Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are fundamental values at the University of Toronto as highlighted in the Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence. The Institute of Medical Science (IMS) is home to a rich roster of premier researchers and clinician-scientists and we pride ourselves on the diversity of our talented pool of faculty, students and staff.

Our Purpose

We strive to foster an equitable and inclusive community, rich with diversity, and founded on respect for the dignity and human rights of every person. We seek to ensure to the greatest extent possible that all students, faculty and staff enjoy the opportunity to participate as their authentic selves in the full range of activities that the IMS offers, and to achieve their full potential as members of the IMS community.

Our Commitment

As part of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), the IMS is continuously developing plans and initiatives to better support our community and amplify the multitude of voices within it.

To this end, the IMS has formed an EDI Committee comprised of IMS students, faculty and staff who are committed to identifying and recommending opportunities and initiatives to improve diverse representation of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups in the IMS.

Learn more about the IMS EDI Committee below. 

About the EDI Committee

Who Are We?

The IMS EDI Committee is a standing committee of the IMS that reports to the IMS Director, Leadership Group and Executive Committee. The committee was created in Fall 2020 and continues to grow as more interested students, faculty and staff join their efforts to address issues pertinent to equity, diversity and inclusiveness within our academic community. 

Our Mandate

The EDI Committee will provide ongoing recommendations that are grounded in EDI-focused wise practices in the following areas:

• The expansion of pathways for outreach and recruitment of leaners from high schools and undergraduate programs;
• The development of recruitment, retention and engagement strategies for faculty members, research assistants and post doctorate fellows;
• The coordination of efforts to support the current IMS graduate student community in strengthening an inclusive and safe environment;
• Support the education and professional development of staff with regards to EDI-related training

Our Members

2023-2024 Members:

Layla Ahmed, Tibyan Ahmed, Ikran Ali, Jasmine Ali- Gami, Noor Al-Kaabi, Dr. Mahavir Agarwal, Prabjit Ajrawat, Amy Chan, Ilakkiah Chandran, Crizza Ching, Dr. Araba Chintoh, Dr. Sunit Das (Chair), Dr. Karen Davis, Dr. Maryam Faiz, Ergi Duli, Dr. Dan Felsky, Lauren Fleshner, Dr. Kathryn Howe, Prisca Hsu, Tia Kant, Segan Kidane, Dr. Jenny Lau, Shamantha Lora, Aishwaria Maxwell, Taylor Moffat, Dr. Nadia Minian, Dr. Farooq Naeem, Anisa Nazir, Anukrati Nigam, Akshat Pai, Ayesha Quddusi, Ayesha Rashidi, Abimbola Saka, Alicia Sam (Co-Chair), Sherald Sanchez, Audrey Shiner, Kowsar Teymouri, Sarah Topa, Dr. Pascal Tyrrell, Siya Verma, Giorge Voutsas and Dr. Clement Zai and Dr. Gwyneth Zai.

Getting Involved

Are you passionate about EDI-related initiatives? Would you like to help contribute towards efforts to foster a safe, engaged and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff?

The EDI Committee is always looking for individuals with an interest in EDI to join our team! For more information, please contact Alicia Sam.