, we aim to make research and experiential learning more accessible to every learner.

Our guiding principles focus on:

• Clear and transparent processes for accessing opportunities (see student checklist below).
• Mitigating financial, cultural, and logistical barriers.
• Fostering a culture of mentorship and belonging.
• Providing students with the transferrable tools and skills to navigate both the “hidden curriculum” and the scientific workplace.

Through this work, we are creating a department where every student can explore, engage, and excel in the laboratory and beyond.

Embedding EDIA in Our Classrooms

At the Department of Chemistry and Biology, we believe that equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning environments are essential for student success. Our goal is to ensure that every student—regardless of background, identity, or lived experience—feels welcome, supported, and empowered to thrive, while getting a fulsome exposure in Science.

In collaboration with faculty, staff, and students, we have developed guiding principles for integrating Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) into our courses. These principles help us:

• Foster a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
• Embed diverse perspectives and voices into course content.
• Design flexible and accessible learning activities.
• Extend science beyond its traditional curriculum and increase appreciation for Indigenous Knowledges
• Actively address barriers and bias in science education.

This is not a checklist to be completed once but a continuous commitment to creating learning spaces where every student belongs, and where EDIA is an integral part of scientific teaching and discovery.

Inclusive research design is an approach to creating research studies that actively consider and integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) principles at every stage of the research process. The goal is to ensure that research is fair, representative, and meaningful to all relevant populations, particularly those who are historically underrepresented, marginalized, or excluded in traditional research frameworks.

1. Key Characteristics of Inclusive Research Design

2. Why It Matters

• Improves validity and generalizability → Diverse data leads to more robust findings.
• Reduces systemic exclusion → Prevents research that unintentionally reinforces inequities.
• Enhances innovation → Diverse perspectives often yield novel research questions and solutions.
• Fosters trust → Inclusive approaches can increase community buy-in and participation.

3. How to Implement Inclusive Research Design

4. Examples

• STEM Education Research: Designing surveys that are accessible to first-generation students and international students.
• Medical Research: Including diverse genetic backgrounds in clinical trials to avoid Eurocentric bias in drug efficacy.
• Environmental Science: Involving Indigenous communities in co-developing research questions about land use or water management.