Definition of Terms
Clarity of language is key. Different countries have different axes of historical discrimination and needs for equity, and each national agency must decide which diversity characteristics should be prioritized within their particular cultural context.
Definitions should be clear and readily available to applicants, evaluators, and staff.
The same definitions may also be used across agencies within the same country. For example, the Canadian Tri-Agency (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada) provides web portals and guidance in both English and French describing Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) that links across agency materials.
Other aspects of diversity that might be relevant to research include:
