Good afternoon, members of the committee.
My name is Karine Morin and, since last June, I have been president and chief executive officer of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. We truly appreciate the study this committee has undertaken on the proposed new capstone research funding organization, and we thank you for the invitation to appear before you.
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is the national voice for disciplines dedicated to the advancement of an inclusive, democratic and prosperous society. Our membership includes 76 post-secondary institutions and 80 scholarly associations together representing a diverse community of more than 90,000 researchers and graduate students across the country. The federation mobilizes new knowledge by supporting researchers across disciplines to inform and inspire policy and action in community and institutions, and across society.
The federation fully supports bringing strategic focus and coordination to Canada's research system, while preserving those features that have led to Canada's strong record of research excellence. The new capstone organization must build upon the foundational strength of the federal granting councils, respecting the current structure and funding levels that support the advancement of investigator-driven research and talent development in the humanities and social sciences.
The federation has three recommendations to achieve that.
First, to ensure the sustainability of federal investments and support for the humanities and social sciences, the new capstone organization, through its mission-oriented research, must recognize that many of the challenges we face are human-centred. Therefore, to contribute to concrete solutions, it is essential that a significant proportion of research be conducted by researchers in the social sciences and humanities.
Second, the capstone organization must integrate support for indigenous research and equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization.
Third, the capstone organization's governance must be inclusive and build on the strengths of all disciplines.
Let me offer a few more details about each of these three points.
First, the capstone's definitions of mission-driven research, innovation and impact must be inclusive of all disciplines and account for the inherent differences between natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, social sciences and humanities. Addressing diverse challenges facing our democracy, our prosperity, our environment and our humanity demands insights across all fields. It will be critical that new funding opportunities be conceived not only as scientific and technological solutions but also as human-centred ones that fully consider ethical, environmental, legal and social considerations alongside economic ones.
Second, support for indigenous research and for broader principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization must be embedded within the capstone. Continuous consultation and partnerships with first nations, Inuit and Métis scholars and their communities are vital. We strongly recommend that the capstone build upon the important progress made by the federal granting councils on advancing indigenous research, increasing equitable access to funding opportunities, promoting inclusive excellence and providing necessary guidance and support to institutions in all of these aspects, including through the dimensions program.
Finally, it's critical that the governance of the capstone be diverse, with representatives from across different sectors and disciplines reflective of Canada's own diversity. The granting councils remain best positioned to address the distinct disciplinary needs and strengths of Canada's research communities, and the capstone must build upon these foundations.
In conclusion, integrating the perspectives of the humanities and social sciences will be essential to the success of the capstone organization and will enable it to direct research and its funding in a way that improves the daily lives of Canadians.
We look forward to continued dialogue with the federal government as the capstone organization continues to evolve.
Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your questions.