A newsletter for members of our vibrant college
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CSSH Newsletter
January 2026
College Dean's Message
tân'si, nitôtêmak,
As dean of CSSH, part of my role is often described as building an interdisciplinary teaching and research culture within the college. I would nuance that slightly. I do not see this work as creating something new, but as building on what already exists. That culture is already here. My responsibility is to recognize it, support it and help it grow by removing barriers and by amplifying and celebrating the work that faculty, staff and students are already doing together across departments, faculties, colleges and disciplines. Over the coming months, we want to give voice to this work by highlighting initiatives that reflect these shared commitments.
Today, we share a conversation that offers one example in practice. The TRSI Hub is an exemplar of interdisciplinary collaboration rooted in long-standing cross-disciplinary relationships and collective effort. It didn't emerge overnight or from a single office. The interview below shows what becomes possible when leadership builds on existing work and when interdisciplinary teams are trusted to shape the future of research, teaching and even service.
Pishshapmishko,
Chris Andersen
A Confluence of Leaders
How the TRSI Hub is bridging research, community and social action at the University of Alberta.
College Updates
Black History Month
In February, we celebrate and recognize Black History Month. At the University of Alberta, this month offers an opportunity to highlight the work of Black students, faculty, staff and alumni, and to reflect on our collective responsibility to advance equity, inclusion and belonging across our campuses. We invite the CSSH community to engage with the events, stories, and resources being shared throughout the month, many led by and with members of our college, and to carry this learning and commitment forward all year long.
In recognition of Black History Month, the Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures course is available at no cost for learners who register by Feb. 28. (Registered learners will have until Mar. 7 to complete the course.)
Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy
The Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy has officially launched the Undergraduate Certificate in Politics & Democracy, beginning with its first course, INTD 227. Discover how the course is already making an impact in this feature article, along with notable coverage from CityNews and CBC Radio Active.
Office of Access, Community and Belonging & Indigenous Initiatives
Video Library
To help researchers re-imagine their research processes and design, the Office of the Vice-President (Research) has built a video library dedicated to integrating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in research. These videos will help researchers set up their research spaces in ways that support and benefit diverse research staff and partners, vital contributors to the research process.
Recently added videos:
Save the Date: The Nest Film Screening and Q & A with Julietta Singh
March 11, 2026
5 - 7 p.m.
Education North 2-115
Register here
In conjunction with the CSSH Office of ACB & Indigenous Initiatives, the Faculty of Education is excited to present a screening of The Nest, followed by a Q & A with filmmaker Julietta Singh.
The documentary follows Singh as she says goodbye to her haunted childhood home at the end of her mother's life. As she digs into the house’s history, she uncovers 140 years of forgotten matriarchs and political rebels.
Office of Research
Research Administration Education Series
One way the Research Partner Network supports researchers and administrators is by providing education and training. Our Research Administration Education Series (RAES) continues with the following webinars:
Series 1, Session 1: Finding and Applying for Funding (via Zoom)
Monday, Feb. 2, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Register
Research Administration Pop-Up
Members of the Research Partner Network will be live and in-person to answer your research administration questions. These could include questions about different research policies, working in the Researcher Home Page, eligibility of expenses, applying for funding, etc. Registration is not required:
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Clinical Sciences Bldg 2-191
Not able to attend? We are happy to meet you in person, via telephone, or virtually at a time that works for you — just email us at rsoinfo@ualberta.ca.
Research Accessibility Support Fund: Deadline Extended
The deadline to apply for the Research Accessibility Support Fund has been extended to Feb. 27.
This fund supports researchers who have accessibility-related costs associated with their research or research dissemination. The annual fund is $20,000. Approved funds will be released on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here for more information.
Lab2Market Discover Program
Join the movement of scientists and researchers looking to explore the impact of their research beyond academia.
10-week, FREE virtual program
Open to Researchers in STEM and Social Sciences: College researchers, Master's, PhDs and Postdocs
Application Deadline: Jan. 30. Apply now.
Program start: Feb. 10
Questions? Contact Emille Rodrigues (Program Manager, Lab2Market Alberta) at martinaz@ualberta.ca
Lab2Market Launch
This 4-month immersive program is crafted for entrepreneurial students and research teams who have done some initial customer validation of their ideas and are ready to turn technology-driven ideas into real-world ventures.
$10,000 in funding to take your research to the next level
Application Deadline: Feb. 25. Apply now.
Program start: June 2026
Questions?
Join our upcoming online Info Session on Jan. 14 - register here.
Contact Emille Rodrigues (Program Manager, Lab2Market Alberta) at martinaz@ualberta.ca
Performance Corner
Department of Drama: Tartuffe
Comic extravagances ensue as Studio Theatre brings Molière's classic farce to the Timms stage.
Date: Feb. 5-14
Location: Timms Centre for the Arts
Learn more
Department of Art & Design: The Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada 2024
Check out the award-winning books from Canada's only national competition for book design. Running in the FAB Gallery until Feb. 7.
Learn more
Department of Music: Hercules
Join us for an exclusive presentation and celebration of G. F. Handel’s rarely performed oratorio, Hercules.
Date: Feb. 28
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Convocation Hall, North Campus
Learn more
College News
New Episode of SSH: The Podcast
A discussion with Robert Wood, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta. In this episode, Dean Wood talks through the faculty's strategic directions, its breadth of research and creativity, and the impact the Arts has both institutionally and on broader society.
'Sounds of Research' turns data into decibels
From brain waves and solar storms to urban noise and ancestral voices, a new competition challenges researchers to capture the sonic essence of their work.
In photos: The Alberta School of Business PhD Research Conference
The annual Business PhD Research Conference celebrates collaboration and research excellence across the school.
College of Social Sciences + Humanities
Expanding the boundaries of knowledge and understanding to foster a creative, equitable, inclusive, just and democratic society, with opportunity and well-being for all.
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