We have a strategic commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the health research system. Diversity in research is important to cultivating talent and promoting inclusive excellence, which in turn drives discovery and helps build a more equitable health research system. Data from Canada and around the world show a lack of diversity in the research system, as well as systemic inequities in access to research jobs, funding and other resources. These inequities disproportionately impact groups who have been historically underrepresented among researchers and in academia, including those who are Indigenous, Black and people of colour, LGBTQ2S+ people, and people with disabilities. As BC’s health research agency, we have an important role in leading and supporting efforts to address systemic racism and other forms of bias and discrimination that create and exacerbate inequities in the health research system. We are doing this in a few ways:

• We continue to seek ways to improve the design and implementation of our funding programs and peer review processes.
• We require all Health Research BC’s peer reviewers to participate in unconscious bias training.
• We are a strategic partner on an international consortium undertaking empirical research studies to advance evidence-informed research funding.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive or complete list. We are in a continuous mode of listening and learning with our stakeholders and international and national partners.