Government of Canada invests in research to identify strengths and gaps in advanced technologies, rural and urban resilience, and labour market challenges

Investment of $744,000 will allow Canadian researchers to shape responses to the emerging global challenges and opportunities playing out in the country and around the world.

OTTAWA, June 6, 2017 /CNW/ - We live in a rapidly changing world with advancements that impact the daily lives of Canadians in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and climate change. Canada's cultural and social diversity means it is well positioned to address these emerging global opportunities and challenges to ensure a thriving and secure society and a growing middle class.

That is why the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today announced a federal investment of $744,000 for 30 knowledge synthesis research projects funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

The projects will focus on a variety of topics including advanced technologies, rural and urban resilience, and social innovation. Grant recipients announced today include Dr. Sami Aoun of Université de Sherbrooke whose research will focus on knowledge of terrorism and how to address radicalization. Dr. Stephanie Ben-Ishai of Osgoode Hall Law School at York University will look at millennials, the labour market challenges they face, as well as their levels of financial literacy and indebtedness. This work will help stakeholders, researchers and governments better understand how to reduce the economic inequalities faced by this demographic.

Valued at up to $25,000 each, the Knowledge Synthesis Grants (KSG) are designed to consolidate existing knowledge while identifying gaps where future research is needed. These grants place a strong emphasis on ensuring that the outcomes of these projects are accessible to a broad audience, including decision-makers across community, public and private sectors.

By bringing together existing research on these important issues, the government is positioning Canada to respond to these challenges to the benefit of all Canadians.   

Quotes
"Canadian social sciences and humanities researchers play a vital role in identifying, anticipating and preparing for global changes in our culture, politics, economy, and demographics. The knowledge gained through these Knowledge Synthesis Grants will provide our government with the evidence we need to develop policies and tools to respond to these complex trends so that we may ensure a prosperous future for all Canadians, including the middle class."
- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"SSHRC is proud to support research that addresses tomorrow's challenges. These projects will further our understanding of the relationship between the complex factors that will shape Canada's future."
- Ted Hewitt, SSHRC president

Quick facts

• A summary report of the grants will be released in spring 2018.
• SSHRC is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences.
• SSHRC disburses more than $350 million in funding annually to support more than 8,300 research projects.

Related products

• Interconnected and Evolving Global Landscape Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Recipients
• Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Recipients
• Energy and natural resources Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Report
• Emerging technologies Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Recipients
• New ways of learning Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Report

Associated links

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
• Imagining Canada's Future

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

Follow SSHRC on Twitter: @SSHRC_CRSH

SOURCE Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Michael Bhardwaj, Director of Communications, Minister of Science, 343-291-2600; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]; Julia Gualtieri, Media Relations Advisor, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, 613-944-4347, [email protected]