A Practical Guide to Writing about Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Grant Proposals (FOS)

Application of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles is the framework for creating an environment that is fair to all participants, welcoming to all individuals, truly merit-based, and able to thrive by permitting access to the largest possible talent pool. EDI-infused proposals recognize obstacles and barriers that are experienced by members of equity-deprived (also referred to as ‘equity-seeking’) groups, and seek to better identify talent and potential, and accommodate those with differing personal needs. Supporting EDI helps to reduce and eliminate its opposites, namely inequality, homogeneity (and thus less diverse lens, experience, point of view, and creativity), and exclusionary practices (both overt and inadvertent). Therefore, embedding principles of EDI leverages talent and potential, drives innovation, displaces mediocrity, and creates inclusive excellence, producing better scientists and better science.