Compute Canada (CC) is the only national provider of advanced research computing in Canada, supporting over 11,000 researchers without fees through a federated funding model. The organization aims to expand diversity and inclusion in its workforce due to a significant shortage of skilled IT workers and a pressing need for varied perspectives within research. Initial steps proposed include creating a diversity framework, implementing blind recruitment practices, and setting firm diversity targets to enhance representation.

1. @kl
1
@kellyprexpert
@computecanada.ca
knolanhutchison@gmail.com
kelly.nolan@computecanada.ca

2. Expanding Diversity and Inclusion in Advanced
Research Computing

3. Canada’s Only National Provider of Shared Essential Digital Research
Infrastructure
● Compute Canada (CC) leads Canada’s national advanced research
computing (ARC) platform.
● There is no other major supplier in Canada.
● CC is a not-for-profit corporation. The membership includes 35 of
Canada’s major research institutions and hospitals.
● Funding is through a federal grant with matching funds from provincial
and institutional partners (40% federal / 60% provinces and institutions),
which is the basis of the federated Canadian model.
● We provide shared services to over 11,000 researchers across Canada.
No fees. Large requests based on a merit-based access system.
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Serving Researchers in all Disciplines

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6. The Business Case
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● Chronic shortage of talent
● The growth in digital jobs has outpaced the overall economy in
the last two years by over 4 to 1,
● Shortage of 219,000 skilled IT workers by 2021 (Canada)
● International Competition for Talent

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Researchers by Discipline

11. ARC Researchers in Canada
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12. Diversity of Users
● First Nations = 22 users
● Visible Minorities = 722 users 11.32% (total 6380
respondents)
● Persons with disability = 42 (total 6380 respondents)
Approximately 11,000 users total
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Recognize the journey is different for
most outside the prominent culture

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17. Diversity and Inclusion 101
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● Prominent culture must be open to change
● Leaders must make this a key strategic objective
● Build safe work environments

18. Efforts Are Failing
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● Founding member of Women HPC
● Hosted networking, training, workshops and
engagement events
● Created WHPC profiles
● Enhanced Demographic Survey and
environmental scan
● Leveraged technical conferences as a platform to
increase awareness
Some Initial Steps For Compute Canada

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● Create diversity framework
● Make recruitment process blind
● Set firm diversity targets
● Recruit more diverse chairs, committee members
● Report annually on progress
Future Steps For Compute Canada

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● Eliminate 24 hr availability
expectations
● Pro-actively recruit diverse
candidates
● Describe job in terms of what
needs to be achieved
Proven Winning Strategies

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Implement blind
recruitment
Value different work
backgrounds and
approaches
Measure expertise more
broadly

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Some Initial Steps We Can All Do

30. Sources
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Womeninhpc.org
https://www.wct-fct.com/sites/default/files/utn_where_are_the_women_final_m
ay_30_2017.pdf
http://www.wiset.re.kr/eng/notice/pdf/Frantzana_Athina_Presentation_HigherE
dConf.pdf
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-psychological-safety-work-matters-dr-jacin
ta-m-jim%C3%A9nez
ICTC National Digital Talent Strategy
Center for Talent Innovation