canadian science policy fellowship
in collaboration with canada’s research and policy communities, mitacs has established the canadian science policy fellowship. the first initiative of its kind in canada, fellowship is made possible thanks to the government of canada and participating government offices; the government of british columbia and participating government offices; the university of ottawa’s institute for science, society and policy; professor sarah otto, department of zoology, university of british columbia; the university of victoria; and the canadian science policy fellowship advisory council. participating hosts for the fellowship include host offices from the governments of canada and british columbia, and quebec.
the fellowship aims to:
- form mutually beneficial relationships between government decision makers and academic researchers in support of policy challenges in canada
- enhance science communication, collaboration, and policy capacity in government offices
- contribute to evidence-informed decision making in canada’s public service
- create a national network of expertise among academic researchers fostering public policy contributors across academia, government, not-for-profit organizations, and industry
fellowship activities
the fellowship provides a 12-month immersion into the policy-making process. working in host offices with government decision makers and stakeholders, fellows contribute their academic expertise and analytical skills to inform policy actions. fellows’ participation in policy activities provides them with the direct training and experience to address challenges of national public importance.
during the fellowship, mitacs and its partners provide professional development, skill-building, and networking events, which will enhance fellows’ policy-related knowledge and capabilities and expand their networks. mitacs instructor-led courses are mandatory and focus on developing two central themes: increasing awareness of canadian public policy (federal and/or provincial), and strengthening communication and relationship building skills with diverse stakeholders, including government and academia.