October 25, 2012, OTTAWA — Ideas can change the world. And even us.
Today, the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences launched its renewed public image, which emphasizes the power of ideas. Complete with a new logo, visual identity and tag line, Ideas can..., the organization hopes to invite more discussion and interest in the benefits of learning and research in the humanities, arts and social sciences.
“This new image reflects our goal of raising awareness of and interest in disciplines ranging from political science, to digital humanities to geography,” said Federation President Graham Carr. “Our consultations revealed how highly regarded and important the work of social sciences and humanities researchers is and we wanted our public image speak to the aspirational aspect of what we do.”
Following the adoption of its Strategic Framework in 2011, the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences undertook a project to renew its visual identity and key messages. An advisory committee was formed, and a series of interviews with various leaders and stakeholders in the postsecondary, research and non-profit communities were interviewed for their input. A survey of the more than 160 organizations that are members of the Federation also revealed a genuine interest in extending the organization’s reach, relevance and relationships and in leveraging the federated model of the organization to achieve that.
Thus, ambitious objectives for change and growth in its programs were set. For example, for its annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, which attracts about 7,000 researchers, students and practitioners, growth in international participation and interdisciplinarity in the programming are goals. For regular Big Thinking lectures on Parliament Hill, leveraging researchers’ expertise for media interviews, committee work and one-on-one meetings with elected officials and senior civil servants is something that is growing, but still has enormous potential.
“Our 85,000 members—students, scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences—create and share knowledge that makes Canada, and the world, a better place,” Dr Carr added. “Their ideas spark debate and discovery that drive us forward and we hope people will increasingly leverage our collective expertise for the betterment of Canada and indeed, all Canadians.”
The Federation’s new tagline “Ideas can…” places the emphasis on the important contributions of the Canadian humanities, arts and social sciences community.
Visit the new Federation website at www.ideas-idees.ca, and visit our social media channels to see examples of what ideas can do.
-30-
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is the national voice for Canada’s 85,000 scholars, students and practitioners in the humanities and social sciences.
Media contact:
Mélanie Béchard
Communications Officer
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
613-238-6112 ext. 303
mbechard@ideas-idees.ca