CIFAR Surveys for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Frequently Asked Questions – Applicants
DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY
Why is CIFAR collecting this data?
Excellence flourishes in an environment that embraces the broadest range of people. This data will support CIFAR’s commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which will in turn support international research excellence and collaboration. More specifically, the data will assist with evaluating the progress of our EDI Action Plan, identifying and removing barriers and determining what initiatives are needed to advance EDI in CIFAR’s community.
Who should complete the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) survey?
All applicants are asked to complete the survey.
How do I access the survey and how long will it take to complete?
A link will be provided in the application. The survey should only take about five minutes to complete. Please return to the application once you have completed the survey.
Can I change my answers?
No, you will not be able to access your survey to update it once it has been submitted.
Can I delete my answers after I have submitted?
No. You will not be able to access the survey to delete answers once it has been submitted.
What should I do if I am not comfortable responding to these questions? Do I have to complete the survey?
If you do not want to self-identify, you have the option to choose “prefer not to say” for each question. You must select an option for each question to complete and submit the survey.
How will this data be used? How will it be stored?
This data is collected, used, disclosed, retained and disposed of by third party provider Diversio in accordance with privacy legislation. Collected responses are anonymized and aggregated such that specific responses can never be matched to an individual. CIFAR will only be provided with anonymized aggregated data. Diversio’s privacy statement.
Why are these particular demographic questions asked?
The survey gathers a broad range of demographic information – this includes information about age, citizenship, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, Indigeneity, racial or ethnic community. This data will help us understand our community and identify any gaps in representation.
How was the terminology in the survey chosen?
Identity is personal and complex, so we looked at a wide variety of terminology and considered many ways to collect this information. We are working with equity diversity and inclusion experts at Diversio who have spent years consulting with specialists within the EDI community to develop and test the questions.
I do not identify with any equity-deserving group. Why should I complete the survey?
The primary goal of this survey is to gain a deeper understanding of the composition of our applicant community. Your personal participation in the survey will help us with advancing EDI at CIFAR.
Will my responses have any bearing on my application?
No. Collected responses are anonymized and aggregated such that specific responses can never be matched to an individual. CIFAR will only be provided with anonymized aggregated data. Only answers to the voluntary self-identification question will be considered by reviewers
Why am I being asked to fill out a demographic survey and also being asked to self-identify in a separate question?
The data collected via the demographic survey is completely anonymous and confidential and will not be considered in the assessment of applications. The data will be reported in the aggregate for CIFAR. The answers to the voluntary self-identification question will be considered by reviewers. CIFAR strongly encourages applications from members of equity-deserving communities and our commitment to EDI includes working towards diverse representation in our researcher community.
Support Us
CIFAR is a registered charitable organization supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.