Science Meets Parliament Northwest Territories 2027

The Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) and the Government of the Northwest Territories are pleased to announce that registration is open for the inaugural edition of Science Meets Parliament – NWT!

This program is scheduled to take place in Yellowknife NWT March 2027, subject to Parliament being in session.

CSPC and the Government of the Northwest Territories are pleased to present the first edition of Science Meets Parliament (SMP) in the Northwest Territories to strengthen the connection between the science and policy communities in the region. This program provides an excellent opportunity for researchers to learn about and engage in the inclusion of scientific evidence in policy-making in the Legislative Assembly and beyond.

The inaugural SMP-NWT event is planned tentatively for March 2027 in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. The program will bring together ~20 researchers from across Canada (preference given to those working on northern priorities identified in the NWT Knowledge Agenda) with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Indigenous Leaders, and government officials.

This marks the third regional extension of the Science Meets Parliament program since its inauguration at the federal level in 2018, following British Columbia in 2024 and Ontario in 2025. During these events, more than 300 emerging leaders of the scientific community from across Canada have met with over 350 political decision makers. Scientists were able to learn first-hand about Parliamentary work, the role of science in policy-making, and discuss their research with Parliamentarians.

The program has been a great success, receiving positive feedback from Science Meets Parliament delegates and participating Parliamentarians:

“I feel that yesterday was the most productive day of my career towards that goal. I met decision makers who share similar goals and appear to be willing to work with me to achieve something real.”

– Delegate, 2024

“The meetings are worthwhile opportunities for MP’s to get a better sense of the scope and depth of research being done in Canada, how we collaborate internationally and both the value and limitations of science in policy-making.”

– Parliamentarian, 2023

“So important to be reminded of the great science happening here in Canada and the necessity to support and grow this enterprise”decision-makers

— Parliamentarian, 2022

“My ability to connect with parliamentarians and policy-makers and move my research into policy channels has never before felt so possible.”

– Delegate, 2018

Special thanks to our sponsors

Get involved with SMP-Northwest Territories

SMP Sponsorship Opportunities

ABOUT SCIENCE MEETS PARLIAMENT

The objective of this initiative is to strengthen the connections between Canada’s scientific and political communities, enable a two-way dialogue, and promote mutual understanding. This initiative aims to help early career scientists in particular to become familiar with policy-making at the political level, and for parliamentarians to explore using scientific evidence in policy-making. This initiative is not meant to be an advocacy exercise, and will not include any discussion of science funding or other forms of advocacy.

The Science Meets Parliament model is adapted from the successful Australian program held annually since 1999. Similar initiatives exist in the EU, the UK and Spain.

CSPC’s program aims to benefit Parliamentarians, the scientific community and, as a result, the Canadian public.

SMP Federal 2027

SMP-BC 2027

SMP-ON 2027

SMP Federal 2026

SMP-BC 2026

SMP-ON 2026

SMP Federal 2025

SMP-BC 2025

SMP-ON 2025

SMP-BC 2024

SMP Federal 2024

small group of CSPC attendees posing for the camera

SMP Federal 2023

SMP Federal 2022

SMP Federal 2018

Benefits

BENEFIT FOR MLAS AND POLICYMAKERS

Access to scientific expertise relevant to territorial priorities
Improved understanding of research capacity in the Northwest Territories
Opportunities to explore how science supports economic, social, cultural,and environmental outcomes
Direct engagement with researchers on emerging issues

BENEFIT FOR SCIENTISTS

Insight into territorial governance and policymaking processes
Improved ability to communicate research to decision-makers
Greater understanding of policy relevance and impact pathways
Long-term relationships with policymakers and communities

BENEFIT FOR NORTHERN COMMUNITIES AND THE PUBLIC

Strengthened connections between science and decision-making
Increased awareness of how research supports northern priorities
Enhanced dialogue on locally relevant challenges, solutions, and opportunities

Eligibility

All participants must be affiliated with Canadian institutions and preference will be given to those engaged in research focused on northern priorities identified on the NWT Knowledge Agenda.

Participants will include ~20 researchers, including:

Researchers holding a full-time independent investigator position (for up to 15 years, excluding eligible leave, from their initial appointment)
First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Black researchers holding a full-time independent investigator position
Postdoctoral fellows who are affiliated with a post-secondary institution or affiliated research institute in Canada (Postdoctoral Fellowship status must have been announced no later than January 1, 2025).

Priority will be given to researchers who conduct research in NWT.

Former Science Meets Parliament delegates (federal or provincial) are excluded from the application.

About 20 researchers from a diverse range of disciplines will be invited to participate in Science Meets Parliament Northwest Territories 2027. In future iterations of this program, we hope to expand the application process further to include researchers from more career stages.

A multi-disciplinary committee will oversee the application and selection process, during which the diversity of disciplines, geography, and identities will be considered.

Program

The program consists of several Virtual Zoom sessions, as well as two days in-person in Ottawa, which is currently tentatively scheduled for March 2027.

Please note: In order to participate in the program, you must attend all scheduled events, including all virtual workshops and the in-person day at the Legislature.

The Science Meets Parliament Northwest Territories 2027, similar to other SMP programs, will include:

Pre-event virtual training workshops for SMP delegates (selected researchers) in the two months leading up to the in-person event, covering;
- Northern governance systems and policymaking
- Science communication
- Evidence-informed decision-making
- Engagement with policymakers and communities
- Science Policy 101
- Indigenous Knowledge
Full day in-person training and panel discussions
Day-at-the-Legislature meetings with MLA and other activities

Mandatory requirements

Registration fee: Accepted delegates will be required to pay a registration fee of $1500 ( Independent Investigators) or $1100 (Postdoctoral Fellows), which includes admission to the program, breakfast, lunch, one dinner, and an evening networking reception. All delegates will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Scientists who attend this session are required to share their experience and insights from the SMP program through a lecture at their host institution and/or an editorial in a CSPC-featured editorial series.

Delegates are highly encouraged to publish about their experience in academic or news publications. Participants are also encouraged to publish pieces in other media on their research to engage the general public.

For more information, please contact [email protected]