Training Hub

The Training Hub is a novel resource developed and maintained by the ISSP to help emerging and established leaders develop the knowledge and skills at the interface of science, society, and policy (SSP) needed to address the grand challenges confronting decision-making.

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Who we are

The Institute for Science, Society and Policy (ISSP) is a cross-faculty Institute at the University of Ottawa exploring the links between science, society and policy. Our network is composed of Core Group members, Faculty Affiliates, Senior Fellows, Postdoctoral Fellows and Writers in Residence, and an Advisory Committee, representing a diverse range of experienced science, society, and policy (SSP) leaders from various disciplines and sectors.

Our collective expertise spans three areas: science for policy (also known as evidence-based decision making); policies for science; technological and innovation; and governance of emerging technologies. We address issues from the funding of the S&T enterprise, through its regulatory oversight to its social implications.

Target Audience

This resource is designed for anyone and everyone interested in learning about SSP issues. Whether you are a beginner or someone looking to learn more about advanced SSP-related topics, this self-directed learning resource has something for you. 

How to Use the Training Hub

The Training Hub comprises an organized set of modules of training resources associated with the cross-sector activities led by the ISSP. These resources include: video recordings of lectures and events, open access academic and policy-related publications, and opinion polling data. The resources have been organized into self-directed modules to best fit the needs of users, including a module of introductory materials to introduce the concepts of SSP to beginners, as well as more advanced modules organized around specific SSP-related themes. 

Learners who wish to receive a Statement of Completion from the ISSP must successfully complete all components of a Module and then attend an in-person discussion session.  More details can be found within each Module page.

As a new initiative at the ISSP, for now, the resources included within the Training Hub  will only be available in their original language of presentation (English).  

Modules

SSP for Beginners (FREE)

Designed for beginners and those interested in brushing up on the basics, this module of resources will introduce users to the history and current state of SSP in Canada.

UPCOMING: SSP for Researchers, Research Administrators, Policy Advisors, Diplomats and Other Leaders at the SSP Interface (Fees may apply)

Canadian governments—federal, provincial, and municipal—often rely on domestic and foreign SSP leaders to help carry out the science activities of Canada. These personnel include diplomats, researchers, administrators, policy advisors, and leaders of government research laboratories and other large organizations. To help these individuals perform the functions of their position, this module provides an important overview of the machinery of the Canadian government and the mechanisms through which SSP projects are carried out.

Advanced Topics

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International Science Diplomacy (upcoming)

Based on the Science Advice Research Cluster.

This module includes resources related to Canada’s contribution to SSP on the global stage. Users will learn how Canada collaborates with other countries, both past and present, to deal with issues related to SSP.

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Energy (upcoming)

Based on the Energy Research Cluster.

This module brings together pragmatic, applied, solution-oriented research to examine what works, what doesn’t, and how various energy interests can seek and obtain broad social support for energy policies, regulation and individual energy projects and technologies.

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Inclusive Innovation (upcoming)

Based on the Inclusive Innovation Research Cluster.

This module relates to the progress made within the responsible innovation framework—one which calls for including a diversity of human values, preferences and needs into decisions about innovations, preferably as they are first being developed. Resources in this module relate to the dynamic context within which innovation occurs these days: the convergence of technological, organizational, social and institutional innovation, the opportunities for social inclusion and perils of exclusion based on progress in digitization and behavioural sciences, and the increasing expectations citizens have towards innovations that affect their lives and the planet.

AI Robot

Robotics and AI (upcoming)

Based on the Robotics and AI Research Cluster.

This module focuses on three overlapping, interdisciplinary areas: the underlying social implications of AI and robotics, the development of engineering design practices that take ethical considerations into account in the design of AI and robotics, and collaboration with policymakers to work towards policies and governance structures that foster innovation while addressing key social issues that require attention.

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EDI in Research (upcoming)

Based on ISSP-led research on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

The ISSP aspires to be a leader in advancing the development and implementation of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices in the research, teaching and training space. This module includes resources on how academic and research communities can best integrate EDI practices into their local context, and why it is important to do so.