Federation news
Welcoming Karine Morin as President and CEO of the Federation
On June 15, Karine Morin joined the Federation as new President and CEO. Karine brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of government and the academic community, and with her experience, a new chapter begins. Read the full announcement.
Capstone research funding consultation
On July 17, the Federation, with contributions from several of its members, submitted a brief on the federal government's new capstone research organization proposed in Budget 2024. The submission recommends sustained investment in the humanities and social sciences, embedding EDID and support for Indigenous research, and addressing the needs and strengths of distinct interdisciplinary communities. Read the submission.
New abstract management software
Early this month, the Federation introduced a new abstract management software, exclusive to its member associations. The service is a robust and bilingual platform designed to simplify the entire abstract submission process for conferences and journals. Member associations including x, y, z have onboarded the service, with more to follow. Learn more about the software.
The fall cycle of the EDID Initiatives Fund is now open
The Federation is now welcoming submissions for its last cycle of the EDID Initiatives Fund, which supports scholarly associations' initiatives that advance Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID). The application deadline for the fall cycle is September 14, 2024. Learn more about the Fund.
Podcast recommendation - The Academic Issue
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Reflections on Congress 2024
Each year of Congress is unique from the last, and Congress 2024 certainly occurred amidst an exceptional context. The Federation recognizes that the weeks leading up to Congress 2024 were difficult for many, given the situation on McGill’s campus, including the Association of McGill Law Professors (AMPL) strike and pro-Palestinian encampment.
At all times, our assessment of the situation was informed by numerous discussions with participating associations, partners, keynote speakers, and other stakeholders, which helped determine feasible options for attendees to convene in the safest, most inclusive, and most accessible manner possible.
This included providing associations with the option to relocate their conference, or some part of it, to the Congress virtual platform. Moreover, some associations opted to move activities to off-site locations. Attendees could opt to participate in person or virtually. At this time, the Federation is carefully examining the potential of providing financial support to associations. We also have revised the terms of participation for Congress 2025.
We will be inviting all members to take part in a dialogue around rethinking the future of Congress. Together, we will ensure that this gathering reflects our community and brings us all together.
Congress has been held for 93 years and its role in facilitating critical, and often challenging conversations cannot be understated. Thank you to the 9,000 participants, 58 associations, partners, and facilitators who gathered in Montreal and online to make the voice of the humanities and social sciences heard. Join us in recognizing the exceptional research, dialogues, and perspectives at Congress 2024.
Big Thinking at Congress
The recordings of this year’s Big Thinking lecture series are now available.
- Sustainable AI - Céline Castets-Renard and Jocelyn Maclure
- Sustaining culture – Ryan DeCaire, Maskwaankwad and Janine Elizabeth Metallic
- Sustaining nature – Ingrid Waldron, Sébastien Jodoin and Angele Alook
- Sustaining political community – Omayra Issa and Colette Brin
Congress in the news
We are pleased that our media relations program helped HSS research be spotlighted in the news in print, online, on radio, or TV. Over 500 media stories were viewed by an estimated 3 million people from around the world.
- UVic researcher calling for mental health support ahead of wildfire season – Ashley Berard (University of Victoria) presented with the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA)
- How AI can be used to created post-secondary curriculum – Soroush Sabbaghen (University of Calgary) presented with the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE)
- Rather than ‘Bot-Proofing' assignments, educators must develop a deep knowledge of GenAI, say UofT Researchers – Michael Cournoyea (University of Toronto), and Sarah Seeley (University of Toronto) presented with the Canadian Association for the Study of Discourse and Writing (CASDW)
- Seeing the unhoused and racialized youth as neighbours creates inclusive communities – Erin Dej (Wilfrid Laurier University), Naomi Nichols (Trent University) and Jessica Braimoh (York University) presented with the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA)
- Young Canadian adults lack a sense of community belonging: this Calgary Researcher has a solution – Quan Nguyen (University of Calgary) presented with the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE)
Congress digests
(Re)Discover our Congress Digests, your source for Congress-related highlights, career development tips, and session spotlights.
- Congress Digest #1 – Sustainable AI, job searches, and the healing power or art
- Congress Digest #2 – Sustaining languages, mitigating online toxicity, and a guide to Indigenous law programs
- Congress Digest #3 – Environmental justice, ‘solarpunk’ universities, and a new look at American history
Congress in Conversation
Listen to Congress in Conversation: a special series presented by the Big Thinking Podcast in partnership with The Conversation Canada where we convened researchers who presented at Congress 2024 to share their research and experiences within the context of shared responsibility to our society, systems, and planet.
- Part I with Cristopher Dietzel (Concordia University) presented at Congress with the Canadian Communication Association (CCA)
- Part II with Kshamta Hunter (University of British Colombia) presented at Congress with the Canadian Society for the Study of Education
- Part III with Aliyah Datoo (episode in french) (Simon Fraser University) presented at Congress with the Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA)
Congress 2025
The Federation is thrilled that George Brown College will be the first college in history to host the annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences in 2025. Join us in Toronto from May 30 to June 6, 2025, for the 94th edition of Congress. Read the full announcement.
George Brown College is hiring for Congress 2025!
George Brown College is hiring an Indigenous Programming Specialist for Congress 2025. This role involves planning and executing community outreach campaigns, developing communications, and integrating Indigenous cultural perspectives into program designs and delivery. Learn more and apply.
HSS Community News
Indigenous Literary Studies Association workshop series – ILSA is hosting a series of monthly online writing and professionalization workshops, with support from the EDID Initiatives Fund. You can view past workshops by visiting their Resources page. The next writing circle will take place August 6 at 10:00 PT, sign up now. Registration links for this and upcoming events are available on ILSA’s Facebook page. Learn more.
Statistics Canada’s research and development on the modernization of the census – Statistics Canada is collecting feedback on their ongoing research into an increased use of administrative data in the context of the census. Please participate in this short survey.
Global Excellence Initiative – Launched in 2012 by Canada’s 28th governor general, David Johnston, the Global Excellence Initiative provides free and useful supports to help Canadians win major research prizes, including an inventory of research awards, a nomination review service, and other knowledge-sharing resources. Learn more.
Government of Canada announces details of increase in award values for federal scholarships and fellowships – Budget 2024 proposed significant new investments to increase the value and number of scholarships and fellowships for master’s and doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers funded by Canada’s federal granting agencies. Read more.
‘Decolonizing Lens’: Winnipeg and virtual film series reflects the beauty of Indigenous worldviews – Decolonizing Lens is a film and discussion series based in Winnipeg that brings together Indigenous filmmakers, their films and audiences as a form of public education. Read more.
There needs to be better access to study abroad programs for equity-deserving students – Studying abroad can be a transformational experience. It has been linked to increased academic and professional success, improved global awareness, and enhanced intercultural competencies. Read more.