The upcoming 45th Canadian federal election promises to shake up the Canadian research sector in significant ways. As incidents of political polarization, online mis/disinformation, and political inference in science continue to increase in frequency, Evidence for Democracy is working to change the public conversation and protect the value and integrity of science and research in this upcoming election year. 

As part of these efforts, E4D launched the Safeguarding Science and Research in an Election Year event series with its second event “Reframing the Value Proposition of Social Science and Humanities to Society and Policy: Safeguarding Science & Research in an Election Year Event Series?” Co-hosted by the Federation for Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS), the panel event brought together expert panellists for an in-depth conversation on how to pitch the value of social sciences and humanities with government decision-makers, and with the Canadian public.

Here are the top three takeaways.

1) More Than Just Economics

The panel discussions highlighted that the value of humanities and social sciences extends well beyond simple economic benefits, and rather impacts wellness outcomes, teaches empathy, and practices responsible citizenship. Panellists emphasized that performance art, for example, acts as an exercise in empathy, enabling Canadians to see the world from another’s viewpoint, and better understand different perspectives. Research into these fields can help us discover public values and priorities, and ultimately assist policymakers by providing insight into how their decisions can better reflect the needs of Canadians. Finally, humanities and social sciences play a crucial role in developing Canadian society that is not only economically prosperous, but one that is inclusive, fair, and culturally rich.  

2) STEM’s Essential Partner

Panellists also stressed that the humanities and social sciences are not “fuzzy alternatives” to STEM fields, but instead are complementary to these fields, offering valuable perspectives and unique viewpoints that can help address complex societal challenges. The humanities and social sciences also provide much-needed context to STEM practitioners, and can help fill in the gaps presented by technical proposals from STEM and more accurately gauge the social and cultural impacts of policies.

Furthermore, panellists indicated that humanities and social sciences help learners develop flexible, highly adaptable skill sets that are essential for creative problem-solving and developing innovative solutions. These disciplines are critical to analysing the broader social implications of technical or scientific advancements, and ultimately ensuring that progress in technology, such as a new artificial intelligence tool, aligns with both societal values and ethical considerations of Canadians.

3) Fighting the “War on Knowledge”

All panellists emphasized their growing concern over the ongoing “war on knowledge and truth” that is proving a challenge to traditional Canadian evidence-informed decision-making.  The involvement of politics in either suppressing or minimizing specific fields of both study and research (e.g. gender studies) can undermine the use of evidence and critical thinking in Canada, in terms of how decisions are made and how society functions more broadly. Ultimately, this type of political interference can prove very costly to the public good of all Canadians.  

Panellists also mentioned that Canadians – with their own responsibilities and priorities – can often be low-information voters. Challenges (like financial stress) can make it difficult for Canadians to be fully informed on key issues, and can present unique barriers for evidence advocates when trying to communicate the value of humanities and social sciences research – both for Canadians, and for society more broadly. Panellists discussed that a scarcity mindset can lead to prioritizing research that leads to immediate economic impact, often at the expense of other less politically popular (but equally important) areas of research. 

What Can We Do? Key Steps to Safeguard Science in Canada

So, how can we protect these vital areas of research, especially during an election year? Here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Demand Evidence-Informed Policy: Let your elected officials know you want decisions based on solid research, not just political agendas.
2. Support Researchers: Advocate for funding and resources that allow researchers in social sciences and humanities to thrive.
3. Promote Public Engagement: Attend talks, share articles, and talk to your friends and family about the importance of social sciences and humanities.
4. Combat Misinformation: Be critical of what you read online and share – look for credible sources and call out false or misleading information.
5. Encourage Cross-Sector Collaboration: Support partnerships between universities, industry, and community organizations to expand the impact of research.
6. Reform Graduate Studies: Advocate for frameworks that better support graduate students and maximize the public good. 
7. Build a Unified Voice: Join organizations like Evidence for Democracy and the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences to advocate for science and research.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our Takeaway Report!

Evidence for Democracy will be continuing the Safeguarding Science and Research in an Election Year event series later in 2025, so stay tuned for updates!