Government of Canada invests in research to mobilize knowledge for Canadians

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Researchers to assess implications of emerging technologies, energy and natural resources sectors on Canadian communities

April 27, 2016, Ottawa, Ontario—Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today announced 45 social sciences and humanities research projects have been awarded federal funds to assess and mobilize knowledge in the areas of emerging technologies, energy and natural resources in Canada. The knowledge gained will help inform policy and new programs.

This series of projects focuses on the broad implications of the introduction of new technologies, and of the quest for, and extraction, production and use of, energy and natural resources in our communities. These are two of the six future challenge areas of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)’s Imagining Canada’s Future initiative.

Awarded by SSHRC and worth up to $25,000 each, Knowledge Synthesis Grants are designed to combine or “synthesize” existing academic knowledge on key challenges facing Canada, while identifying new areas needed for research. These grants place a strong focus on ensuring results are accessible to a broad audience, including decision-makers. 

Quotes

“Our country is stronger when its leaders use research to guide decisions that are meant to make Canada a great place to live in. The social sciences and humanities research projects announced today will ensure that we use the best evidence to tap into the economic opportunities of the emerging technologies, energy and natural resources sectors to create sustainable prosperity for all Canadians.”

—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"These Knowledge Synthesis Grants enhance our ability to understand and respond to complex social cultural and economic issues facing Canada now and in the future. SSHRC is helping to connect the research it supports with Canadians in order to help them both guide and adapt to technological changes in the years ahead."

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

Quick Facts

• The reports of the Knowledge Synthesis Grants on energy and natural resources will be released in June 2016, and the reports on emerging technologies in November 2016.
• The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. Through its programs, SSHRC contributes to innovations that will improve the lives of Canadians, and works to develop talented leaders for all sectors of society.
• SSHRC disburses more than $345 million in funding annually to support more than 8,300 research projects.

Related products

• Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Recipients (Energy and Natural Resources)
• Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Recipients (Emerging Technologies)

Associated links

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
• Knowledge Synthesis Grants (Energy and Natural Resources)
• Knowledge Synthesis Grants (Emerging Technologies)

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

Follow SSHRC on Twitter: @SSHRC_CRSH

Contacts

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

Christopher Walters
Director of Communications
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
613-992-4283
christopher.walters@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca