CSPC has served as a gateway for volunteers to gain experience in the Science, Technology and Innovation policy landscape since its inception in 2009, with 1500+ graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career professionals across Canada having served on various CSPC committees.

2022 CSPC volunteer group photo

Being a CSPC volunteer offers an opportunity to:

  • Get an inside look at Canada’s most comprehensive forum for emerging issues of Science, Technology and Innovation policy
  • Gain valuable experience and expertise by advancing CSPC programs and exploring new frontiers in Science, Technology and Innovation policy
  • Network and generate discussion with other professionals in the Science, Technology and Innovation policy field

What is involved in volunteering for CSPC?

Volunteers contribute 3-5 hours per week, with the majority of communications taking place remotely via email and video conference calls.

What are the CSPC committees?

The Conference Program Committee coordinates the content of the annual Canadian Science Policy Conference by overseeing panel sessions, including reviewing and selecting panel proposal submissions, liaising with panel organizers, and coordinating panel sessions.

  • Review and evaluate panel proposals for 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
  • Provide on-site support at the conference as needed

The Editorial Committee oversees the publishing of Editorials, including Special and Featured Editorial Series and Magazines, and the annual Canadian Science Policy Magazine.

  • Identify, recruit, and engage experts to contribute editorials for publication
  • Oversee the full editorial process for Editorials, the Canadian Science Policy Magazine, and other publications (e.g. Canada’s Innovation Strategy Magazine)
  • Suggest themes and topics for the Special Editorial Series

The Event and Workshop Planning Committee coordinates various CSPC events throughout the year. These events include virtual sessions, interviews (including the Science Policy Digest Podcast Series), workshops, and in-person events (e.g., Science Policy Symposium).

  • Plan, coordinate, and deliver CSPC events throughout the year
  • Manage event logistics to ensure professional execution
  • Conduct podcast interviews and support post-production as needed
  • Assist with uploading and maintaining online event materials

The Grant Writing and Research Committee identifies grant funding opportunities and writes grant proposals, as well as conducts research to explore and synthesize relevant content in the fields of science and innovation policy.

  • Identify grant opportunities that align with and advance CSPC’s programs and strategic priorities
  • Conduct literature reviews and background research to inform and strengthen grant proposals
  • Develops high-quality grant applications to secure funding for CSPC initiatives

The Evaluation and Reports Committee assists with designing surveys for CSPC programs, analyzing survey data and giving recommendations for future events.

The Science Meets Parliament Committee, in partnership with the Chief Science Advisor, coordinates Science Meets Parliament by overseeing the application process and arranging meeting schedules between scientists and federal and provincial policymakers.

The Science and Innovation Policy Awards Committee coordinates the Science and Innovation Policy Awards (Youth Award, Trailblazer Awards, and Lifetime Achievement Award), presented at the annual Canadian Science and Innovation Policy Conference. The committee coordinates the call for proposals, referee meetings, and dissemination of competition outcomes.

  • Support the promotion and visibility of the awards
  • Oversee the full nomination, review, and selection process for the annual CSPC Science and Innovation Policy Awards
  • Develop and apply evaluation criteria to ensure a fair, transparent, and rigorous selection process

The Francophile Committee promotes the representation of Francophone communities in CSPC’s programs and the use of French as a language of expression within CSPC.

  • Support Cercle Francophone projects (e.g., content, logistical support)
  • Recommend new Francophone initiatives t0 strengthen CSPC’s relationship with Francophone scientific communities
  • Identify grant and funding opportunities (e.g., funding for simultaneous translation)
  • group shot
  • fun volunteers
  • Duncan and volunteers
  • Nemer and volunteers
  • 2022 CSPC volunteer group photo

Our volunteer roster is currently full for 2026. Any applications received after January 15th, 2026 will be kept on file for consideration in 2027.

Please Note:
• The selection process will be conducted based on the demands 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 and Science and Innovation Policy Awards Committees will not be recruiting new volunteers for the current cycle.