Conversations at the intersection of science, policy, and society in Canada
Presented by the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) and the Events & Workshops committee, SciPol Digest brings together leaders from academia, government, private sector and civil society to explore pressing issues shaping Canada’s science and innovation ecosystem.
Ep 1
Episode 1
A Deep Dive into the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System
Hosted by: Megan Mahoney, CSPC Program Committee Member
This episode explores the findings and implications of the 2023 report from the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System. Our panel unpacks challenges and opportunities in reforming the structure and governance of Canada’s research funding landscape.
Speakers:
- Frédéric Bouchard
Chair of the advisory Panel - Paul Dufour
Senior Fellow ISSP, University of Ottawa - Chad Gaffield
CEO, U15 Canada - Sarah Laframboise
Executive Director, Support Our Science - Gail Murphy
Vice-President of Research & Innovation, University of British Columbia
Ep 2
Episode 2
Exploring the Impact of the Science Meets Parliament Program
Hosted by: Trushar Patel, SMP Committee Member
We examine the transformative impact of the Science Meets Parliament (SMP) program, a CSPC-led initiative endorsed by Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer. Guests share experiences from the program and reflect on its influence in bridging science and politics in Canada.
Speakers:
- Matt McTaggart
SMP Committee Co-chair - Melissa Perreault
SMP 2022 Delegate - Sylvia Santosa
SMP 2022 Delegate - Matt Jeneroux
Member of Parliament - Honourable Rosa Galvez
Senate of Canada
Ep 3
Episode 3
Funding the Future — Canada’s Investment in Research During Critical Times
Hosted By: Kaitlin Kharas, Executive Director, Support Our Science
This episode analyzes Canada’s federal budget and its implications for the research ecosystem, featuring insights from funding agencies, researchers, postdocs, and MPs.
Speakers:
- Henrietta Bennet
Chair, Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars - Martin Fortin
Vice-President, NSERC - Maxime Blanchette-Joncas
Member of Parliament - Sirmapreet Singh
Research Associate, Evidence for Democracy
Ep 4
Episode 4
Empowering Youth Voices: Y7 and the Future of Diplomacy at G7 2025
Youth involvement and participation in international diplomacy through the Y7 Youth Delegation, with a focus on their role as a consulting body for the 2025 G7 Summit, which Canada is hosting in Kananaskis, Alberta. The discussion is tailored for the Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC) audience.
Speakers:
- David Burge
Lawyer, Head Delegate at the Youth 7 - Jaclyn Hiebert
MPhil/PhD student, Management, University of Exeter - Dr. Tran Thanh Tam Pham
Co-President, Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology - Kebrija Leeks-Kottick
Honours iBA student, International Political Science, York University
Ep 5
Episode 5
The Future of the Scientific International Cooperation in a Geopolitical Shift
Hosted by:
Alexa D’Addario, VP Social Media, Ottawa Science Policy Network
Dr. Gabrielle Girouard, Investment Analyst, Seido Capital
In an era of shifting geopolitical landscapes, how will international scientific cooperation would change? This episode explores the challenges and opportunities facing global research collaborations in a world marked by rising tensions, economic realignments, and shifting alliances.
Speakers:
- Dr. Chad Gaffield
Distinguished University Professor and Professor of History Emeritus, University of Ottawa - Dr. Jennifer Spence
Director, Arctic Initiative, Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School - Dr. Mathieu Denis
Senior Advisor, International Networks at Canadian Institute for Advanced Research - Dr. Costanza Conti
Scientific Attachée, Embassy of Italy to Canada; Professor at University of Florence; Co-Founder and General Coordinator of the Canadian Chapter of Women in Science Diplomacy
Ep 6
Episode 6
Safeguarding Academic Freedom and Evidence-Informed Decision-Making in Canada
Hosted by:
Alexa D’Addario, VP Social Media, Ottawa Science Policy Network
In this episode, we examine the current state of academic freedom and the role of science in shaping evidence-informed decision-making in Canada. Against a global backdrop of growing threats to research funding, academic independence, and the use of scientific evidence in policy, we explore how Canada can strengthen its support for science through robust policy and regulatory frameworks. We explore how academic freedom supports the generation of credible evidence, and how such evidence informs effective, transparent policymaking. We discuss existing academic freedom and scientific integrity policies and their potential to protect researchers, uphold transparency, and reinforce public trust. Academic freedom and evidence-informed decision-making are core pillars of any nation’s scientific credibility and global standing. By safeguarding these foundational principles, Canada can position itself as a global leader in science, attracting top scientific talent and driving innovation in an increasingly unstable world.
Speakers:
- Dr. Michael Arfken
Associate Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and Chair of the Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee at CAUT - Dr. Felix Proulx-Giraldeau
Interim Executive Director at Evidence for Democracy (E4D) - Dr. Monica Granados
Director of Open Science at Creative Commons - Sean O’Reilly
President of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)
Upcoming Episodes
We’re preparing new conversations on timely and critical topics at the intersection of science and policy in Canada. Check back soon or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to listen.
Nouveau : épisodes de balado en français
Conversations à l’intersection de la science, de l’innovation, des politiques et de la société au Canada. Présenté par le Centre canadien sur les politiques scientifiques et le comité des francophiles, SciPol Digest réunit des leaders du milieu universitaire, du gouvernement, du secteur privé et de la société civile pour explorer les enjeux clés qui façonnent l’écosystème canadien de la science et de l’innovation.
Ep 1
Épisode 1
De l’invention à l’InnovAction : La nouvelle stratégie Québécoise
Animé par :
Claire Letanneur, Directrice de l’Innovation et des Partenariats Stratégiques, Ulysse Biotech
Explorer la nouvelle stratégie du Québec en matière de recherche, d’innovation et de commercialisation. Cette discussion portera sur les mesures récentes mises en place pour stimuler les investissements privés en Recherche et Innovation et renforcer la compétitivité des technologies québécoises sur les marchés interprovinciaux et à l’international. L’épisode mettra en lumière l’ambition de cette stratégie économique axée sur les technologies durables ainsi que sur les retombées attendues de cette refonte de l’écosystème d’innovation de la province.
Intervenant(e)s :
- Luc Sirois
Innovateur en chef - Audrey Bonin
Directrice, Développement des affaires en Innovation, Investissement Québec - Frédéric Alberro
Président-Directeur Général, ADRIQ - Meaghan Seagrave
Directrice Exécutive, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada - Sophie D’Amours
Rectrice, Université Laval
