Big Thinking Lecture Series

Presented by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the Big Thinking lecture series is committed to bringing big ideas in the humanities and social sciences to new audiences - creating opportunities for researchers to challenge and inspire policy makers, citizens, academics, students and community members on the critical questions of our time.

Big Thinking on the Hill's audience consists of MPs, senators, policymakers, and members of the public. Big Thinking at Congress takes place at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, which brings together academics, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners to share findings, refine ideas, and build partnerships that will help shape the Canada of tomorrow.

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences welcomes proposals for a Big Thinking lecture or panel featuring scholar(s) in any discipline of the humanities and social sciences, on the topic of the 2020 US election.

The event will take place virtually on a date to be determined, sometime between October 20 – November 17, 2020.

Presented by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the Big Thinking lecture series is committed to bringing big ideas in the humanities and social sciences to new audiences – creating opportunities for researchers to challenge and inspire policy makers, citizens, academics, students and community members on the critical questions of our time. The Big Thinking series is made possible through the support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Potential themes to explore may include, but are not limited to, the implications of the election results, from a pre- or post-election perspective, on:

• Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences
• International relations and global security
• Inequality and social justice
• Canada-US trade and border policy
• Climate change and environmental policy

In addition to academics and researchers, Big Thinking's audience consists of MPs, senators, policymakers, and members of the public, making this a valuable opportunity to connect your research directly with decision-makers. Media exposure and meetings with MPs may also be arranged.

For our archive of past Big Thinking events, including videos, see www.ideas-idees.ca/events/big-thinking/archives-big-thinking

Virtual Big Thinking events typically consist of a twenty-minute presentation followed by a moderated, prepared Q&A session, and a moderated Q&A with the audience.

To submit a proposal, please fill out the online form by August 7, 2020. You will be asked to upload a PDF containing a) the title and abstract (max 200 words) of your proposed talk and b) a CV (max two pages). Applicants not retained for this event may be contacted about future opportunities on this theme.