IDRC and SSHRC Launch New International Partnerships for Sustainable Societies

OTTAWA, Oct. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) today signed an agreement to invest up to $12.5 million in the International Partnerships for Sustainable Societies (IPaSS). This new seven-year initiative will bring Canadian researchers and their peers in low- or middle-income countries together to work on issues of mutual interest.  IPaSS partnerships will transcend national boundaries and facilitate collaboration between researchers and students and public, private, or civil society organizations.

As globalization, new communication technologies, climate change, and other forces reshape societies, Canada and the world face social, economic, and environmental opportunities and challenges.

"Science and research are public goods," said IDRC President David Malone.  "In an era of globalization, it's critical that knowledge on issues like the economy, green growth, and technology be explored and shared across borders so that we might build safer, healthier, and more  equitable societies."
"The knowledge generated by this new international collaboration will deepen our understanding of important global issues and will highlight the contributions of social sciences and humanities research to developing solutions that benefit all sectors of society in Canada and around the world," said SSHRC President Chad Gaffield.

IPaSS will support strategic research in four areas:

•     Information and Networks: The digital revolution, characterized by the widespread use of mobile technology and the internet in the developing world, has created opportunities for disadvantaged communities to improve learning outcomes, benefit from greater government openness and accountability and create new economic prospects.   Researchers will work to develop understanding of how accelerated advances in networked technologies, will transform governance, science, learning and livelihoods.
•     Inclusive Growth: Despite overall economic growth and fewer people living in poverty, growth has not always led to better jobs or to increased income opportunities for the poor.   Researchers will seek to develop policies and practices that create decent jobs and encourage the development of enterprises, particularly for women and young people.
•     Governance, Security, and Justice: As some 1.5 billion people live in areas affected by violent conflict and organized crime, researchers will help States and societies build secure, equitable, and responsive societies.
•     Green Growth: At a time when the global economy and climate change top policy agendas around the globe, researchers will deepen understanding how societies can spur economic growth in a way that simultaneously promotes environmental sustainability.

Building on many years of cooperation, IPaSS will further IDRC's and SSHRC's goal to put the social sciences at the service of the public and ensure that they address issues of mutual concern to Canada and the world.

University-based experts from Canada and from low- and middle-income countries will be invited to submit research proposals on these four themes. Up to 10 applicants will receive seed funding to develop a formal application.  Up to five partnerships retained after an international merit review will then receive up to CA$2.5 million over four to seven years to carry out the research.

Inquiries regarding the International Partnerships for Sustainable Societies (IPaSS) should be addressed to: [email protected].


About SSHRC
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is the federal agency that promotes and supports postsecondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. Through its Talent, Insight and Connections programs, SSHRC is helping to build a better future for Canada and the world. For more information, www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca.

About IDRC
A key part of Canada's aid program, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. IDRC also encourages sharing this knowledge with policymakers, other researchers, and communities around the world. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that aim to bring change to those who need it most. www.idrc.ca

SOURCE: International Development Research Centre