IIE Faculty Award
The Institute of Medical Science (IMS) is committed to advancing Equity, Diversity, Indigeneity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIIA) across its community.
The Inclusive Initiatives of Excellence (IIE) Faculty Award recognizes and celebrates outstanding contributions to EDIIA by IMS faculty members. This award honours leadership, service, teaching, and research activities that meaningfully advance EDIIA principles within IMS and beyond.
The award is presented annually at IMS Scientific Day.
Award Details
For questions, please contact Caroline Ruivo at sf.medscience@utoronto.ca
Criteria
This award recognizes an active IMS faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to EDIIA through leadership, service, teaching, and/or research activities that advance EDIIA principles.
Eligibility
The nominee must be an active IMS faculty member in one of the following categories:
- Associate Member (Restricted or Non-Restricted)
- Full Member
- Member Emeritus
EDIIA Definition
The definition of EDIIA for this award is based on the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and includes the following principles:
Creating and Sustaining Inclusive Environments
Creating, supporting, and maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and disrespectful behaviour where all individuals—regardless of background, identity, or status—are empowered to succeed.
Promoting Diversity in Representation
Demonstrating a commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting learners, staff, and faculty who reflect the rich diversity of Canadian society, with particular attention to groups historically underrepresented in medicine.
Innovative Program and Curriculum Development
Leading initiatives that prepare graduates to serve diverse communities by integrating culturally responsive and socially accountable content into teaching, mentorship, and service.
Nomination Requirements
- Nomination Letter (Maximum 500 words)
Discuss the candidate’s contributions to EDIIA, including the scope, reach, and impact of these contributions within IMS and, where applicable, across affiliated departments, institutions, or communities.
- Condensed Curriculum Vitae (Maximum 5 pages)
A CV highlighting the candidate’s contributions to EDIIA.
- Faculty Letter of Support (Maximum 500 words)
From a faculty member who has worked closely with the candidate and can speak to their contributions to EDIIA.
- Student Letter of Support (Maximum 500 words)
From an IMS student who has worked closely with the candidate and can speak to their contributions to EDIIA.
Review Criteria
The review committee will consider each candidate’s contributions to EDIIA within IMS and its affiliated research institutions. Contributions may be made in one or more areas, and candidates are not expected to demonstrate contributions across all areas. Eligible contributions may include EDIIA-related research, teaching, mentorship, leadership, and service.
The review criteria are intentionally broad. IMS recognizes that faculty members contribute to EDIIA in diverse and meaningful ways. The criteria listed below are not exhaustive and are meant to serve as examples. All nominations will be reviewed holistically.
Leadership in EDIIA Efforts
- Leading EDIIA committees
- Organizing EDIIA events
- Developing policies or procedures that promote EDIIA within research groups, IMS, or broader communities
Fostering Inclusive and Supportive Environments
- Creating safe spaces for dialogue
- Supporting underrepresented groups through mentorship or programming
Demonstrable Impact
- Improving recruitment or retention of diverse talent
- Introducing inclusive hiring or educational policies
Innovation
- Developing new tools, programs, or methodologies that address EDIIA gaps
- Creating inclusive curricula or innovative research approaches
Education and Awareness
- Organizing educational sessions or public events
- Disseminating EDIIA-focused research, publications, or presentations
Sustained Commitment
- Long-term engagement in EDIIA initiatives
- Demonstrated progress over time
Collaboration
- Partnerships across departments or institutions
- Joint initiatives with external organizations
- Collaborative efforts among diverse teams