Federation news
Think forward: Innovation
When we think about innovation, we often picture STEM, but innovation is also deeply human. Our latest Think forward brief explores how HSS scholarship drives social innovation by bringing lived experience and social context into the conversation from the very beginning. Because innovation creates meaningful change when it moves with purpose. Explore the brief and access our shareable resources.
New on the Big Thinking Podcast: Finding joy in a world in crisis
How can we continue to live, hope, and love when our era seems to be entering a series of climate, social, political, and humanitarian crises? Nicolas Langelier, journalist, columnist, publisher, and founder of the social enterprise Atelier10, joins Karine Morin to discuss his latest essay, Ce qu’on trouve dans la cendre : Méditations sur le sens et le courage dans un monde en effondrement. (What we find in the ashes: Meditations on meaning and courage in a world in collapse). Listen now.
Federation supports French-language research from creation to dissemination
The Federation welcomes the External Advisory Panel’s report, Research in French and Substantive Equality: An Opportunity, and its recommendations to strengthen federal leadership and investment in French-language research in Canada. Read our full statement.
Federal pre-Budget submission
This month, the Federation submitted its recommendations to the federal government’s pre-Budget consultations in advance of the 2026 Budget. Read the submissions.
Federation's 2026 Annual Meeting
The 2026 Annual Meeting of members of the Federation will be held virtually on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 14:00 – 16:00 (ET). The notice of Meeting, including the Annual meeting information package, the online registration link, and the absentee ballot details, has been provided to all members. Learn more.
Big Thinking Summit News
Funding opportunities for graduate students and accessibility
New Federation-led funds are available for those planning to attend the Big Thinking Summit. The Graduate Mobilization Awards will recognize graduate students’ contributions to knowledge sharing at the Summit, while the Accessibility Fund will provide targeted financial support for individuals who have accessibility-related needs. These funds are intended to help reduce barriers to participation and support broader access to the Summit. Learn more and apply.
The Big Thinking Summit schedule is live
Over 150 events and three days of dialogue that bring some of today’s most compelling big thinkers to Edmonton. Browse keynotes, featured panels, workshops, cultural programming, career-focused sessions, and networking opportunities, all offering fresh ways into the questions moving through our society today. Explore the schedule.
New keynotes announced
Dr. Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey, Michael Wernick, and Tanya Talaga are among the speakers announced for the Big Thinking Summit. Featured each day, these sessions will bring leading voices into discussion on the ideas and pressures shaping this moment, such as the power of storytelling or how the humanities and social sciences help us better understand and strengthen democratic resilience in a time of global uncertainty. Explore the keynotes.
Federation’s 30th Anniversary Gala: At the Inflection Point
Join us in marking a significant moment for the HSS at the Federation’s 30th Anniversary Gala: At the Inflection Point. This gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on the Federation’s journey and look ahead to the decades to come, alongside the announcement of this year’s Canada Prizes winners. It's not too late to join us. Learn more.
HSS News
Government of Canada invests in Indigenous-led research – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced a $12.7 million investment for Indigenous-focused research initiatives. Read more.
Government of Canada invests over $168 million in Canada’s research ecosystem – On behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, announced the federal government is investing over $168 million in research funding. Investing in world-class researchers and research teams at Canadian institutions helps drive solutions for society’s most pressing challenges. Read more.
Canada’s federal funding agencies announce recipients of Dimensions Canada grants – The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), are pleased to announce the first recipients of the Dimensions Canada grants, a funding initiative that helps postsecondary institutions strengthen their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices. Learn more.
Possible With U – From the first day a student steps onto campus to the moment a new discovery changes how we live, Canadian universities are shaping the future we all share. Universities are where possibilities begin, and Possible With U makes that impact clearer. Learn more.
Ontario universities avoid fiscal abyss, still anticipate cuts – Ontario universities’ budgets for 2026-27 have avoided tumbling over a previously predicted financial cliff in the wake of significant new provincial funding announced this winter, but some universities say they still need to make cuts to balance their books. Read more.
Art schools grapple with AI – Amid concerns over artificial intelligence technologies impacting jobs in the creative arts sector, art and design universities across Canada are remaining cautious while working to ethically integrate AI into their curricula. Read more.