Government of Canada invests more than $265 million for social sciences and humanities research

November 15, 2017, Montréal, Quebec—Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Research is at the heart of understanding the challenges and opportunities people face in areas such as education, immigration and technology. That’s why the Government of Canada continues to support the work of our country’s social scientists and humanities researchers. The evidence they produce informs policies that improve our understanding of each other and our communities.

To support their efforts, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, announced today more than $265 million in funding for over 3,300 social sciences and humanities research projects across Canada. The funding is being awarded through scholarships, fellowships, and grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), one of the three federal granting councils responsible for supporting researchers whose work helps fuel a stronger economy, healthy communities and a growing middle class.

The minister made the announcement at Concordia University today where she discussed how social sciences and humanities research touches the lives of all Canadians, including in the areas of education, youth, Indigenous communities, immigration, refugees, technology and the environment. Today’s investment will help researchers build stronger partnerships with the private and not-for-profit sectors so they may improve the well-being of Canadians in cities, towns and rural areas across the country.

Quotes

“I want to commend the grant and scholarships recipients whose tireless efforts help us better understand our world and our relationships with each other. Our government is proud to support these talented researchers and scholars who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge to the benefit of Canadians and our growing middle class.”

—Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"All innovation is inherently social, which means the social sciences and humanities are especially important in this time of rapid change. SSHRC-funded scholars and researchers can provide guidance on important changes that are affecting society. Developing a vibrant and long-term culture of innovation in Canada is essential to building a bold and bright future for all Canadians."

—Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Quick Facts

• Today’s announcement highlighted the work of three social sciences and humanities researchers in Montreal: Dr. Philip C. Abrami of Concordia University, Bettina Forget of Concordia University, and Patrice Aubertin of l’École nationale de cirque.
• SSHRC’s Talent, Insight and Partnerships programs support postsecondary-based research and research training in the humanities and social sciences.
• The SSHRC and Genome Canada Joint Initiative on Societal Implications of Genomics Research supports social sciences and humanities research and related activities that will enrich the understanding of the societal implications of genomics research.
• The Canada Graduate Scholarships to Honour Nelson Mandela were launched in 2014 to honour the life and legacy of the anti-apartheid leader and first South African president elected in a fully representative democratic election.

Additional links

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
• Award Recipients

Follow SSHRC on Twitter: @SSHRC_CRSH

Follow Minister Duncan on social media:
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin

Contacts

Ann-Marie Paquet
Press Secretary
Minister of Science
Tel.: 613-404-2733
ann-marie.paquet@canada.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Tel.: 343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Julia Gualtieri
Media Relations Advisor
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Tel.: 613-325-2656
julia.gualtieri@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca