General Congress questions
Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences is Canada’s largest gathering of researchers, students, and leaders in the humanities and social sciences, and one of the largest events of its kind in the world. It brings people together to discuss important issues, share ideas and research, learn from different perspectives, and build connections that help shape the future of Canada.
Go to the About Congress page to learn more.
Congress 2027 will take place in two phases:
- Virtual Congress: May 18-21, 2027
- In-Person Congress: July 5-9, 2027
The in-person portion of Congress will be hosted by Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
The theme of Congress 2027 is Confluences. Confluences is an invitation to explore the histories we elucidate, the languages we connect through, the cultures we inherit, and the places and communities we form, and are formed by, over time. Confluences celebrates humanities and social sciences scholars as knowledge mobilizers, sense-makers, interpreters, translators and leaders. Their work brings questions and perspectives into conversation, helping societies understand themselves and opening new possibilities for their futures.
Congress brings together people working in the humanities and social sciences, and anyone interested in the questions they explore. It’s a place to share research and think creatively about ideas shaping our lives and the world around us. Scholarly associations host conferences focused on their fields of study, while the Federation and its partners offer additional events. You can attend programming throughout Congress, wherever your interests take you.
Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a member of a scholarly association or be affiliated with a university or college. Whether the topics relate to your work or you’re simply curious, you’re invited to take part.
Check out which associations are holding conferences here to see how to submit to their Call for Papers. Participating association listings and conference details are added and updated as available.
Please check back frequently.
Registration and fees
Registration for Congress 2027 will open in early 2027.
Registration fees and attendee categories will be announced in Fall 2026. Information on how to register will be available on the Registration page.
One registration gives you access to all programming at Congress. This includes every participating scholarly association conference, as well as events hosted by the Federation and its partners. You can move between conferences and events without registering for each one separately.
Previously, you registered for individual association conferences, with Federation programming included, or purchased a pass for Federation programming only. Now, one Congress registration gives you access to all participating association conferences and programming hosted by the Federation and its partners.
We want Congress to be a welcoming space for anyone interested in the questions and ideas shaping our world today. You might come to deepen your knowledge or build your professional network. You might simply be curious and want to join the conversation. One registration opens the full program to you, whatever brings you to Congress.
Coming soon.
Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard, MasterCard Debit and AMEX credits cards are all acceptable online payment methods.
An automated receipt is available on the Confirmation page of your registration (final page after payment). A link to your receipt is also emailed to you automatically once your registration is confirmed.
If you require specific information on your receipt for reimbursement that is not on the automated receipt, inform congress@federationhss.ca.
Information will be available soon.
The Congress fees and association conference fees vary depending on your registration category (regular, retired, student, unwaged, etc.) and the date upon which you register.
International attendees
Information for international attendees, including details on visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirements, invitation letters, and other important travel information, will be available soon. We recommend checking this page regularly for the latest updates as you plan your travel to Canada for Congress 2027.
The closest airport to Simon Fraser University is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), located in Richmond, British Columbia. YVR is the main international airport serving the Vancouver region and offers direct flights to destinations across Canada and around the world.
Coming soon.
Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus can be reached from Vancouver International Airport by public transit, taxi, rideshare services, or rental car. Public transit is an affordable option and typically involves taking the Canada Line SkyTrain from the airport and connecting to local transit services that serve the SFU campus. More detailed travel instructions will be provided closer to Congress 2027.
Yes. Congress 2027 will include both virtual and in-person programming.
Virtual events will take place from May 18 to 21, 2027, allowing participants from around the world to take part even if they are unable to travel to British Columbia.
Additional information about virtual programming and registration will be available closer to registration opening.
Congress is a bilingual event. Programming may be offered in English, French, or both languages, depending on the session, presenter, or participating organization. Details about the language of individual sessions will be available when the Congress program is published.
Congress policies
We work actively to foster a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive global community of scholars and practitioners, and are therefore dedicated to the creation of a safe, respectful, and collegial experience for all attendees of Congress.
Yes, your information is secure. Read our Privacy Policy.
Cyberbullying is real, and seven per cent of Canadians experience it personally, according to Statistics Canada. If you are the victim of online harassment or bullying, there are resources available to you, and Congress organizers encourage you to use them. See the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website resources or the Government of Canada site on How to prevent cyberbullying. We also encourage you to read our Code of Conduct.
Stay updated with Congress 2027
The Congress website will be updated regularly with news about registration, programming, accommodations, funding opportunities, and important dates as information becomes available.
We recommend subscribing to Congress news for the latest updates and follow us on our social media.
Other questions?
If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact the Congress team at congress@federationhss.ca.