Cultivating the best minds in Canadian research

Sherbrooke, le 01 novembre 2024 – From October 21 to 23, outstanding researchers came to the exceptional research environment of the Université de Sherbrooke, which took on the challenge of organizing an in-person event for the third edition of this major scientific gathering that was both illuminating and connecting.

This year’s Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) and Canada 150 Research Chairs (C150) Symposium, which was held in person for the very first time, became a unique opportunity for these researchers to meet key people while discovering the Université de Sherbrooke, a flagship institution of Canadian research that ranked 10th on the list of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities 2023.

About one hundred participants representing 24 Canadian universities from coast to coast came to this event co-organized by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS). For the twenty-four CERC chairholders and two C150 chairholders who accepted the invitation, this symposium is a can’t-miss event. These researchers are leaders in their fields and are recruited internationally by Canada.

“This symposium attracts some of our country’s best scientists to help them fully understand the Canadian research system and creates a network for them to exchange practices and meet significant people in this network. The program we created aimed to do exactly that while letting attendees visit some of our finest research facilities, such as the CORSÈVE greenhouses and the Institut quantique”, said Jean-Pierre Perreault, Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, Université de Sherbrooke.

Talks, roundtables, and networking sessions were some of the planned activities not only for the CERC and C150 chairholders but also for key members of their teams and the heads of these chairs’ affiliated universities.

Navigating the Canadian research system

Directing a research program in Canada from another country requires some guideposts, if only to better understand the Canadian cultural context and its funding agencies.

Some leading names in research shared their expertise on this topic, such as McGill University’s Vincent Mooser (CERC in Genomic Medicine, From Genes to Next Generation Therapies), who moderated the panel discussion on Preparing the Chairholder for the Canadian Research Environment. 

Understanding and managing what universities expect of CERC chairholders was one of the topics discussed, as was managing the chairs’ budget and responsibilities, tapping into the strengths of the Canadian university system, understanding the funding system, and getting help on questions related to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

EDI practices a key part of the program

Openness to others through best practices in EDI is a research priority at UdeS. EDI considerations were explored in greater depth from various standpoints, particularly when it comes to Indigenous Peoples in research. What are the best strategies to adopt and the pitfalls to avoid when working with Indigenous students in the university environment? This was the topic of a discussion moderated by Heather Igloliorte (CERC in Decolonial and Transformational Indigenous Art Practices, University of Victoria) that featured three panellists.

Heather Igloliorte, Professor, Visual Arts Department, University of Victoria, said : “As CERC chairholders, we have not only the chance but also the responsibility to involve Indigenous students in our research whenever possible. We must also build the capacity of talented new researchers and help them acquire the essential skills they will need to help their communities in the future.  [...] My recruitment tip to anyone who wants to have Indigenous student researchers in their laboratory or on their project is to cast a wide net. These students are unlikely to all come from the same university or even the same province. For example, you can ask colleagues at other universities whether they have any interested Indigenous students in their classes. You can also put out a call for students to participate in funded study trips, or set up a meet-and-greet at an upcoming conference in your field.”

Women in science and engineering was also a key discussion topic, notably during a Q&A session featuring Eve Langelier, an expert in this area who has held the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (Quebec) at the Université de Sherbrooke for a number of years.

Quantum revolution and climate action

A number of major societal issues were talked about throughout the symposium, starting with quantum computing and its potential benefits. Alexandre Blais, Scientific Director of the Institut quantique at the Université de Sherbrooke and co-creator of the field of circuit quantum electrodynamics, gave the audience insights into this fascinating science with his lecture on the Second Quantum Revolution.

Climate action was also addressed from a transdisciplinary standpoint. One speaker explored this topic through the very specific lens of engaging public and private sector stakeholders for urban decarbonization action via living labs and digital twins. One of the four panellists for this discussion was Marie-Luc Arpin, Co-Research Chair in Net Zero and Life Cycle Strategies at the Université de Sherbrooke.

Striking the spark that propels knowledge

This event was also a platform for in-depth exploration on knowledge mobilization and scientific communication in Canada. In fact, this theme was the through line for two very different but complementary workshops led by Carrie Boyce, Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience).

The theoretical component was first presented at a participatory workshop entitled Moving Beyond Publication: The Future of Knowledge Mobilization in Canada. This activity addressed strategies for building meaningful connections with the media, improving the public’s understanding of research, and informing public decision-making.

The second part had four CERC chairholders put theory into practice at Spark After Dark, a fun and friendly networking competition held at the Université de Sherbrooke’s Design Studio. At an event skilfully led by Carrie Boyce, the participants squared off in a science-themed game show while interacting with an engaged audience.

Overall, the 2024 edition of the CERC/C150 Symposium, which was held at the Université de Sherbrooke’s main campus, clearly has a place as one of Canada’s flagship research events.

Research to the power of ten!

It is no accident that the Université de Sherbrooke stands out in research. The secret to its success has been the strategic blend of its three signature strengths: partnership, interdisciplinarity, and the pooling of resources. Learn more about what helped UdeS rank 10th for research in Canada.

Additional links:

Learn more about the speakers at the 2024 CERC/C150 Symposium

Discover the UdeS Institut quantique

Discover the UdeS Design Studio

Discover the UdeS CORSÈVE greenhouses

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Information:

Isabelle Huard, Media Relations Advisor
Communications Department | Université de Sherbrooke
medias@USherbrooke.ca | 819-821-8000, extension 63395