Inclusive science

Inclusive science is about conducting science in ways that are open, fair and accessible to all. It brings together people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ways of knowing to strengthen the quality, relevance and impact of science in Canada.

On this page

• What inclusive science means
• Why inclusive science matters
• Federal leadership on inclusive science
  • Inclusive Science Guidelines
  • Inclusive Science Implementation Strategy
  • National Inclusive Science Dialogue
• Recognizing leadership: Inclusive Science Excellence Awards and Recognition
• Contact us

What inclusive science means

Inclusive science is an approach to how science is planned, done, used and shared. It aims to remove systemic barriers—such as racism, homophobia, settler colonialism, and ableism—in institutions, policies, scientific practices, and organizational cultures, to make space for a wider range of voices and knowledge systems.

In practical terms, inclusive science means:

• including people from underrepresented groups in scientific work and leadership
• designing research that considers different needs and lived experiences
• respecting and integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems in ethical and reciprocal ways
• applying Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) to understand who benefits from science and who may be left out
• making scientific information accessible, understandable and usable for everyone

Why inclusive science matters

Inclusive science is not only about equitable participation, but it also helps to:

• improve the quality and relevance of research
• support innovation through diverse perspectives, skills and lived experiences
• build public trust in scientific institutions and knowledge 
• advance reconciliation, equity and human rights
• ensure that all who live in Canada can participate in and benefit from science

Federal leadership on inclusive science

The Government of Canada is advancing inclusive science as part of its broader commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion in the federal public service.

In response to the Clerk of the Privy Council’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion, the Interdepartmental Inclusive Science Initiative (IISI) brings together a working group of 17 science-based departments and agencies (SBDAs) to support the government’s vision of fostering inclusion in the broader federal science community.

The IISI’s work is supported through several key elements, including the following:

Inclusive Science Guidelines

The Inclusive Science Guidelines provide practical direction for managers, scientists, and policy makers in SBDAs to implement inclusive principles into science activities. The guidelines act as a roadmap for changing the culture of science through 4 priority areas:

• Inclusive Science Activity Design: Integrating diverse perspectives from the outset
• Inclusive Science Activity Practice: Building intentionally diverse and inclusive research teams
• Inclusive Reporting: Sharing accessible, transparent research outcomes
• Indigenous Science: Respectfully weaving Indigenous methodologies and knowledge

Inclusive Science Implementation Strategy

The Inclusive Science Implementation Strategy provides a coordinated plan for putting the Interdepartmental Inclusive Science Guidelines into practice across federal science departments and agencies.

National Inclusive Science Dialogue

The IISI hosts the annual National Inclusive Science Dialogue to build federal capacity for inclusive science and to recognize leadership in this work. The event brings together senior leaders, policy makers and researchers to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration and support a science system that reflects the experiences and voices of people living in Canada.

The first Dialogue, held on June 10, 2025, and attended by more than 1,200 people, introduced the Inclusive Science Guidelines, explored how departments could implement them, and built capacity for their adoption. It also marked the launch of the Inclusive Science Excellence Awards and Recognition.

Recognizing leadership: Inclusive Science Excellence Awards and Recognition

Presented during the National Inclusive Science Dialogue, the Inclusive Science Excellence Awards and Recognition recognize individuals or teams within the federal government that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to scientific excellence while advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) principles, or weaving Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with research, regulation, policy, and practice.

The 3 award categories are:

• Inclusive Science Innovation and Best Practices Award for individuals or teams who create or apply innovative tools, projects, or best practices that promote inclusive science
• Inclusive Science Leadership Excellence Award for those who show strong leadership and scientific excellence in championing inclusive practices in their daily work
• Inclusive Science Research or Regulation Award for researchers or science teams who have applied inclusive science principles in designing, conducting, reporting, or mobilizing knowledge within the past two years

For more information, see the Inclusive Science Excellence Awards and Recognition selection criteria.

Contact us

For more information about the Interdepartmental Inclusive Science Initiative:
inclusivescience-scienceinclusive@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.