We believe that diversity of people, perspectives and experience strengthens our teaching, learning and research and drives scientific excellence.  Physics advances through questioning assumptions and exploring new perspectives. Diverse experiences and ways of knowing help challenge historical and ongoing biases, leading to more creative thinking, stronger collaboration, and better science. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are therefore not separate from our academic mission as they are central to the quality, integrity, and impact of our research and teaching.

Our mission is to promote a respectful, supportive and inclusive environment by advancing equity, removing barriers and ensuring fair access to opportunities for students, staff and faculty.  The SFU Physics IDEA Team operates through a shared leadership model. We work together toward a more equitable and inclusive department by:

• Promoting EDI within SFU Physics: To foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and equity.

• Developing and Informing Policy: To help develop and implement policies that address discrimination, reduce inequities and promote fairness.

• Increasing Awareness and understanding of EDI Issues: Assessing departmental challenges and organizing training, discussion and educational initiatives to build awareness and drive change.

We view EDI not as a set of policies, but as ongoing, shared work. Building an inclusive department requires continuous effort from all department members. It is a cultural commitment, embedded in how we teach, learn, collaborate, and make decisions.

This includes:

• Integrating inclusive practices into teaching and mentorship

• Reflecting on and addressing barriers to participation

• Supporting initiatives that broaden access to physics

We recognize that meaningful change requires reflection and accountability. To this end, we are committed to:

• Conducting regular climate surveys to understand experiences within our community

• Using this feedback to identify priorities and guide action

• Tracking progress over time and communicating outcomes transparently

EDI is also about building a sense of belonging. We support and promote events, discussions, and initiatives that strengthen our community and create space for dialogue, reflection, and connection.  These activities are complemented by a growing collection of EDI resources, reflecting the broader ecosystem that supports our students, staff, and faculty both within and beyond the department.