For more than ten years, the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec (FRQ) have joined forces to assess the willingness and capacity of Canada’s French-speaking community to engage in CSPC activities. The Cercle Francophone (hereinafter referred to as the Cercle) is a strategic advisory group created to increase the participation of Francophones in the various activities of CSPC. It serves as a key channel between CSPC and Francophone communities across Canada, facilitating the promotion of various programs such as conferences, virtual events, volunteer initiatives, and editorials. By enriching content with a Francophone perspective, the Cercle also contributes to the development of CSPC’s current and future offerings.
As part of this effort, a small committee within CSPC, the Francophile Committee, supports the Cercle in carrying out concrete projects.
This initiative aims to:
- Foster a sense of belonging by promoting the use of French as a language of expression within CSPC.
- Increase the representation of Francophone communities in CSPC’s activities.
- Highlight CSPC’s activities within Francophone communities by distributing the partnership prospectus, relaying calls for conference proposals, and proposing new initiatives that emphasize the importance of science in French.
- Recommend and facilitate access to grant opportunities and other funding sources (e.g., funding for simultaneous translation or to bring linguistic communities together).
Cercle Members
Martine Lagacé
—
Professeure titulaire et vice-rectrice associée, promotion et développement de la recherche
Université d’Ottawa, Cabinet de la vice-rectrice, recherche et innovation
Illa Carrillo Rodríguez
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Conseillère principale en politiques
Secrétariat du Comité de coordination de la recherche au Canada (CCRC)
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Adjoint à la vice-présidence à l’enseignement, à l’accessibilité et aux francophonies
Université du Québec
—
Presidente-directrice générale CIRANO
Professeure titulaire, Polytechnique Montréal
Visiting Scientist, Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health
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Directeur général
Institut canadien de recherche sur les minorités linguistiques, Université de Moncton
Nathalie Podeszfinski
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Gestionnaire / Direction de la recherche axée sur la découverte et reconnaissance
Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada – Gouvernement du Canada
Michael O’Neill
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Directeur, Politiques et engagements stratégiques
Fondation canadienne pour l’innovation
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Responsable de projets – Développement institutionnel
Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Caroline Boily
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Agente de recherche
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
The Francophile Committee ensures the coordination of communications and meetings of the Cercle. It is responsible for:
- Gathering and analyzing recommendations from discussions.
- Assessing the feasibility of proposed actions and analyzing funding opportunities.
- Supporting the increased representation of Francophones across all CSPC activities.
- Welcoming and reviewing new enriching initiatives.
Members of the Francophile Committee
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Analyste Sénior – Contrôle Qualité, Co-présidente du comité des francophiles
Abbott, CPSC
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Étudiant en maîtrise en développement régional et territorial
Université du Québec à Rimouski
Led by:
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Responsable de programme et Chargée d’affaires francophones, Centre sur les politiques scientifiques canadiennes (CPSC)
We invite you to explore this section to learn more about our initiatives, discover our ongoing projects, and actively contribute to the dialogue on the future of science in French in Canada.
Completed Projects:
Panels
- October 2024 Panel: The value of research in French language
- April 2025 Panel: Strengthening Science Diplomacy in French – A Strategic Asset for Canada
- March 2026 Panel: How Canada Can Leverage Its Bilingualism to Strengthen Its Scientific and Technological Collaboration on a Global Scale
Editorial Series
- Special Editorial Issue Vol. 1: Challenges and Opportunities: Scientific Research and Publication in French in Canada
Podcast Series
- SciPolDigest Episode 1: From invention to InnovAction: the new Quebec strategy
- SciPolDigest Episode 2: Quebec excellence in action: Heading toward the AI future
Ongoing Projects:
- Special Editorial Issue Vol. 2: Collaborating to Innovate: Building Scientific Bridges Across Regions and Sectors in Canada
[Deadline to submit an editorial: June 19, 2026]
