October 2024 Communiqué

Federation news

Canadian Symposium of Scholarly Journals

Are you a member of a scholarly journal’s team or an academic librarian? You’re invited to the Canadian Symposium of Scholarly Journals hosted in collaboration with Coalition Publica Thursday, November 14 from 13:00 to 15:00 ET. Learn more and register.


Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Conference

Yesterday, the Federation hosted a workshop at the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies conference in Toronto. Participants reviewed draft recommendations to strengthen graduate talent in Canada’s innovation ecosystem, contributing to a consensus statement that will drive policy and action. Stay tuned for more information to come.


Open Acess week

To encourage the adoption of Open Access models and address the financial barriers that often hinder OA publishing, the Federation launched supplemental OA grants specifically for books and chapters via its Scholarly Book Awards. These grants aim to alleviate the costs associated with publishing in OA formats, empowering researchers to share their work more broadly.  

In recognition of Open Access Week 2024, held from October 21 to 27, we are excited to highlight the work of some of our recipients. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable research environment, ensuring that valuable knowledge is accessible to everyone.

Learn more about or apply for the Scholarly Book Awards. 

Since the Open Access grant, part of the Scholarly Book Awards, was launched recently, we are in the process of evaluating submissions by Francophone authors. We look forward to sharing these books for your reading pleasure.


Join the Scholarly Book Awards' Publication Committee

Are you passionate about advancing scholarship in Canada? This volunteer position offers you the chance to engage with innovative research in your field while promoting original Canadian work in the humanities and social sciences. The Federation is seeking experienced scholars, particularly in the fields of Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, Cultural Studies, Law, and more, to join the Scholarly Book Awards’ Publication Committee and help evaluate grant applications. Get involved today by filling in the survey!


Canada Prizes return next month

Awarded by the Federation, the Prizes spotlight Canadian scholarly excellence, recognizing books that inspire and inform national dialogue, fostering understanding on the issues that matter most to Canadians. The program will embark on a new iteration in November, recognizing the country's five most inspiring, impactful, and transformative books recently funded by the Scholarly Book Awards. Stay tuned.


The Federation is hiring

The Federation has an opening for a talented individual to join our team in the position of Director, Policy & Programs (maternity leave cover). Learn more and apply.


The Big Thinking Podcast returns this autumn

Your source for the brightest insights on today’s biggest questions is coming back this autumn. Federation President and CEO Karine Morin will be joined by experts to unpack today’s complex challenges and emerging opportunities. Follow us on social media @federation_hss for updates!


Podcast recommendation - Catch the latest episode of The Academic Issue podcast

Do you know an academic who has struggled with mental health? They're not alone — almost two-thirds of Canadian academics face mental health challenges during their careers. But what’s behind this? Kate Kenyon speaks with Professor Kim Hellemans to find out. Listen now.


Congress news

Introducing the theme for Congress 2025!

Developed in collaboration with George Brown College, this year’s theme ‘Reframing Togetherness’ invites us to model togetherness by questioning traditional knowledge hierarchies and by collaborating on fundamental – and applied - research solutions for humanity's historically rooted problems. Read more about the theme.


Congress 2025 Planning Meeting

The Federation held its annual Congress Planning Meeting at George Brown College earlier this month alongside representatives from participating associations. The meeting formally kicked off the planning cycle for Congress 2025, recognizing the importance of what will be achieved together through our work towards May.


Participating associations

Nearly 50 associations will hold their conferences at Congress from May 30 to June 6. Find out who is attending.


Sponsor, exhibit, and advertise at Congress!

Partnering with Congress is a powerful investment in Canada’s future. By supporting the largest academic gathering in the country, your organization aligns with a cause driving innovation, progress, and the advancement of knowledge. Explore partnership opportunities at Congress 2025. Learn more.

HSS Community News

What We Heard: Tri-agency engagement with the research community on modernization of the federal research support system – In July, the Federation, with the input of its members, contributed to the consultations on the new capstone research funding organization announced in Budget 2024. Earlier this month, the government released the “What We Heard” report synthesizing the input received. Read the report.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Practices in the Post-secondary Research System from the Canadian Council of Academies – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Post-Secondary Research System examines measures that can enhance EDI in the post-secondary ecosystem in Canada, the benefits and challenges of implementing them, and their potential impacts on individuals and institutions. Learn more.

Dimensions Program renewed following successful pilot phase – Following the success of the five-year pilot, the Dimensions: equity, diversity and inclusion Canada program will launch a new phase. This federal Tri-agency initiative was co-designed with a cohort of 17 postsecondary institutions to help address systematic barriers and foster a culture where EDI is embedded across all aspects of research. Read more. 

Preserving Canada’s competitive edge: the need for balanced international student policy – Canada has long been a top destination for highly talented international students seeking education and training who go on to contribute to Canada’s economy and quality of life. The federal government’s moves over the last year to cut the number of international student permits threaten this vital part of the Canadian economy. Read more.

Why storytelling should be your next transformative skill – As graduate students or early career researchers, storytelling can be a transformative skill that helps present complex concepts, issues, or findings in a way that helps people understand and appreciate the greater impact of your work. Read more.

Universities call on government to fulfill its promise on youth mental health care on World Mental Health Day – This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day ‘It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’ reminds us of the importance of fostering environments where mental well-being is prioritized. Read more.

Government of Canada announces creation of external advisory panel on the creation and dissemination of scientific information in French – The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official languages announced an investment of $8.5 million over five years to support and strengthen Canada’s French-language research ecosystem. Read more.