Federation news
Consultations move the Federation's Strategic Plan toward completion
November marked an important stage in our strategic planning process as we consulted with members and stakeholders on the proposed directions. This feedback has informed the Board’s latest review, helping to guide the final stages of preparation. We look forward to sharing the plan with our community in early 2026 as we move toward this next chapter together.
Setting the groundwork for a new Congress model
The landscape around Congress has shifted in recent years, with host institutions and the community navigating new pressures and expectations. To ensure Congress remains sustainable and meaningful, we began developing alternative approaches to Congress, informed by membership and community consultations and guided by our new Strategic Plan.
Grounded in this context, the Congress Reimagining Task Force – struck this summer – met again on November 24 to review and discuss a proposed new model for Congress. Early conversations with prospective institutions are informing this work, and feasibility testing with key stakeholders and potential hosts will continue through winter 2026. Once this phase is complete, we will introduce the model to the community.
Building a strong research future with Budget 2025
Budget 2025: Canada Strong reinforces federal commitments to publicly funded research and talent development, with important implications for the humanities and social sciences. The Federation welcomes continuity in protecting research capacity and remains committed to ensuring that human and social understanding remain at the forefront of Canada’s progress. Read our response.
To understand what Budget 2025 means for the HSS community, especially in light of the budget vote of confidence on November 17, we invite you to read our budget analysis.
Canada's AI leadership calls for all expertise at the table
When HSS experts joined our October 20 discussion with the federal AI Strategy Task Force, they highlighted the human questions shaping AI’s future: How do we build trust? Who benefits? Whose needs are centred? Our AI Task Force submission carries forward these conversations and points to how Canada can support the expertise needed to address them. Read our submission.
These conversations remain timely as the Science and Research Committee begins its study on AI, announced on November 3. The study will examine advances in AI research, the needs of research institutions, the federal role in fostering a responsible AI ecosystem, and how to better protect and advance Canadian AI discoveries. Learn more about the study.
Motion on Tri-agency data disclosure amended after community input
On November 5, following extensive advocacy efforts across Canada’s research community, the Standing Committee on Science and Research (SRSR) amended its motion on Tri-agency data disclosure, shifting from initial individual-level applicant data, which raised serious privacy and consent concerns, to aggregated anonymous data.
This successful outcome reflects the strength of collective advocacy, in which the Federation played an active role, to safeguard the integrity of Canada’s research ecosystem. We will continue to monitor as the data is released to and utilized by the SRSR. Read the full amended motion.
New podcast episode: What does Canada gain when postsecondary connects?
Canada’s future is being written in the places where people learn and in how those places connect. If collaboration holds the key to shaping that future, how do we begin unlocking its full potential? Listen to our new Big Thinking Podcast episode in partnership with The Conversation featuring Karine Morin, President and CEO of the Federation, and Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada. Listen now.
Listen to Social Science Bites
If you enjoy the Big Thinking Podcast, we recommend Social Science Bites, a podcast series appearing on Sage’s Social Science Space website. The monthly episodes offer 20-minute interviews with leading social and behavioural scientists sharing their perspectives on topics ranging from crowd psychology and behavioural economics to inequality and the fear of death. Listen to the latest episode with Frank Keil on Causal Thinking.
Call for submissions: Scholarly Book Awards’ Indigenous Translation Grants
Did you know that the Scholarly Book Awards Translation Grant offers $30,000 to help cover translation costs into Indigenous languages? Don’t miss this opportunity! Publishers and authors working with publishers can apply now before June 2026. Learn more.
Big Thinking summit events
Registration for the Big Thinking Summit 2026 opens soon
Registration for the Big Thinking Summit: Inflection Point opens January 2026. Start the new year right by securing your spot at this momentous gathering of the HSS community. In the meantime, explore our discounted travel and accommodation options. Learn more.
Call for proposals closed with over 410 submissions!
Thank you to all who submitted to the Call for proposals. We are delighted by the breadth of ideas put forward by scholars and leaders from across the academy and beyond. Together, they reflect both a shared vision and the calibre of impact that defines the HSS community. Following the extended submission period ending on November 24, the Program Committee will be hard at work assessing all entries with care. We expect to share their selection by the end of February.
Partner with the Summit
Sponsor the Big Thinking Summit: Inflection Point and stand with a national platform that’s bringing the dialogues Canada needs to the forefront. Explore our sponsorship and advertising offerings designed for lasting impact, offered as set packages and à la carte options. Learn more.
HSS news
Celebrating social sciences and humanities scholars recognized across multiple national awards - This year’s SSHRC Impact Awards spotlight pioneering research that enhances our understanding of individuals and communities, informs effective policies and practices, and helps build a more just and inclusive society. Congratulations to Myriam Denov (McGill University), Joshua Steckley (Carleton University), Kamari Maxine Clarke (University of Toronto), Jason Edward Lewis (Concordia University), Tara McGee (University of Alberta), and Amy Cardinal Christianson (Indigenous Leadership Initiative). Learn more and meet this year’s winners.
This year’s Acfas laureates reflect the depth and vitality of humanities and social sciences research in Québec and across Canada. Congratulations to Janie Lépine, Camille Martini, Nancy Gaudreau (Université Laval), Pierre Hébert (Université de Sherbrooke), Carole Fleuret (Université d’Ottawa), and Vincent Larivière (Université de Montréal). Learn more about this year’s distinguished recipients (in French only).
Over 60 humanities and social sciences scholars were welcomed into the Royal Society of Canada’s 2025 class of Fellows and College members. Join us in celebrating their achievements.
Associate Professor Sylvie Bérard, in collaboration with Suzanne Grenier, won a Governor General's Literary Award for the translation of Larissa Lai's novel The Tiger Flu. Read more (in French only).
SSHRC’s 2026 Storytellers Challenge is now accepting applications – SSHRC's new Storytellers Challenge launched on October 21 to anyone 19 or older and enrolled at a Canadian postsecondary institution. Submissions must be no more than three minutes or 300 words and can be in audio, video, infographic or creative writing format. Learn more and apply before January 20, 2026.
Science Meets Parliament (SM) - Science Meets Parliament is an initiative led by the Canadian Science Policy Centre that aims to strengthen the connections between Canada’s scientific and political communities, facilitate a two-way dialogue, and promote mutual understanding. Learn more and apply.
The University of Ottawa and France Universités join forces to strengthen scientific cooperation between Canada and France – The University of Ottawa has partnered with France Universités, an association of French universities and institutions of higher learning, to announce a joint initiative aimed at strengthening university and scientific ties between France and Canada. Read more.
Canada seeks star academics from abroad, but stable funding for higher education remains a concern – A current push to recruit star researchers from abroad could mean top-tier learning for Canadian students and a boost to research innovation and excellence. Yet concerns remain about whether it’s sustainable for a strained Canadian postsecondary system and underfunded research sector. Read more.
Time to disagree? – Canadian professors are embracing the heterodox academy to revive respectful debate on campus. Driven by fears of ideological uniformity, its members champion three core values: viewpoint diversity, open inquiry, and constructive disagreement. Read more.
Will AI automation really kill jobs? A new survey finds Canadian workers are split on the answer – Since 2023, there has been a steady increase in media stories about the potential for automation by artificial intelligence (AI) to displace workers. Sociologists fielded a nationally representative survey to assess public attitudes and perceptions about the AI-related threat of job displacement. Read more.
Groundbreaking analysis brings RCMP, community leaders together to prevent domestic violence – A unique partnership between a UCalgary Faculty of Social Work research-action hub, Cochrane RCMP, and Big Hill Haven is offering a roadmap to stop domestic violence before it starts in Alberta. Read more.