Communiqué - January

January 21, 2022

Federation News

Investing in humanities, social sciences is key to post-pandemic recovery 

“The pandemic may have shone the spotlight on all things science, but it will take more than scientific discoveries to ensure Canada emerges stronger post-COVID-19,” writes Mike DeGagné, Chair of the Federation's Board of Directors, in University Affairs.

DeGagné discusses the Federation’s latest report, Think Big: How the social sciences and humanities are building a better Canada, and the vital contributions of the humanities and social sciences.

Read the full op ed.

In case you missed it, we asked several researchers profiled in the Federation's report Think Big: How the social sciences and humanities are building a better Canadawhat do they think about the #RoleofHSS? Now we want to hear from you. Send your success story about how HSS education has opened up successful career paths for you, and/or how your research is contributing to address our greatest challenges and build a better future. Email us at communications@federationhss.ca to be featured next!

The Federation is hiring!  

We are currently recruiting an Information and Systems Officer, an Event Planner, a Policy Lead, and Virtual Project Liaisons. Interested in joining the team? Learn more.

Write for the Federation blog!

Do you have a research story to tell? Exciting new research to be presented at Congress 2022? HSS research related to COVID-19? We want to share it with our 20,000+ subscribers!

The Federation blog is a space to discuss ideas and issues of importance to the HSS community. This season, we’re seeking contributions to release in conjunction with Black History Month (February), International Women’s Day (March 8), French Language Day (March 30), and National Indigenous Languages Day (March 31) — but other topics are always welcome. Check out our submission guidelines and reach out to us at communications@federationhss.ca.

Call for Nominations for the 2022 Board Elections

The Federation is now accepting nominations for three positions on the Board of Directors. We welcome your nomination of qualified candidates by February 1, 2022 at 12:00 pm (ET). To submit a nomination, please contact Lamis El-Zein at lelzein@federationhss.ca.


Congress News

Registration for Congress 2022 has opened!  

Save the date! From May 12 to 20, scholars from across Canada and the world will gather virtually for the 91st Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Visit our website to find registration information, conference details and call-for-paper deadlines for all 38 participating associations.

Don’t wait — register before March 31 to receive the early-bird discount! Complimentary access is offered to Black and Indigenous students.

Register for Congress

Work at Congress!

The Federation is recruiting over 150 short-term contract workers to support the delivery of Congress 2022. Do you know someone who would be interested in working 20-30 hours during Canada's largest virtual academic gathering? We are seeking Customer Service Representatives, Communications Assistants, and Event Technicians. Learn more and apply by February 25!


HSS Community News

Federal government announces support for more than 5,500 trailblazing Canadian researchers: The investment of over $550 million will strengthen the country’s research enterprise, funding both prominent and emerging researchers and innovation across disciplines. Read more about the announcement and recipients. 

University of Ottawa launches country's first research centre focused on Black health: The Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health aims to study the biological, social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to health problems in the Black community, and to work towards addressing those issues. Its first research project will study vaccination in the Black community. Read more.

Growing number of Canadian universities divesting from fossil fuels: The University of Toronto announced this fall that it would end its investments in the fossil fuel industry, joining a small but growing number of Canadian institutions making the change. Read more.

French-language universities in minority settings: a litmus test for Canadian diversity? “There is no official bilingualism without French speakers, and there will be no French speakers in the long run without creating and maintaining educational institutions and spaces where French is the natural language,” writes Joel Belliveau. Read more.

National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) takes shape: Indigenous Senior Administrative leaders from post-secondary institutions across Canada have formed NIUSLA, a network for members to share experiences and information, provide recommendations, and identify areas of success and need within post-secondary institutions. Learn more.

U of T Scarborough breaks ground on Indigenous House: The new gathering place, designed with inspiration from a traditional winter wigwam and longhouse, will be dedicated to learning about Indigenous culture and ways of knowing, with spaces for ceremonies and for research in areas such as language preservation and revitalization. Read more.