DEI, a commitment at TransMedTech
The TransMedTech Institute is strongly committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI) in all its actions, research projects as well as within its own team. Our staff is convinced that a diverse and inclusive environment is essential to the development of new technologies and medical interventions to meet the needs of society in all its diversity.
A diversified team and governance
DEI at TransMedTech is reflected first and foremost in the diversity of its staff:
- The iTMT Scientific Steering Committee, which plays a key role in the development of the scientific programmes, includes 41% women and 12% visible/ethnic minorities;
- The Executive Steering Committee is made up of 60% women and 40% men, demonstrating a strong commitment to gender balance. In addition, 80% of the committee members come from equity groups.
It should be noted that 74% of the staff are women and/or racialized people.
This diverse workforce strives to work harmoniously and respectfully together.
DEI grants
Each year, the TransMedTech Institute offers a DEI grant to students/entrepreneurs.
As part of its efforts to promote best practice in DEI, TransMedTech is actively engaged with entrepreneurs and researchers to advance diversity initiatives for their projects. For example, iTMT has awarded a DEI fellowship to PhD student Hakari Dasari in 2022, enabling her to participate in the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Development Programme (LSEDP). This programme offers an immersive training experience and mentoring, as well as personalised support and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
DEI awareness-raising activities
The TransMedTech Institute has developed online DEI courses and organised training workshops for all its staff.
With its partners (Polytechnique Montréal, Centre de recherche du CHUM), TransMedTech is also committed to raising awareness of DEI issues among internal and external members of the community. Several panels and conferences on women’s leadership in health and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are organized each year. The same applies to the fight against racism, or to celebrating the achievements and commitments of black people in science, through workshops, conferences and panels also organized each year.
Our major annual event: DEI Day
In collaboration with its partners (Polytechnique Montréal, PME Montréal, Montréal InvVivo and IVADO), TransMedTech organises an annual DEI Day, a major event to celebrate inclusion in research and showcase the diversity of talents in the fields of science, health and engineering. At our 2023 EDI Day, keynote speaker Frank Baylis delivered a presentation on “Developing inclusive technologies? where to start”.
This year’s theme was “Innovation through inclusive AI: designing, using, adopting”, and we were delighted to welcome Anne Nguyen, Director of AI at the Conseil d’Innovation du Québec, as our guest speaker.
Stay tuned for the 3rd edition in May 2025.
TransMedTech’s expertise in DEI is recognised by partners and collaborators alike, thanks to our staff and in particular, our senior DEI advisor, Christine Paré, who is often called upon to speak as panelist at various events in this field.
At TransMedTech, DEI is something we experience every day in every situation and on an ongoing basis. We invite you to follow us on our social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Eventbrite) and to take part in our upcoming activities.
Source: Christine Paré Senior DEI Advisor, TransMedTech Institute christine.pare@polymtl.ca
