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 theopportunity 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;
Oversee all IMS activities, e.g. special events, special awards, professional development and training opportunities, etc., through an EDI lens
Our Members
Dr. Sunit Das
Chair, Faculty Lead
Alicia Sam
Co-Chair, Staff Lead
2024-2025 Members:
Tibyan Ahmed, Dr. Mahavir Agarwal, Rogih Andrawes, Ilakkiah Chandran, Crizza Ching, Dr. Darren Courtney, Dr. Sunit Das (Chair), Dr. Karen Davis, Idin Fakhrjahani, Dr. Dan Felsky, Kanak Gupta, Prisca Hsu, Tuana Kant, Ziyad Khatab, Segan Kidane, Mai Kondo, Dr. Jenny Lau, Renee Lawson, Ben Li, Dr. Linda Mah, Aishwaria Maxwell, Dr. Theo Moraes, Akshat Pai, Ayesha Rashidi, Abimbola Saka, Alicia Sam (Co-Chair), Kowsar Teymouri, Sarah Topa, Dr. Yat Tsang, Dr. Pascal Tyrrell, Siya Verma, Jessica Wang, Dr. Clement Zai and Dr. Gwyneth Zai.
Getting Involved
Are you an IMS student or faculty member 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 IMS EDI Committee is always looking for individuals with an interest in EDI to join our team! For more information, please contact Alicia Sam.
