There are so many good reasons to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion practices into your work. Including a range of perspectives, backgrounds, and/or subjects, only serves to strengthen the research at hand, while also ensuring that any findings are relevant and equitable for a wider audience. So how do you do this? Read on for some suggestions on how to incorporate DEI into your grant proposals. 

Diversity in your team, environment and resources 

When strategizing for your proposed project, reflect on the people who contribute. What are the varied experiences and perspectives of the researchers, management personnel, and students? How is your research environment inclusive of people from different backgrounds and abilities? What about the references you cite in your work? There is probably far more diversity contributing to the formation of your research ideas than you think! 

Equity in methods and outcomes 

Reflect on the equity of your study system and research outcomes. It’s easy to think that equity challenges only apply to studies of human subjects, but findings from any field can have downstream effects on different populations. For example, ecological, economic, or societal effects of research projects may differentially impact people based on background, identity, and ability. Consider the wider impacts of your study, and if your methods could be adjusted to increase equity in your outcomes. 

Inclusive language and design 

Being inclusive in your grant proposal means carefully considering the words you use to describe your team, your research plan, and its impacts to be people-centric and respectful of diversity. Inclusive design also refers to making sure people with different abilities can participate in and access the results of the proposed work. This may mean reflecting on the facilities and findings, and how people with different backgrounds, identities, and abilities interact with the study environment and documents. Take time to view your research environment, design, and materials from the perspective of others, and be sure to reach out to your campus DEI office for assistance! 

UC Davis DEI Office  

Bottom line 

We pursue research to expand our knowledge, increase our understanding, and improve conditions for our environment and ourselves. In order to maximize these benefits for everyone, we need to consider DEI in how we design, implement, and disseminate our research. For a more comprehensive, reflective questionnaire about incorporating DEI into grant proposals, check out this helpful link by Maastricht University. 

It is well worth the time to think about diversity, equity, and inclusion in your research, so take some time to reflect on yours!