2021–22 research fellows to work with government offices to support critical policy decisions
Ottawa, ON — Starting this fall, 19 researchers are undertaking one-year placements in participating government offices across Canada as part of the 2021–22 Canadian Science Policy Fellowship (CSPF). With diverse expertise ranging from anthropology to computer science, the fellows will work on the development of policy-based solutions to key issues of the times.
Since its launch in 2016, CSPF has matched 114 fellows with hosts across Canada. Through the fellowship, accomplished PhD holders receive training in public policy while applying their academic training, critical thinking, and analytical skills to support evidence-informed decision-making. They address policy challenges within government agencies and departments.
The program has also proven to be an effective career path for PhDs transitioning from academia to industry.
The recipients of the 2021–22 Canadian Science Policy Fellowship are:
- Aaron Maxwell, McMaster University
- Hosted by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- Alana Wilcox, University of Guelph
- Hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Ariola Visha, University of Toronto
- Hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Azadeh Maroufmashat, University of Waterloo
- Hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Bhuvanesh Awasthi, Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)
- Hosted by Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
- Caroline Pao, University of Toronto
- Hosted by Public Health Agency of Canada / National Microbiology Laboratory
- Charlotte de Keyzer, University of Toronto
- Hosted by Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)
- Dilek Sayedahmed, Concordia University
- Hosted by British Columbia Ministry of Health
- Gina Kemp, McGill University
- Hosted by Public Health Agency of Canada / Office of the Chief Science Officer
- Jennifer Taylor, University of Toronto
- Hosted by the Department of National Defence
- Leena Thorat, York University
- Hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Maxime Boucher, Université de Montréal
- Hosted by Public Health Agency of Canada / Office of the Chief Science Officer
- Miriam Hird-Younger, University of Toronto
- Hosted by the Department of National Defence
- Olivia de Goede, Stanford University
- Hosted by Health Sector Information, Analysis and Reporting Division, British Columbia Ministry of Health
- Roya Jamarani, McGill University
- Hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Sai Priya Anand, McGill University
- Hosted by Public Health Agency of Canada / National Microbiology Laboratory
- Samantha Hollingshead, Carleton University
- Hosted by Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
- Sarah King, McGill University
- Hosted by Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Sasan Ebrahimi, Simon Fraser University
- Hosted by Transport Canada
To learn more about the 2021–22 CSPF fellows, read their biographies.
Quotes:
John Hepburn, CEO Mitacs
“Mitacs underscores the belief that research is key to transforming policy challenges into solutions—increasingly important in the current global landscape. As we strive to build bridges between academia and policymakers, we are pleased to announce this new cohort of Canadian Science Policy fellows. This work is possible thanks to the ongoing support of our partners, especially the Government of Canada.”
About Mitacs:
- Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions.
- Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.
###
