The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) and Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN) affirm a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

In light of the current international political climate, the DMCBH and GPN would like to underscore the importance of science and reaffirm our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) principles within our research and work environments. This involves championing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and promoting equity within our Neuroscience community.

The DMCBH and GPN have a diverse group of faculty, trainees, and staff, all dedicated to conducting and supporting scientific research that benefits the populations we aim to serve, including patients. To continue to foster environments that champion learning, empathy, collaboration, and academic excellence, we reaffirm a commitment to maintaining safe spaces for individuals with diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We stand firmly against discrimination of any form.

Inclusivity fosters diversity in a safe, supportive, and equitable manner by actively supporting individuals from historically and continually underrepresented and marginalized groups to reach their full scientific potential—free from workplace discrimination, bias, and inequitable policies, practices, or environments. We recognize that many individuals hold multiple underrepresented identities and may face compounded discrimination or systemic barriers, and we are committed to acknowledging these overlapping experiences and taking meaningful steps to address them. By creating a truly inclusive scientific community, we not only remove barriers but also strengthen the quality and impact of our work. We remain dedicated to research practices that are grounded in EDI values, ensuring that scientific inquiry, conduct, and dissemination are responsible, reflective, and accessible to the diverse communities they aim to serve.

We empathize with members of our community concerned about recent developments in the broader political landscape and emerging effects on academia in the United States. This includes concerns about the anti-EDI sentiments and the corresponding dismantlement of EDI-supporting structures, including cuts to crucial research funding, termination of academic positions for qualified experts, censorship, and hiring freezes.

If you feel sad, anxious, upset, or overwhelmed, we want to emphasize: You are not alone. We stand in solidarity with you. Importantly, we remain steadfast in our commitment to EDI.

Dr. Catharine Winstanley, Director, Graduate Program in Neuroscience
Dr. Shernaz Bamji, Co-Director, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

Resource list:

Below, we offer recommendations for action, mental health and avenues of support for those affected:

  • Join advocacy and outreach groups within your graduate program, department, faculty, university, or scientific society. Scientific societies are not directly governed by federal agencies and can be a great asset in advocating for EDI.
  • Find your community: talk to your colleagues, cohort or mentors. Reach out to the Neuroscience EDI Committee. The Neuroscience EDI committee is formed by undergraduate, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The committee is willing to provide support and resources as needed and aims to support inclusive spaces within the UBC Neuroscience community.
  • Check in with those that may be impacted or reach out to safe support systems if you are struggling.
    • Affordable counselling services, including for minority students, here.
    • Support within the GPN UBC community.

Articles related to EDIA and/or the current threat to science:

The statement and resource list were developed in collaboration with the GPN EDI Committee.