VISION

The Group for Research in Decision Analysis (GERAD) brings together specialists in data and decision sciences, computer science, applied mathematics and mathematical engineering. Its mission is to make a significant impact on society through scientific innovation, the transfer of know-how in key sectors of the economy, and the development of decision-support tools. GERAD's management and all its members are convinced that the quality of this impact is best served by establishing a research environment where equity, diversity, constructive scientific debate and inclusion for all prevail.

Our EDI objectives:

1. Make GERAD a discrimination-free, diverse and inclusive environment
2. Promote equity among members and students
3. Promote equitable and inclusive access to scholarships
4. Promote work-life balance
5. Identify and reduce language barriers and communication difficulties

The principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our activities. Our commitment is illustrated by various initiatives. These include

• Regularly collecting members' perceptions, concerns and needs
• Identifying best practices in terms of EDI for researchers, for example, in relation to communication, the research environment, training and mentoring
• Use epicene writing in GERAD's main communications
• Consider diversity and representativeness criteria in the composition of GERAD committees
• Improve the orientation and integration of new student cohorts and members
• Organize networking events between researchers, students and research support staff to stimulate the creation of new research collaborations
• Periodically reviewing the evaluation criteria for GERAD's grant-awarding processes.
• Periodically reviewing evaluation criteria for GERAD fellowship processes
• Consider bilingualism (French and English) within GERAD

ACTIONS

Action plan

Centreau, CIRRELT, GERAD and the RRECQ (2024). Best practices and EDI improvement in teamwork

Centreau, CIRRELT, GERAD et le RRECQ (2024). Bonnes pratiques et amélioration de l’EDI dans le travail d’équipe — Résumé, Montréal, 16 p.(Summary report –In French only)

Mobility grants

GERAD annually awards up to a maximum of $17,500 in mobility grants.

EDI committee

Set up in April 2022, its mandate is to reflect on the specific challenges facing GERAD, in order to put in place relevant and promising actions to offer its community a comfortable, equitable and inclusive study and work environment, in which each person can develop to the full. The committee also serves as a forum for discussion and information sharing around EDI issues.

In order to fulfill its main mandate, the EDI committee assigns deliverables to the various entities of its organization (EDI committee, specific committees, management, technical team, GERAD's EDI, intern) notably via an action plan for equity, diversity and inclusion. The committee then reports on the progress of its mandates to the members' forum.

Composition of the 2024-2025 committee:

TOOLBOX

If you have any suggestions, comments or problems, or if you'd like to discuss and/or get involved with the EDI committee, don't hesitate to write us so that we can get you more involved.