How can the social sciences and humanities enhance our knowledge and understanding of people in the past and present? And how can such knowledge and understanding help make a better future for Canada and the world?
For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of addressing these questions alongside colleagues here at SSHRC, and with partners across Canada and internationally. As I step down as president, I feel more confident than ever that the study of human thought and behaviour is moving to centre stage in global efforts to increase quality of life and to build prosperous, just and resilient societies in the 21st century.
The headlines each day continue to emphasize the challenges of our times. However, SSHRC’s initiatives to enhance the development of talented individuals, to increase insights about the past and present, and to cultivate connections for the benefit of campuses and communities are clearly demonstrating the value of putting people at the heart of our efforts to create a better future.
I want to emphasize my gratitude to all those who have engaged with us, including campus-based leaders and associations as well as partners from across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors. I am indebted to colleagues across the federal government for their collaboration, including those from the other research granting agencies, with whom it has been such a privilege to work shoulder-to-shoulder in advancing our support for Canadian research excellence.
Working with the SSHRC team has been a wonderful experience. The talent and devotion of our team members have inspired and motivated me every day, and have made SSHRC the leader that it is.
I look forward now to contributing in different ways as I return to the University of Ottawa as Professor of History and University Research Chair in Digital Scholarship.
Many thanks again and à la prochaine.
