Laurentian University Researchers Awarded Federal Funding From the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

(July 27, 2026)– Laurentian University is once again celebrating the remarkable success of its faculty members following the national funding announcement by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Five distinct research initiatives across diverse disciplines have been awarded a combined total of $1,114,050 in federal funding to advance vital scholarship, community partnerships, and social impact. This funding announcement builds on the recent funding commitments from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The SSHRC-funded projects span a number of societal themes, including minority-language education, Indigenous reconciliation, family dynamics in modern sport, scholarly publishing, and historical treaty relations.

"These grants are critically important for our researchers and the training of our students," said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University. "These investments from the federal government ensure that our faculty can continue to produce impactful, community-driven knowledge that addresses complex lived experiences at local, national, and international levels. Congratulations to all of our recipients."

“Research is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of our community. When we invest in research, we invest in our future, strengthening the health, safety, and well-being of the people who call our region home. For decades, Laurentian University has been a leader in innovative, world-class research that delivers real-world results and helps address the challenges facing our communities. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s SSHRC-funded researchers. I am proud of our government’s commitment to supporting Canadian-led research and investing in homegrown solutions that make a meaningful difference in communities across the country.”– Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

The newly funded projects include:

2025 Aid to Scholarly Journals Grant

• Lead: Simon Laflamme
• Project Title: Grant to support the publication of the journal Nouvelles perspectives en sciences sociales

2025 Partnership Development Grant

• Lead: Chantal Mayer-Crittenden
• Project Title: S'épanouir en français : une initiative partenariale de recherche pour accompagner et suivre les progrès des élèves en milieu minoritaire
• Co-Investigator: Valérie Raymond, Laurentian University
• Project Partner: Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord

2025 Insight Grant

• Lead: Kerry McGannon
• Project Title: Shedding Light on Family Planning, Motherhood, and Sport: Narrative Analysis of Assisted Reproductive Technology Stories in the Digital Landscape
• Co-Investigators: Andrea Bundon (The University of British Columbia) and Ann Pegoraro (University of Guelph)
• Collaborator: Jennifer A. McMahon (University of Tasmania)

2025 Insight Grant

• Lead: Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara
• Project Title: The Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850: Living in Good Relations
• Co-Investigators: Dawnis Kennedy (The University of Winnipeg), Deborah A. McGregor (University of Calgary), Jodi Koberinski (University of Guelph), Joey-Lynn Wabie (Laurentian University), Nicole Wemigwans (Laurentian University), Susan A. Chiblow (University of Guelph), and Taryn R.L. Michel (Laurentian University)
• Collaborators: Aimée E. Craft (University of Ottawa), Darrel J. Manitowabi (NOSM University), Naomi Grant (Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury), and Neil Jones (Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin)

2026 Insight Development Grant

• Lead: Candace Brunette-Debassige
• Project Title: Easing Indigenous reconciliation fatigue among Indigenous faculty members in Ontario universities
• Co-Investigators: Keri Cheechoo (Laurentian University) and Nicole Wemigwans (Laurentian University)
• Collaborators: Kathy Absolon (Wilfrid Laurier University), Kim Anderson (University of Guelph), Savage Bear (McMaster University), Sheila Cote-Meek (Brock University), Jan Hare (University of British Columbia), and Susan Manitowabi (Laurentian University)

More details about the nationwide funding announcement can be found on the official Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council website.