As we approach the 2026 membership renewal period, I want to share where the Federation is headed and why this moment matters for our community.
Since its founding in 1996, the Federation has faced numerous challenges and undergone significant changes. Next year will be no exception, as it marks our most significant shift yet with the introduction of the Federation’s new strategic plan and a bold vision for our flagship event, the annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Building on our legacy and recognizing the need for deep, transformative change to meet the challenges facing the humanities and social sciences (HSS), the soon-to-be-launched strategic plan will position us to play a more outward-facing role as it charts a path to strengthen advocacy, expand capacity building, and create new, more dynamic ways of convening our community.
These initiatives will broaden how the Federation amplifies scholarly voices, connects regions, institutions and disciplines, and enhances the influence of HSS scholarship and research across Canada. We will pilot this with the Big Thinking Summit, which will take place in Edmonton on June 9-11, 2026.
Membership in the Federation has always been about belonging to a national organization committed to advancing the role, visibility, and impact of the humanities and social sciences, especially at a moment when this leadership is urgently needed.
As we enter this next chapter, your membership ensures that our collective voice remains strong, that HSS knowledge continues to inform public understanding, and that our community is equipped to meet emerging challenges with confidence.
Thank you for your continued engagement during this transformative year. I look forward to continuing to shape the Federation’s future together.
With appreciation,
Karine Morin
President and CEO
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
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