It’s been a year of research-intensive events and activities in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) and one of the most notable initiatives has been the Research Matters series. It attempts to answer the question: “Why does research matter?” In particular, it focuses on the ways in which LA&PS researchers – both faculty and students – are using their skills and expertise to address timely community, cultural, social, economic and industry challenges.
There are two more Research Matters sessions scheduled this year, open to the York community. The first, which will be held on March 24 from 10am to noon in 109 Atkinson Building, takes up the theme of knowledge mobilization. Michael Johnny, manager of York’s Knowledge Mobilization Unit, will provide general insights into what knowledge mobilization is and how it ties to LA&PS researchers. Professor Nick Mulé from the School of Social Work will discuss his knowledge mobilization efforts in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender research.
The second session will be held on April 19 from 10am to noon in 305 York Lanes and will focus on human rights, international law and global health policy. Political science Professor Les Jacobs, director of the York Centre for Public Policy & Law, will present in collaboration with four emerging York scholars: Hope Olumide Shamonda (PhD candidate in philosophy); Mark Staz (PhD candidate in philosophy); Ruby Dhand (PhD candidate in law); and Mariette Brennan (PhD candidate in law).
The series has also explored topics ranging from pandemic planning, indigenous research and China’s competitive advantage in the world market to the grammar of aid in international development, community engagement as methodological practice, and, most recently, the value of Canada’s North.
“One of the highlights of the year for me in the role of associate dean, research, has been the launch of this series,” says Professor Barbara Crow. “I’ve gained helpful insight into the individual and collaborative research undertakings of faculty and students, and enjoyed watching connections being made between academic research and what’s going on in our communities, our workplaces and our lives.”
To RSVP for either of the upcoming sessions, e-mail Lorraine Myrie at lmyrie@yorku.ca.
Missed out on a Research Matters session? Videos and audio files are available online.