CSPC is a grass root organization that relies on the contribution of volunteers for its development. Our volunteer roster is currently full for 2026. Any applications received after January 15th, 2026 will be kept on file for consideration in 2027.

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Please Note:

• A selection process will be conducted based on the demand and specific needs of each committee.
• Volunteers are invited to select at least two committees when submitting their application, with a maximum of three options.
• The Science Meets Parliament (SMP) program and the Science Policy Awards Committee will not be recruiting new volunteers for this cycle.

Why volunteer for CSPC?

Since its inception in 2009, CSPC, as a grassroots organization, has been relying on the contribution of volunteers for its development. Cumulatively, over 1500 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career professionals from various disciplines across Canada have served on various CSPC committees and contributed to the organization of its conference each year. The Centre has been a gateway for volunteers to learn about science policy issues and organizations, and volunteers often go on to successfully pursue careers in science policy. CSPC is a unique environment where you will gain valuable experience while helping to build and impact the science policy community.

2022 CSPC volunteer group photo

Being a CSPC volunteer offers exciting opportunities to:

  • Gain valuable experience and expertise to meaningfully impact the Canadian science policy landscape
  • Help shape the annual Canadian science policy conference
  • Expand your leadership skills and take initiative in advancing new projects and exploring new frontiers in science policy
  • Network and generate discussion with other professionals in the science, technology and innovation policy field
  • Get an inside look at CSPC, a national hub for science policy in Canada
  • Link your science with societal issues

What is involved in volunteering for CSPC?

Volunteers will contribute 3-5 hours per week, with the majority of communications taking place via email and video conference calls. Therefore, you can be located anywhere in Canada. If you have an interest in Canadian science, technology and innovation policy, we could use your help in one of our volunteer committees.

What are the CSPC volunteer committees?

The committee is responsible for the content of the annual conference by coordinating the call for panel proposals for the conference, reviewing and selecting the submissions, liaising with panel organizers, and coordinating the organization of the panels and the delivery of these sessions at the conference.

  • Provide on-site support for the conference and the panels, as needed or requested. Review and evaluate panel proposals for potential inclusion in the conference program.
  • Contribute to the development of a conference agenda that is timely, topical, and engaging.
  • Serve as a liaison between panel organizers and CSPC, ensuring that proposed sessions meet all conference criteria and guidelines.

The committee is responsible for soliciting editorial and thought pieces from experts for the Editorial page, as well as the publication of The Canadian Science Policy Magazine.

  • Oversees the full editorial process and manages publication schedules for The Canadian Science Policy Magazine and Innovation Policy Magazine and featured editorial series.
  • Identifies, recruits, and engages experts to contribute editorial articles and thought pieces for CSPC publications and the CSPC website.
  • Suggests themes and topics for special editorial issues.

The committee is responsible for the coordination of various CSPC events throughout the year. These events include virtual sessions, panels, interviews, workshops, and in-person events.

  • Plans, coordinates, and delivers CSPC events throughout the year, including virtual sessions, panels, interviews, and workshops.
  • Manages event logistics to ensure smooth and professional execution.
  • Conducts podcast interviews and supports post-production as needed.
  • Assists with uploading and maintaining online event materials on the website.

The committee is responsible for identifying grant funding opportunities for CSPC and writing grant proposals, as well as conducting research to explore and synthesize relevant content in the fields of science and innovation policy and CSPC’s topics of interest.

  • Identifies grant opportunities that align with and advance CSPC’s programs and strategic priorities.
  • Conducts literature reviews and background research to inform and strengthen grant proposals.
  • Develops high-quality grant applications to secure funding in support of CSPC initiatives.

The committee will assist with designing, distributing, and analyzing the survey following the annual conference to assess the conference against its goals and objectives. This committee will produce a survey of other CSPC programs including the virtual events and produce results with a summary and recommendations for future conferences. This year, the committee worked on the Survey of Parliamentarians, among other projects.

  • Designs and implements evaluation processes for CSPC programs, including the annual conference and Science Meets Parliament.
  • Analyzes data and prepares reports assessing program effectiveness, outcomes, and impact.
  • Undertakes additional research projects as required.

The committee is in charge of an initiative performed in partnership with the Chief Science Advisor: a program entitled “Science Meets Parliament”. Science Meets Parliament brings scientists working in Canada to Parliament Hill in order to meet with Members of Parliament and Senators, attend House and Senate committee meetings, discuss scientific research, and gain familiarity with the political process.

As a committee member, you will have the opportunity to review and evaluate scientists’ applications, arrange meeting schedules, as well as liaise with scientists, Members of Parliament, and Senators.

The committee is responsible for the coordination of the promotion and selection process of the science policy awards. Awards include: Youth Award, Trailblazer Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. The committee is responsible for the call for and collection of proposals, coordination of referee meetings, and dissemination of competition outcome.

  • Oversees the full nomination, review, and selection process for the annual CSPC Science Policy Awards (Youth, Trailblazer, and Lifetime Achievement).
  • Develops and applies evaluation criteria to ensure a fair, transparent, and rigorous selection process.
  • Supports the promotion and visibility of the awards program.

This committee aims to foster a sense of belonging by promoting the use of French as a language of expression within CSPC, as well as to increase the representation of Francophone communities in CSPC’s activities. It also searches for grant opportunities and other funding sources (e.g., funding for simultaneous translation or to bring linguistic communities together).

  • Plays a key role in supporting projects of the Cercle francophone both in terms of content and logistical support.
  • Recommends new francophone events and initiatives that will increase CSPC’s visibility and strengthen its relationship with francophone scientific communities.
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  • fun volunteers
  • Duncan and volunteers
  • Nemer and volunteers
  • 2022 CSPC volunteer group photo