The Department of Physics is committed to an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging in the Department and University community. The IDEA Committee works to advance the principles of inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility as outlined in the Department of Physics IDEA statement. The Committee seeks to collect and hear the voices of all members of our department to understand IDEA-related matters; conceives new initiatives to enhance IDEA in our department; provides advice and recommendations to the Chair and executive leadership on advancing IDEA throughout the department; and works to directly implement them in cooperation with members of the department as well as other departmental or university stakeholders. If you have feedback and/or an idea for enhancing IDEA in our department, please contact the Committee (idea@physics.utoronto.ca), or any of its members individually.
Upcoming Events
Skills for Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence: Using a Trauma-Informed Approach (Staff/Faculty)
- Synchronous online workshop, Feb 7 2025 (2:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
- Offered by Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre (https://www.svpscentre.utoronto.ca/learn/training/ )
- A unique, interactive and comprehensive training which teaches participants to support a disclosure of sexual violence. This workshop empowers participants to manage a disclosure effectively using an empathetic and trauma-informed approach. Through role-play, discussions and story-telling, participants will come to learn the supportive steps in taking a disclosure. Participants will gain key concepts of the university’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy
- Registration
View the Department of Physics IDEA Statement
Physics as an Inclusive Community
https://www.physics.utoronto.ca/physics-at-uoft/idea/inclusivity-statement/
Contact Us:
idea@physics.utoronto.ca
IDEA Committee Members:
Chair
Miriam Diamond - mdiamond@physics.utoronto.ca
Faculty Representatives
Boris Braverman - boris.braverman@utoronto.ca
Sergio de la Barrera - s.barrera@utoronto.ca
Nicolas Grisouard - nicolas.grisouard@physics.utoronto.ca
Ania Harlick - ania.harlick@utoronto.ca
Morgan O'Neill - morgan.oneill@utoronto.ca
Tahir Shaaran - tahir.shaaran@utoronto.ca
Brian Wilson- brian.wilson@utoronto.ca
Staff Representatives
Hala Larizza-Ali - hala.larizza.ali@utoronto.ca
Jennifer Pinker - jennifer.pinker@utoronto.ca
Student Representatives
Liz Cunningham (Graduate) - ecunning@physics.utornto.ca
Maggie Wang (Graduate) - maggiefen.wang@mail.utoronto.ca
Tanisha Ghosal (Graduate) - tanisha.ghosal@utoronto.ca
Jillian Escobar (Undergraduate) - jillian.escobar@mail.utoronto.ca
Mikayla Pye (Undergraduate) - mikayla.pye@mail.utoronto.ca
Gabrielle Brown (Undergraduate) - gabrielle.browne@utoronto.ca
Recent Events
Department Colloquium - Advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Canadian Astroparticle Physics: The McDonald Institute Approach
- Jan 16, 3:10, MP102
- Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Pedersen, Manager for EDII Capacity Development, McDonald Institute
- Abstract: Equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization (EDII) are essential components of fostering excellence and innovation in research environments. The McDonald Institute, Canada’s national research network for astroparticle physics, has developed a suite of EDII initiatives aimed at addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity within the field. This presentation will critically examine the Institute’s strategic approach to EDII, highlighting programs such as the Cross-Disciplinary Internship (CDI), which integrates students from diverse academic backgrounds into astroparticle physics research, and initiatives supporting Indigenous student participation and gender equity, including the Women+ in Physics Canada (WIPC+2025) conference. Drawing on annual reporting data and collaborative frameworks, the McDonald Institute’s efforts exemplify how embedding EDII principles within organizational structures can lead to transformative cultural change. The discussion will explore key achievements, ongoing challenges, and the broader implications for integrating EDII into research institutions.
Building Accessibility Issues (new!)
https://accessibility-issues.physics.utoronto.ca/
University of Toronto Equity Resources
- Equity Diversity and Inclusivity at UofT
- Sexual and Gender Diversity Office
- Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office
- Office of Indigenous Initiative
- AODA Office
- Family Care Office
Other U of T Resources
U of T Physics Resources
- Physibility
- Health and Wellness page (includes contact details for the Graduate Student Liaison, a contact person for physics graduate students who would like informal department-internal advice on navigating their professional trajectory and supervisor relationship, from someone without a conflict of interest with the research faculty.)
- Physics Building Accessibility Issues Tracker (report issues with the physical infrastructure of McLennan Physical Labs that impair accessibility)