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People, Place and Possibility: Cities and the Humanities and Social Sciences

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, presents:

2016 Annual Conference
People, Place and Possibility: Cities and the Humanities and Social Sciences

The Federation’s annual conference draws participants from across the country and from a broad spectrum of humanities and social sciences (HSS) disciplines. This year’s conference, hosted by the University of Toronto, is on the dynamic theme of cities and the role for humanities and social sciences in addressing urban issues such as pluralism, democracy, innovation, reconciliation, and research impacts. This one-day event will include a Big Thinking lecture followed by a panel discussion, a keynote, interactive workshops and discussion of the government’s recently announced review of federal support for fundamental science.  A networking reception will follow. We hope to welcome you there!

Conference website

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

BIG THINKING LECTURE

Just sustainabilities in cities: Re-imagining e/quality, living within limits

Julian Agyeman, Professor, Urban and Environmental Policy, Tufts University

Integrating social needs and welfare offers us a more ‘just,’ rounded and equity-focused definition of sustainability. This does not, however, negate the very real environmental threats we face. Join Julian Agyeman as he explores examples of just sustainabilities, focusing on ideas about 'fair shares' resource distribution globally, planning for intercultural cities, achieving wellbeing and happiness, the concept of 'spatial justice,’ and the roles for the HSS in creating just sustainabilities in urban centres.

Introduction by Meric Gertler, President, University of Toronto

Response Panel 

A diverse panel will respond to Julian Agymen’s Big Thinking lecture and discuss how the HSS can help create more inclusive and democratically engaged cities.

Speakers include:    

Cyndy Baskin, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Ryerson University
Shauna Sylvester, Professor, Professional Practice, Director, Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University 
Michèle Dagenais, Professor, Department of History, Université de Montréal
Pamela Klassen, Vice-Dean, Undergraduate Education, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Professor, Department for the Study of Religion, University of Toronto

KEYNOTE LECTURE

Human-centred cities: co-designing systems with citizens

Zahra Ebrahim,  Co-director, Doblin Canada; Lecturer, University of Toronto 

Keynote lecture will be followed by a Q&A session.

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

1. Strengthening innovation through scholarship and community

Speakers include:

Lisa Philips, Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University; Director, Research Policy, Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Richard Hawkins, Professor, Science, Technology and Technology Program, University of Calgary
David Wolfe, Professor, Political Science, University of Toronto Mississauga, Co-Director, Innovation Policy Lab

Explore the role of universities and HSS academics in driving innovation, including current contributions, challenges and strategies for further engagement. The workshop will also be an opportunity to discuss HSS and the federal government’s new innovation agenda.

2. Reconciliation in the city: The role of the humanities and social sciences

Speakers include:

Cyndy Baskin , Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Ryerson University  
Chris Andersen, Interim Dean of Native Studies, University of Alberta
Karyn Recollet, Women & Gender Studies Institute, University of Toronto
Donna Patrick, Professor, Sociology and Anthropology, Carleton University

Explore the unique opportunities and challenges for HSS researchers in working with Indigenous communities and other partners towards reconciliation in an urban context.

3. Demonstrating the community impacts of the humanities and social sciences

Speakers include:

David Phipps, Director, Research Services and Knowledge Exchange, York University
Tim Kenyon, Professor, Philosophy, Associate Dean of Arts, University of Waterloo
Michelynn Laflèche, Director, Research, Public Policy & Evaluation, United Way Toronto
Annalee Yassi, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Global Health and Capacity Building

Investigate, through an urban lens, how to track and measure the impacts of HSS research and other contributions with reference to new resources from the Federation’s impact project.

Federal Review of Fundamental Science 

Speakers include:

Christine Tausig Ford, Interim Executive Director, Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Stephen Toope, President, Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Vivek Goel ,Vice-President, Research and Innovation, University of Toronto 

Join us for a discussion on Canada’s Fundamental Science Review and the Federation’s key messages from the HSS community for this process. 

RECEPTION

Join dignitaries, members, partners and esteemed alumni at the evening reception as we toast the future of humanities and social science research and learning.

Refreshments, a light breakfast, morning/afternoon snacks and lunch will be provided

REGISTRATION

Visit the registration page for more information on registration fees, special hotel rates, and to register for People, Place and Possibility: Cities and the Humanities and Social Sciences. We look forward to seeing you in Toronto! Registration is $60 per person and free for parliamentarians and the media. There is also limited student registration pricing for $20.