Canadian Physics Counts: An exploration of the diverse identities of physics students and professionals in Canada

Abstract

The lack of diversity in physics remains a persistent worldwide problem. Despite being a quantitative discipline which relies on measurements to construct and validate hypotheses, there remains a paucity of data on both demographics and experiences of marginalized groups. In Canada, there has never been a nationwide assessment of those studying or working in physics. Here, we present findings from Canadian Physics Counts: the first national survey of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the Canadian physics community. Our intersectional approach allowed us to gather a wealth of information on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, and more. Analyses revealed key findings, including the first data on physicists who identify as non-binary or gender diverse, as well as the first data on Black and Indigenous scholars. Black physicists (1.2%) and Indigenous physicists (.3%) were found to be the most underrepresented, while White men were overrepresented across all sectors. Among respondents with a disability, 5% reported receiving full accommodations for their required needs at their place of work or study. One in four respondents from BIPOC gender diverse backgrounds identified as being disabled, and the proportion of sexually diverse students who reported having a disability was more than three times higher than the proportion of heterosexual students with a disability. The data also revealed that students represented more demographic diversity than working professionals, highlighting the importance of acting today in order to retain the diverse physicists of tomorrow. Our analysis identifies areas for intervention and offers recommendations for building a diverse and inclusive physics community in Canada that can be a global exemplar.