Originally posted by Mitacs on 10/26/2013 at http://www.mitacs.ca/en/newsroom/news-release/mitacs-and-sshrc-form-unique-partnership

Joint initiative will support graduate student training and business innovation in Canada

Mitacs and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council are pleased to announce a joint initiative to create stronger connections between Canadian companies and social sciences and humanities graduate students.

Industry will have increased access to vital skills that will help them succeed in today’s global marketplace including strong analysis and communications skills, the ability to address complex issues, knowledge of the history, culture and languages of emerging markets. These are all skills inherent in training among the social sciences and humanities as reflected among current Accelerate internships. “As a social science graduate student, I found my Mitacs Accelerate internship very valuable. It enabled me to enter the lives of wild food harvesters working in remote northern forests, and apply my findings to helping them access new urban markets,” said Dylan Gordon, a PhD candidate in the department of Anthropology at the University of Toronto. “I would encourage social sciences and humanities students to pursue the opportunities Mitacs offers.”

The joint initiative between SSHRC and Mitacs is designed to ensure seamless flow of Mitacs Accelerate internships for social sciences and humanities graduate students working on research projects with recipients of SSHRC Grants. As a result, these students will have increased opportunities to enhance the contribution of their research while applying their expertise to unique industry challenges. “Dylan’s research identified innovative ways to understand and overcome the unique challenges of sourcing our products,” said Jonathan Forbes, president of the premier supplier of foods from the Canadian wilderness, Forbes Wild Foods. “I was impressed with the depth of insight that social sciences delivered.”

Over the next year, Mitacs will consult widely with Canada’s social sciences and humanities researchers with a goal to evolve its suite of programs to better suit this important research community.

“Business success and innovation in the 21st century comes from a deep understanding of people – our cultures and history, our behaviour, and the motivations that influence our decision-making,” said Chad Gaffield, President of SSHRC. “In partnership with Mitacs, we are able to provide further support to the talented graduate students who are producing these insights, as we strengthen connections among researchers and industry for maximum benefit.”

“We have been working with the social sciences and humanities community since 2007 and look forward to working even more closely through SSHRC to increase their participation in the suite of Mitacs programs,” said Dr. Arvind Gupta, CEO and Scientific Director for Mitacs. “This partnership will ensure that Mitacs gains a better understanding of how our programs can bring the unique skill set afforded by the social sciences and humanities to make Canadian business more innovative, competitive, and productive.”

About SSHRC

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is the federal granting agency that promotes and supports post-secondary research and training in the humanities and social sciences. Through its programs, SSHRC develops talented leaders, supports research that generates insights about people, and builds connections across all sectors of society, with a view to creating a better future. For more information on SSHRC, visit www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca.

About Mitacs

Mitacs is a national, private not-for-profit organization that develops the next generation of innovators with vital scientific and business skills through a suite of unique research and training programs, such as Mitacs Accelerate, Elevate, Step and Globalink. In partnership with companies, government and universities, Mitacs is supporting a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource – its people. For more information on Mitacs, visit www.mitacs.ca.

For more information:

Ursula Gobel

• Director, Communications
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
• Tel: 613-992-4283
• ursula.gobel(at)sshrc-crsh.gc.ca

Media Contacts

Heather Young

• Director, Communications
• Mitacs
• hyoung@mitacs.ca
• 604-818-0020

Chelsea Dibble

• Communications Specialist
• Mitacs
• cdibble@mitacs.ca
• 604-827-3094