Dec. 15, 2020

New research project supports UCalgary and West African scholar exchange

Universities Canada, Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program looks to produce "transformational" social workers and social scientists.
An image from Universities Canada website
UCalgary project looks to produce "transformative" social workers and social scientists Universities Canada

A  new research project supporting a new generation of highly skilled Social Work and Social Science scholars in Canada and West Africa was recently announced by Universities Canada.

The project, entitled Partnering for Innovation in Women-led Social Work and Social Science in West Africa - will support research-focused exchanges for doctoral researchers, post-doctoral fellows and early career scientists between the University of Calgary and Central African countries.

The goals of the UCalgary project include increasing institutional capacity to produce social workers and social scientists who can be a transformational force for communities at home and abroad.

The project is part of Universities Canada’s Queen Elizabeth Scholarships - Advanced Scholars program, which will provide funding to more than 200 Canadian and West African researchers and advanced scholars

The University of Calgary project – one of 11 across Canada – will emphasize: Education and Innovation Systems; Climate Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems; and Ethics in Development Research. It’s anticipated that up to 16 scholars will be involved.

The goals of the UCalgary project include increasing institutional capacity to produce social workers and social scientists who can be a transformational force for communities at home and abroad.

The second goal is to find solutions to social challenges in West Africa through research on how existing social systems and traditional knowledge affect climate resilience.

In a release, Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada said, “2020 has demonstrated that global connections are more important than ever. QES scholars are the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders in Canada and around the world.  Through their applied research, creative leadership, and professional networking, these scholars will contribute to stronger economies and prosperous societies, and significantly enrich the knowledge base within their respective fields.”