Congress news #5

Join us at Congress 2023 – May 27 to June 2 @ York University  

What’s that in the distance? Congress 2023 – coming into view! There are just a few short weeks until Congress and there’s plenty of reasons to be excited. Today, we announce the final Big Thinking lecture and dive into the thought-provoking, inspiring, and downright fun programming you just can’t miss.  

Register

Thinking across differences: Queer, Two-Spirit, and critical disability perspectives  

Therí Pickens 

SA Smythe 

Alex Wilson  


Panelists 

Sean Hillier 

Moderator 

What would a commitment to knowing and caring for each other across our differences look like?

How can we engage deeply with and make visible queer, Two-Spirit, and critical disability perspectives for a more just, inclusive society?  

For this Big Thinking lecture, join a panel of scholars in discussion on how genuine commitments to learn, grow, and meaningfully engage with each other can lead to changing belief systems and the world itself.   

Discover the event.

View the full Big Thinking lineup.

From Big to Bold Thinking in the Humanities and Social Sciences    

By Andrea Davis, Congress 2023 Academic Convenor 

“In Congress 2023, we have chosen to disrupt the idea of a singular noteworthy scholar thinking and writing in isolation and to instead encourage dialogue, collaboration and interdisciplinarity....With this shift from simply big to bold thinking, we have invited Indigenous and Black thinkers and artists to be in dialogue together across their work in film, visual art, literature, politics, gender, sexuality and women’s studies, disability studies, and Black diasporic studies.”

Read how Dr. Davis is making Big Thinking bold this Congress, on the blog.   

And in case you missed it, last week we published ‘This Land Acknowledgement…’, a blog by Ruth Green, Associate Professor, Indigenous Research, Guest and Host relationships at York University. Read about deepening your experience of Land Acknowledgments in Dr. Green’s blog. 

Beyond open events: more ways to enjoy Congress 

York University’s campus will be a lively place to explore, meet and engage with colleagues, do a little browsing and shopping, and more. Venture beyond the Events calendar and check out all Congress has to offer. 

York’s campus will have several fantastic places to take a mid-event pit stop. The Social Zone Re-imaginings tent will have food, specially crafted Congress 2023 beverages, as well as a family friendly space. 

Grab a coffee from the Central Square Reckonings Café en route to Expo, where you can browse Canada’s largest showcase of academic books, and network with a variety of publishing companies.  

But what beats the novelty of surprise? Wander the campus to happen upon this year’s special Swag Stages – leave no trace and take home some memories instead, with brilliant pop-up performances scattered across the campus throughout Congress. 

Thinking big and sharing stories 

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) announced the Top 25 finalists for its 2023 Storytellers Challenge. The annual competition, now in its 10th edition, challenges postsecondary students across the country to inspire audiences with a research story—in up to 300 words or three minutes. 

The 25 finalists will present their research at the SSHRC Storytellers Showcase. The grand announcement of the Top Five finalists will take place at the Seeds of the Future’ Big Thinking lecture on May 29. Be sure to add both events to your schedule to follow the journey. 

Two other inspiring SSHRC events worth checking out: 

The 'Seeds of the Future’ Big Thinking event is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.  

Registration is open for community members 

Do you have folks in your community who’d like to join in on the joys of Congress? Registering with a community pass gives you access to programming open to all Congress attendees including annual favourites Big Thinking, Career Corner, and Expo, as well as dozens of fabulous events and activities from York University. We encourage you to share this email with your peers so they can register for their community pass! 

Plan your trip 

Visit the Plan your trip section of the Congress website for practical information on accommodation, travel, and more. Sections are updated regularly, so check back often for the latest in Congress planning support, including special offers, discounts, and helpful tips. 

  • Travel & transport

    Chart your course to York University from major transport hubs in Toronto, and secure travel with discount codes.  

  • Food Services

    All the places to dine, grab coffee, and relax during Congress

Registration tips  

Need registration support? For information on registration categories, fees, complimentary access Black and Indigenous attendees, and more, visit Register

Still have questions? We’re here to help. Email us at congress@federationhss.ca.   

Early bird deadline closes March 31. Register today! Register