SSH News: Mitacs blog, Young Arts Entrepreneur grant, COU & CAUT reports, next Big Thinking lecture

Blog
22 novembre 2013

Mitacs launched a new blog this week that is set to feature posts about research, innovation and funding opportunities, as well as news and other issues related to the connection of academics and industry. Their first post looks into the future of Canadian postdoctoral researchers, and is based on a recent survey carried out with the Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars. Click here to read the first installment of the Mitacs blog, and perhaps leave a comment! You can also subscribe to the RSS feed to be notified of new posts.

The Michaëlle Jean Foundation has introduced a new initiative to assist young people who want to start their own arts-based enterprise but may not have the means to do so. The Young Arts Entrepreneur program will offer a start-up grant of $7,500, and successful applicants will also work with mentors and business and arts leaders to develop a solid foundation for their business pursuits. The deadline to apply is January 10th, 2014.

The Council of Ontario Universities reported this week that a survey conducted for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities suggests Ontario university graduates have higher employment and income rates than those with any other level of education. The 2012 Grad Survey, which is available for free online, also found that Ontario’s undergrads typically end up working in fields related to their education. Coincidentally, another report released this week – this one by the Canadian Association of University Teachers, entitled Open for Business: On What Terms? – looks at a trend among Canadian universities in signing deals with corporate donors. While the concern surrounding the CAUT’s findings is focused more on their implications for academic freedom, perhaps there are other connections to consider?

Registration is now open for the next Big Thinking lecture, which will take place on December 10th on Parliament Hill. Céline Le Bourdais, professor at McGill University, Canada Research Chair in Social Statistics and Family Change and academic director of the McGill QICSS Branch, will examine the significance of common law partnerships as they are increasingly chosen over traditional marriage by Canadians. “Cohabitation: an alternative or substitute for marriage?” is organized in partnership with the Canadian Research Data Centre Network and will be presented in French.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is looking to fill two exciting positions: Executive Director, Research Grants and Partnerships, and Associate Vice President, Future Challenges. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to work with some great folks and support important Canadian research!