Gender-based analysis Plus

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Introduction
Applicability
General information: Institutional GBA Plus capacity
Highlights of GBA Plus results reporting by program

Introduction

In 2018, Parliament passed the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act. The departmental plans and departmental results reports are being used to fulfill the President of the Treasury Board’s obligations to make public, every year, analysis on the impacts of expenditure programs on gender and diversity.

Each organization is responsible for conducting their own Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).

Applicability

All organizations must complete GBA Plus supplementary information tables in departmental plans and departmental results reports on an annual basis.

General information: Institutional GBA Plus capacity

Governance

In 2024–25, NSERC will continue to advance the implementation of Tri-Agency EDI Action Plan, working closely with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and other organizations and institutions. As outlined in NSERC’s strategic plan, NSERC 2030: Discovery, innovation, inclusion, the agency envisions a diverse and inclusive research ecosystem, one that expands the existing talent pool and research practices, finds common space for mutually respectful exploration, and serves to advance Indigenous research priorities. NSERC also continues to implement its Accessibility Plan, which aims to identify and remove barriers that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in the research ecosystem, and in the achievement of NSERC’s results by 2040.

Self-identification data is collected from applicants and peer reviewers, enabling NSERC staff to undertake GBA Plus and other EDI-focused analyses, taking an intersectional approach. To report publicly on EDI in competition results, Discovery Grants, Research Tools and Instruments and Subatomic Physics Grants application rates and competition results are provided in dynamic dashboards on the NSERC website. In 2024–25, the agencies will review the Tri-Agency self-identification questionnaire. NSERC will work with the other agencies to strengthen governance and enhance availability and use of self-identification data to support initiatives such as ensuring equity in funding decisions and diversifying representation in peer review and advisory committees.

As part of the Tri-agency EDI Action Plan and NSERC 2030 strategic plan, NSERC commits to applying GBA Plus and integrating EDI considerations into its policies, plans, programs and processes in order to identify and address systemic biases that hinder equitable access to its programs. NSERC builds and sustains internal GBA Plus capacity by operating a GBA Plus Community of Practice and by allocating staff resources dedicated to EDI within the Programs and Human Resources divisions. In 2024–25, NSERC plans to synthesize GBA Plus findings from analyses of funding opportunities conducted to date, in order to identify gaps and best practices as well as provide recommendations for future analyses.

Capacity

Mandatory GBA Plus and EDI training for NSERC staff will continue in 2024–25. In addition, NSERC is working with CIHR and SSHRC to update training for members of peer review committees. A comprehensive update of the ‘Bias in Peer Review’ training module is expected to be published in 2024–25.

Highlights of GBA Plus results reporting by program

Discovery Research	The Discovery Research Program collects self-identification data from applicants and reviewers in order to monitor and report program results by gender and other identity factors. To keep the public informed of research funding results, NSERC presents disaggregated data on application rates and competition outcomes for funding opportunities through the Competition Statistics Dashboard for Discovery Grants as well as the Self-Identification Data Dashboard in support of equity, diversity and inclusion. Recognizing the evolving nature of research, NSERC remains dedicated to collaborating with the research community to strengthen research excellence in Canada. This involves using a GBA Plus lens as part of ongoing efforts to modernize programs and peer review processes, in alignment with research practices and principles set forth in the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).
Research Training and Talent Development	The Research Training and Talent Development Program collects self-identification data from applicants and reviewers in order to monitor and report program results by gender and other identity factors. To keep the public informed of research funding results, NSERC presents disaggregated data on application rates and competition outcomes for funding opportunities through the Self-Identification Data Dashboard in support of equity, diversity and inclusion. NSERC will collaborate with SSHRC and CIHR to modernize and harmonize talent funding opportunities for Canadian students and researchers. NSERC is committed to applying an EDI lens to programs, policies, and processes to eliminate barriers to participation from underrepresented groups.
Research Partnerships	The Research Partnerships Program collects self-identification data from applicants and reviewers in order to monitor and report program results by gender and other identity factors. To keep the public informed of research funding results, NSERC presents disaggregated data on application rates and competition outcomes for funding opportunities through the Self-Identification Data Dashboard in support of equity, diversity and inclusion. NSERC will continue to work with those involved in the research system to develop the inclusive culture needed for research excellence and to achieve outcomes that are rigorous, relevant and accessible to diverse populations. NSERC is applying an EDI lens to programs, policies, and processes to eliminate barriers to participation from underrepresented groups.
Internal Services	Collaborating with SSHRC and CIHR, NSERC will support the finalization of the Tri-agency Grants Management Solution (TGMS) Discovery phase and commence the Implementation phase, pending confirmation of project authorities. This cloud-based solution will replace the multiple existing grants management systems of the three federal research granting agencies. Implementation of this solution will contribute to dismantling systemic barriers that affect access by the research community. In addition, NSERC will continue to eliminate barriers and to promote EDI within its workforce.

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