Four Canadian research teams have joined partners from the United States, Finland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom in tackling global challenges through the bioeconomy. Focused on sections of the economy derived from living systems, the National Science Foundation Global Centers initiative engages researchers from chemistry, materials science, mathematics, data sciences, humanities and social sciences to further understanding of the social and economic impacts of innovation, ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture, health, manufacturing and energy in the global economy. 

SSHRC is pleased to announce the projects receiving funding via the eighth Open Research Area (ORA 8) initiative. Launched in 2023 by SSHRC in partnership with the Agence nationale de la recherche (France), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Germany) and the Economic and Social Research Council (United Kingdom), the initiative strengthens international cooperation and funds high-quality scientific research across the four participating countries.

On October 16 and 17, SSHRC welcomed the Indigenous Advisory Circle members to Ottawa for the 10th anniversary of the Circle's founding. Over the decade, the Circle and SSHRC staff have co-developed important research policy tools, including SSHRC's definition of Indigenous research and Guidelines for the Merit Review of Indigenous Research. At the October meeting, members reflected on the significant advancements in Indigenous research over this time. In a spirit of renewal, they are now reviewing these research policy tools. SSHRC would like to express its gratitude to the Circle for this collaborative work, and for the advice provided to SSHRC senior management on Indigenous research and reconciliation.

The Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research is seeking new members with a deep understanding of Indigenous research who are interested in contributing to improving the research landscape for Indigenous researchers in Canada. While all expressions of interest are welcome, this particular call is intended to recruit Inuit, francophone and Atlantic nations (including urban, rural, northern, and on-/off-reserve Indigenous Peoples) candidates. The deadline to apply is November 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m. eastern.

Margo Seltzer, Canada Research Chair in Computer Systems, and Kerstin Dautenhahn, Canada Research Chair in Intelligent Robotics, aren’t just putting down roots as new Canadian citizens. They’re doing it while working to bridge the gap between cutting-edge robotics and real human needs. The Canada 150 Research Chairs’ research includes helping people overcome language and speech disabilities and making robots more socially intelligent. SSHRC administers the Canada Research Chairs and Canada 150 Research Chairs Programs, among others, through the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat.