Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to cultivating a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We acknowledge and deeply respect the individual differences, lived experiences, expertise, and knowledge of those within our cluster. We welcome all contributions regardless of age, gender identity or sexual orientation, physical ability, race, religion, ancestry, or culture.

While most organizations have a language and process in place to embrace diversity and be more inclusive, effectively developing and implementing an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategy that is truly operational—and not tokenistic—requires more than good intentions. We aim to develop and implement an effective plan by exploring courses and programs that focus on unity, cohesion, and mutual support, and create fair, equitable, and inclusive communities and workplaces.

Required EDI training for ImmunoE Members: EDI Foundations

EDI Committee

Purpose

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee of the Immunoengineering NSERC CREATE is established to advance a culture of inclusion, equity, and respect across all aspects of cluster activities—including research, training, mentorship, and knowledge translation. The Committee will work to ensure that the development and application of immunotherapies reflect and serve the diversity of our communities, and that participation in the cluster is equitable and inclusive for members of historically underrepresented groups.

Objectives

Promote inclusive research practices that consider sex, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, and other dimensions of diversity in immunotherapeutics development.
Support equitable access to training, leadership, and funding opportunities within the cluster.
Provide recommendations to the cluster leadership on policies, practices, and strategic plans that support equity and inclusion.
Organize and/or promote EDI education, workshops, and events relevant to immunoengineering research and clinical translation.
Collaborate with institutional EDI offices and other clusters to align efforts and share resources.
Monitor and evaluate EDI metrics (e.g., membership diversity, trainee outcomes, leadership composition) and make evidence-informed recommendations.

More Resources

Upcoming EDI Events in the Community 2026

September 21

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

More Info

Frybread Power: The Significance of Indigenous Empowerment, Pride and Resilience

Please join us for this in-person, all-day event on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Jack Poole Hall on the UBC Vancouver campus.

This Indigenous Speakers Series session features Dr. Evan Tlesla Adams and Mr. Joe Gallagher, members of the Tla’amin Nation. Dr. Adams is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Public Health at the First Nations Health Authority and host of the docuseries The Conversation. Mr. Gallagher is the Vice President, Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety at the Provincial Health Services Authority.

Learn about their journeys in storytelling, medicine, and health-system transformation, and how these experiences have shaped their vision for thriving Indigenous futures.

Monthly

More Info

CTLT Indigenous Initiative Virtual Coffee Hour

We welcome you to attend one of CTLT Indigenous Initiatives’ monthly Virtual Coffee Hours. They are an informal space to connect with consultants on the team and other colleagues across the university. We are always excited to hear about a project you are working on or a new resource you found, peer-to-peer sharing is highly encouraged. Please come if you have questions or are just looking to say hello!

Past EDI Events

2025

May 15

Self-guided Tour of the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC)

This self-guided tour offered an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through this tour, participants learned the stories of survivors and communities/families affected by residential schools and engage in the reconciliation efforts today in our community.

March 27

Let's Talk EDI - Neuroinclusivity in Academia

This workshop, given by students and staff of the MBIM EDI Committee highlighted how we can provide a more inclusive space for neurodivergent people in academia. Through an interactive workshop, the committee worked with participants to brainstorm and suggest strategies to improve accessibility for neurodivergent trainees, creating a space where everyone can thrive in their education.

2024

November 20

EDI Workshop with Dr. Annie Ciernia

Interactive seminar given by Dr. Annie Ciernia highlighting the advances and shortcomings of equity in academic settings, including here at UBC. This workshop provided insight on where the current EDI initiatives at UBC are improving inclusivity in the academic space, and where we are still falling short on making this a welcoming space for all people, with emphasis on what more needs to be done moving forward.

Resources links

UBC Initiatives, events, and offices

Student resources:

Other resources:

Contact Information

General Inquiries:

immuno.therapeutics@ubc.ca

ImmunoE NSERC CREATE Program: immunoengineering.create@ubc.ca

6088 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3