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• What is Dimensions Canada?
• What are the components of Dimensions?
• What equity-deserving groups are included as part of Dimensions?
• Who can sign the charter?
• Is there funding linked to being part of the program or to endorsing the charter?
• How can my institution apply for a Dimensions recognition?
• My institution already holds a Dimensions recognition, how can I apply for another stage?
• How could my institution benefit from participating in Dimensions Canada?

Dimension Canada (hereafter referred to as Dimensions) is designed to foster increased research excellence, innovation and creativity within the postsecondary sector in Canada across all disciplines, through greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The program is the result of cross-country consultations and a co-development process with a cohort of 17 postsecondary institutions to make it uniquely adapted to the Canadian realities. Dimensions is one of the leading international programs promoting EDI in higher education, along with Athena SWAN in the United Kingdom and Ireland, SAGE in Australia and SEA Change in the United States.

Dimensions consists of a charter of principles and a recognition program for postsecondary institutions seeking public recognition for their efforts in increasing EDI in their environments and across the research ecosystem.

Dimensions addresses barriers and discrimination faced by equity-deserving groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Institutions are encouraged to recognize and be inclusive of other equity-deserving groups in their community beyond those listed above.

All Canadian postsecondary institutions (including universities, research hospitals, colleges, polytechnics and CEGEPs) are encouraged to endorse the charter as part of their commitment to increasing EDI within their institutions. The signature of the president (or equivalent) of the institution is required for the endorsement to be official. Other research-oriented organizations have also endorsed the charter.

Participation in Dimensions is voluntary.

Institutions who want to apply for a Dimensions recognition must first signify their interest by sending a Letter of intent (LOI). Institutions will then integrate a cohort where they will have opportunities to share knowledge, tools and experiences and be accompanied by the Dimensions team throughout the application process for a recognition.

Each cohort will be created based on these criteria: level of readiness to apply, number and depth of EDI initiatives, presence or not of data collection activities, while ensuring a balance of institutions across Canada in terms of geographical location, institution type and institution size.

Institutions that have already received a Dimensions recognition do not need to submit an LOI. These institutions will be able to participate in ongoing discussions with cohorts and continue to receive support from the Dimensions team. They can apply at a different stage when the next full application round opens. Interest should be communicated with the Dimensions team at dimensionsedi@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.

The co-development approach of Dimensions resulted in many useful EDI-related resources (including the Dimensions charter, Handbook, webinars, and information sessions) to help postsecondary institutions break down systemic barriers and enable them to contribute to creating a culture where EDI is embedded across all aspects of research.

The recognition part of the program is valuable as it validated institutional commitment to EDI principles; providing accountability for institutions’ EDI efforts and an opportunity to recognize institutions’ EDI efforts; and enhanced institutions’ reputations.

Dimensions also raised the profile of EDI across institutions by bringing people together, increasing awareness about EDI and beginning to shift culture.