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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Global Migration Institute

Nelson Mandela Walk on TMU campus

At the Global Migration Institute, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are foundational to our approach to research excellence.

The Global Migration Institute is committed to fostering an environment that actively addresses systemic inequities within migration scholarship, policy, and practice. We recognize that long-standing structural barriers within academia and research institutions have prevented access, representation, and leadership opportunities for many scholars, practitioners, and communities, particularly those with lived experience of migration.

Our approach to EDI is guided by these foundational principles:

1. Inclusive and collaborative research practices

We ensure that research focuses on the rights and needs of marginalized and vulnerable migrant populations, including people on the move seeking protection, women and minors, and migrants with uncertain status. We also support the meaningful participation and engagement of scholars at all career stages including students, early-career researchers, and more experienced academics, while also engaging policymakers, community partners, and research participants as valued contributors to knowledge creation. 

2. An intersectional perspective

We recognize how race, gender, class, age, sexuality, citizenship and legal status, geography, ability, and other social factors intersect to shape migration experiences and the production of knowledge.

3. Accountability

We prioritize respectful and safe collaboration with migrant and precarious communities and remain attentive to power dynamics in research design and implementation. Research outputs, tools, and digital platforms developed by the Institute are freely accessible to all, especially to research participants and organizational partners. 

4. Diverse membership

We actively promote diverse participation from underrepresented groups, ensuring gender, ethnic, and geographical diversity within our research teams and stakeholders. 

5. Ethical technology

We advocate for the ethical use of technology, ensuring digital solutions do not further marginalize vulnerable migrant populations.

6. Ongoing learning and institutional reflection

We commit to regularly re-visiting and strengthening our policies, practices, and partnerships through dialogue, feedback, and transparency, recognizing that EDI work requires continual reassessment and improvement.

While EDI is integral to our migration research, the team at the Global Migration Institute appreciates that these principles must also be embedded across our institutional practices, including recruitment, governance, leadership development, research processes, and knowledge mobilization. This work demands commitment to ongoing learning and accountability.