Social sciences and humanities research plays an important role in building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous Canada. The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $141 million to support nearly 3,000 of Canada’s most talented scholars. These exceptional leaders will tackle a wide array of research topics that impact Canadians today like never before, including youth priorities in the North, climate change, energy, big data and many other pressing issues.
Also announced today were the 18 recipients of this year’s Canada Graduate Scholarships to Honour Nelson Mandela. In addition, to boost support for early-career researchers, overall postdoctoral funding has increased to $7 million over the next five years.
These researchers include Lee Airton, whose research is helping educate K-12 teachers about welcoming gender and sexual diversity in the classroom, and Christine Moon, whose research focuses on the role that medical assistance plays at the end of life for Korean-Canadians.
“Social sciences and humanities research is at the heart of understanding the challenges and opportunities facing our communities and our people. Nurturing young talent in these disciplines is one of the best ways to build a healthier, stronger and more prosperous Canada”, says the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport.
“Researchers in the social sciences and humanities community play a key role in all innovation. We are facing serious global challenges related to climate change, increased migration, inequality, faltering economies, health, food and water insecurity, and cyber security. The work of Canadian social sciences and humanities graduate students, scholars and researchers is contributing to addressing these problems for a brighter future”, says Ted Hewitt, President, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
“With the support of these funds, over 90 faculty and students across disciplines at Queen’s will contribute evidence-based research to issues of importance to Canadians and global citizens – from gender expression to assisted dying. The strength of our social sciences and humanities research in this country positions Canada as an international leader in facilitating dialogue, informing policy, and providing concrete solutions to global challenges”, says Daniel Woolf, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University.
