Volunteer with the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)

The call for the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) Volunteers in 2021 is now open.

CSPC is a grassroots organization that relies on the contribution of volunteers for its development. Get involved today.

Why volunteer for CSPC?

Since its inception in 2009, the CSPC as a grass root organization, has been relying on the contribution of volunteers for its development. Cumulatively, more than 1000 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career professionals from various disciplines across Canada have served on 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.

CSPC 2021 is currently full – we’re not recruiting any new volunteers at this moment.

Being a CSPC volunteer offers exciting opportunities to:

Gain valuable experience and expertise to meaningfully impact the Canadian science policy landscape
Help shape the future of Canadian science policy by organizing a national conference
Network and generate discussions with other professionals in the science, technology, and innovation policy field in an inclusive environment
Get an inside look at CSPC, a national hub for science policy in Canada
Through CSPC, expand your leadership skills and take initiative in advancing new projects and exploring new frontiers in science policy
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 conference calls. Therefore, you can be 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?

Conference Program*

The committee coordinates the content of the annual conference by coordinating the call for panel proposals for the CSPC annual conference, liaising with panel organizers and coordinating the organization of the panels, and the delivery of these sessions at the conference to meet conference objectives.

Editorial and Website

The committee is responsible for coordinating opinion sections and soliciting editorial and thought pieces from experts for the Editorial page, and maintaining, editing, posting, and updating the content on the CSPC website. In 2019, the editorial committee launched the inaugural issue of The Canadian Science Policy Magazine, which continues as an annual print and online magazine.

Event and Workshop Planning

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 once it is safe to resume them.

Grant Writing

The committee is responsible for identifying grant funding opportunities for CSPC and pursuing them. Grant writing experience is encouraged.

Multimedia

The committee is responsible for the development of video recording, promotional video clips, and other audio-visual media for CSPC. This committee works collaboratively with other committees as needed, in addition to producing content independently.

Survey Development

The committee will assist with designing, distributing, and analyzing a survey of the CSPC attendees to assess the conference according to its goals and objectives. This committee will produce a report based on the survey results with a summary and recommendations for future conferences.

Science Meets Parliament*

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.

Science Policy Awards

The committee is responsible for the coordination of the promotion and selection process of the science policy awards. Awards include: Youth award and Exceptional Contributions to Science Policy: Trailblazers and Life Time Achievement categories. . The committee is responsible for the call for and collection of proposals, coordination of referee meetings, and dissemination of competition outcome.

Social Media

The committee is responsible for operating CSPC’s social media accounts: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and promoting the CSPC programs and relevant content in science and innovation policy fields. Expanding the reach of CSPC to relevant organizations and individuals according to CSPC’s vision and mission to strengthen the linkages between science and policy.

*Note: Both Science Meets Parliament and program development committees require relevant knowledge and experience in the science and innovation policy sector and allow for a limited number of volunteers from each sector (academia, government, the private sector, and non-profit sector).