Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in GA4GH
Learn about initiatives from the GA4GH EDI Advisory Group and the Regulatory & Ethics Work Stream (REWS) Diversity Subgroup
Reflected in our teams, reflected in our standards
Following a framework that we call “reflected in our teams, reflected in our standards,”, the GA4GH Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Group and Regulatory and Ethics Work Stream (REWS) Diversity Subgroup address EDI at different points in the standards development process. This framework is based on the idea that if EDI concepts are incorporated successfully into our teams, then the interests of the broader community are more likely to be reflected in the standards development process and in the standards themselves.
Reflected in our teams: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Group
The EDI Advisory Group was launched in May 2020 with the goal of recognizing and responding to EDI issues raised within the GA4GH community. This group supports GA4GH by finding equitable and inclusive ways to bring diverse ideas into the standards creation process. Pathways to EDI that the group explores include:
- Identifying opportunities to attract diverse talent to the GA4GH community;
- Helping new and existing contributors from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued by the community; and
- Ensuring equitable access to leadership and speaking opportunities within GA4GH.
EDI ADVISORY GROUP LEADS: Laura Paglione (Spherical Cow Group), Melissa Konopko (ELIXIR)
CONTACT: neerjah.skantharajah@ga4gh.org
Available resources
OUTPUTS
Onboarding Program
Lead: Ashley Hobb
To ensure that new community members can engage and participate fully, the GA4GH EDI Advisory Group launched an onboarding program to help newcomers gain the knowledge they need to start participating fully in GA4GH Work Streams. To participate in the newcomer program, email neerjah.skantharajah@ga4gh.org.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Work Stream Best Practices
Lead: Neerjah Skantharajah
This Best Practices document is being developed by the GA4GH EDI Advisory Group, in collaboration with contributors from all GA4GH Work Streams. The document aims to provide Work Stream contributors with suggestions for creating an inclusive working environment that facilitates diverse participation.
More information coming soon
Reflected in our Standards: Regulatory and Ethics Work Stream (REWS) Diversity Subgroup
The REWS Diversity Subgroup formed within GA4GH to focus on integrating EDI considerations early and often throughout the product development and product approval process.
SUBGROUP GROUP LEADS: Mavis Machirori (Ada Lovelace Institute), Michael Beauvais (McGill University)
CONTACT: rews-diversity@ga4gh.org
Available resources
OUTPUTS
Living Definition of EDI
Lead: Group Effort
The first output from REWS Diversity is the living Definition of EDI for REWS Diversity which was developed in collaboration with the EDI Advisory group. The definition is based on the understanding that EDI are three interrelated concepts that begin with the absence of exclusion and are founded upon an ethos of intention and advocacy. The definition can be found here.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Product Guidelines
Lead: Group Effort
Currently, REWS Diversity is working on a future consultation with various GA4GH stakeholders to develop EDI-focused product guidelines that teams can reference throughout product development. The consultation will occur in three phases: Phase 1 involves interviewing GA4GH Driver Projects—the genomic data initiatives that guide the development of GA4GH policies and standards. Phase 2 includes interviewing groups who are implementing GA4GH policies and standards. Finally, the Work Streams will be interviewed in Phase 3 and will be iterated alongside developments in Phase 2.
Supporting Resources
Explore the following resources to learn more about EDI efforts at GA4GH.