September 23, 2021
September 2021
Federation News
Federal election 2021
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences congratulates all members of the 44th Parliament following the September 20 federal election. The Federation has been working to advance our advocacy priorities on research funding; digital infrastructure, online learning and open science; and reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We look forward to working with the new Parliament and renewing consultations with our members, as we continue to advocate for the important contributions of our humanities and social sciences community. Read our 2022 federal pre-budget submission and download our election toolkit for an update on the Federation’s advocacy efforts.
We’ve launched our new brand and website!
Last week, we launched our new website at www.federationhss.ca. It is an important milestone for us, as it’s been a long time coming. Over the past year, we’ve been working to build a website that not only follows a high accessibility standard (WCAG 2.0), but also offers our members and our community relevant information about the Federation, and about Congress, in a single place.
Watch our brand launch video
Be sure to add our new address to your contact list!
Used to emailing someone on our team? Just replace @ideas-idees.ca with @federationhss.ca. Rest assured your emails to @ideas-idees.ca will continue to redirect to us.
Save the date: Research impact webinar
November 10, 2021 12:00 – 1:00 pm
How can you grow the impact of your research beyond academia? This webinar, geared towards graduate students and early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences, will continue the Federation’s work on increasing the impacts of HSS scholarship in Canada and internationally. Mark your calendar!
We’re hiring!
Following the release of “Igniting Change”, the report by the Congress Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization, the Federation committed to act on the Committee’s recommendations by releasing a five-point Action Plan. Hiring new personnel with EDID experience and expertise was, and remains, key to achieving deep and lasting change. In line with this commitment, we’re pleased to now be seeking to hire a Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID). If you have experience advising, consulting, educating, and/or coaching on EDID issues, we encourage you to apply. Learn more.
On the blog this month: Unpacking the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on food insecurity and health inequalities in the City of Toronto
DR. SARA EDGE & JENELLE REGNIER-DAVIES
"Four million Canadians were food insecure prior to COVID-19. This disproportionately affects certain populations: racialized groups, the elderly, women, children, those with pre-existing chronic disease, and certainly those who were already socioeconomically disadvantaged. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity and made it more visible and intense, but it was a major problem even prior..." Read more.
Governor General’s Innovation Awards
Thank you to those of you who submitted recommendations for nominees for the Governor General’s Innovation Awards. The Federation’s nominating period has now closed. All submissions will now be reviewed, and selections will be made by a jury of the Board of Directors in late October. Stay tuned!
Upcoming Federation report on the role of the HSS
The disciplines of the social sciences and humanities are essential to strengthening our democracy and solving the most complex challenges facing Canada and the world. That’s why in October, the Federation will release its latest report, highlighting the value of the social sciences and humanities for all citizens, employers, and society. Stay tuned for more!
Coming up: Member Forums
The Federation is launching a series of Member Forums for associations' leadership as soon as this November. The Forum will be a place for associations to meet and hear information about Congress, and about other Federation initiatives. The Forums will also be a place for associations to share best practices, create dialogue and network between themselves, and address emerging issues together. Keep an eye out for an invitation coming soon!
HSS Community News
SSHRC establishes Advisory Committee to Address Anti-Black Racism:
The committee is mandated to advise on ways to break down existing barriers, to ensure equitable access for Black scholars, and to amplify their voices and enhance their visibility in SSHRC research and research training programs. Read more.
How are universities addressing anti-Black racism on campus?
University Affairs examined actions that have been taken by Canadian postsecondary institutions in the past year. Read more.
Scholars at Risk Canada issues a statement on the situation in Afghanistan:
The organization urges the Canadian government, universities, and colleges to take action to secure the lives and careers of Afghanistan’s scholars, students, and civil society actors. Read more.
Five practical steps to find the right postdoc:
How can you find a postdoctoral position that is the best fit and of the most benefit to your career? These steps may help.
Building an effective classroom community online:
Learning to develop a safe and effective class community in a virtual setting is more important than ever. Need tips? Read more.
Election campaigns overlook universities:
Despite the importance of postsecondary institutions to Canada’s future, the sector struggled to gain candidates’ attention. Read more.
13th Canadian Science Policy Conference:
CSPC 2021 will be live during the week of November 22-26, 2021, with pre-conference sessions beginning on November 8! This year’s theme, “Building Forward Better,” will decode the post-COVID-19 world while considering the crucial role of science in policymaking. Register and find out more.
UCalgary launches new program in Pluralism and Global Citizenship:
The embedded certificate program is open to undergraduate students in all faculties, departments, and disciplines. Read more.
Academia’s harassment problem:
A recent study by Statistics Canada reports that harassment is much more common in academia than in other workplaces, particularly for women with disabilities and Indigenous women. Read more.
Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prizes deadline approaching:
Two prizes valued at $50,000 each will be awarded, one in the arts and one in social sciences. The deadline for nominations is October 1. Find out more.
Mount Royal University launches community podcasting project:
The Community Podcasting Initiative aims to facilitate projects involving Indigenous peoples and other racialized groups in the community. Read more.
First-of-its-kind cannabis tourism research study:
A University of Guelph researcher has partnered with New Heights Cannabis to study the developing cannabis tourism industry in Canada. Read more.