2025 Canadian Council of Deans of Science Annual Meeting
2025 Canadian Council of Deans of Science Annual Meeting
Join us for the 2025 CCDS Annual Meeting at Iniskim, University of Lethbridge, located on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy. This year's meeting will bring together experts to explore the future of science, education, and policy, with discussions on science funding, innovation in education, and environmental sustainability. We’ll also delve into the impact of AI, data science, and technology on the future of research.
We look forward to seeing you at this exciting gathering!
Registration will close by the end of the day on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Meeting schedule and field trip information Download the program
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Field Trip: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Waterton Lakes National Park and Head-Smashed-In
Buffalo Jump
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Registration (Science Commons Atrium - 7th floor)
6 – 6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception (Science Commons Atrium)
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Dinner & Keynote Session (Science Commons Atrium)
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, CM, FRSC, Founder and President, Let’s Talk Science
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast (Science Commons Atrium)
8:20 – 9 a.m.
Iniskim Ceremonial Welcome (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Terry Whitehead, Chancellor, ULethbridge; Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, ULethbridge; Deborah Lucas, Vice-President Finance & Administration, ULethbridge; Dr. Melike Schalomon, Dean, MacEwan University and CCDS President; Dean Matthew Letts, ULethbridge
9:05 – 9:55 a.m.
Science Funding and Policy Advocacy – Panel (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Dr. Kristin Baetz, Dean, UCalgary; Christine Murray, Agriculture, Bioeconomy and Clean Energy expert, and Greg Anderson, Dean, Thompson Rivers University
9:55 – 10:15 a.m.
Coffee Break (Science Commons Atrium)
10:15 – 11:10 a.m.
Innovation in Science Research and Education – Panel (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Cal Koskowich, P.Eng., Industrial Technology Advisor, NRC, Dr. Jackie Rice, Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, ULethbridge, and Perry Stein, Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the City of Lethbridge
11:15 – 12:10 a.m.
Science Communication Workshop (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Rhonda Moore, Executive Director, Science and Innovation, Institute on Governance
12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch (Science Commons Atrium)
Optional Science Commons Tour @ 12:45 p.m.
1:30 – 2:25 p.m.
Science, Technology and Economic Growth – Panel (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Bryan Helfenbaum, Vice President, Clean Energy, Alberta Innovates; Dr. Mark Lagacé, Director of Programs, Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI); and Dr. Henry Ling, Vice President, MITACS
2:30 – 3 p.m.
Coffee Break (Science Commons Atrium)
3 – 3:45 p.m.
NSERC and CIHR Update/Discussion (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Dr. Sarah Overington, Director, Discovery Research & Recognition
4 – 4:45 p.m.
Inquiry-based Learning and Recruitment (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
William (Bill) Nelson, Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning, Queen's University; Dr. Jenn Stephenson, Associate Dean, Studies, Queen's University
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Banquet Dinner & Keynote Session II (Science Commons Atrium)
Dr. Paul Smith, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast (Science Commons Atrium)
8:30 – 9:25 a.m.
Moving towards belonging during times of great polarization (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost, Accessibility, Belonging & Community, ULethbridge
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Core Research Facilities and Makerspaces (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Dr. Erasmus Okine, Provost & VPA Emeritus / VPR Emeritus, ULethbridge; David Hinger, Executive Director, Teaching Centre, ULethbridge; Tony Montina, Director, Science Operations, ULethbridge; Dr. Laura Keffer-Wilkes, Instructor III and Director, Synbridge, ULethbridge
10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Coffee Break (Science Commons Atrium)
10:50 – 11:30 a.m.
Science and Society (SA8001 - BMO Auditorium)
Dr. Brian Mark, Dean, UManitoba and Dr. Robbin Gibb, Professor, CCBN, ULethbridge
11:45 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
Lunch (Science Commons Atrium)
12:30 – 2 p.m.
CCDS Annual Business Meeting (SA8003)
Dr. Melike Schalomon, Dean, MacEwan University and CCDS President
Guest speakers
With keynote addresses from Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, Founder and President of Let’s Talk Science and Dr. Paul Smith, Managing Director and COO of the Perimeter Institute, this event will foster collaboration, advocacy for policy change, and support for diversity in STEM.
Bonnie Schmidt
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt is the founder and president of Let’s Talk Science, a national education charity that she started in 1991 while completing a PhD in Physiology. Let’s Talk Science helps children and youth fulfill their potential and prepare for their future careers and citizenship role by supporting their learning through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) engagement. Offering a robust suite of programming for youth, educators and volunteers, the organization has impacted millions of people across Canada since its inception.
An active contributor to the scientific and education communities, Bonnie currently serves on the Genome Canada Board of Directors.
Paul Smith
Paul Smith is a leader who works at the intersections of science and economy, of creative discovery and commercialization.
Smith joined Perimeter Institute in fall 2021 as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience in both scientific research and management. He holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of Bath, as well as an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Smith is also a named inventor on 78 US patents.
Field trip
Attendees of the annual meeting will have the unique opportunity to go on a field trip to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where they can learn about the ancient hunting practices of Indigenous Plains people. The excursion will also include a visit to Waterton Lakes National Park, known for its stunning mountain landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, offering a chance to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies firsthand.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is an historic location where Indigenous peoples used cliffs to hunt buffalo, offering fascinating insights into ancient hunting practices and cultural traditions.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Waterton Lakes National Park offers stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Lodging, maps and travel information
Scenic stays at Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge
Conveniently located just five minutes from campus, the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge offers accommodations at a group rate with views of the iconic High Level Bridge and the stunning coulees.
On-campus parking
Please refer to the map for designated parking areas. Lot N has been secured and provides easy access to the sessions. Enjoy the conference, and feel free to reach out if you need further assistance!
How to get to the University of Lethbridge
From the Calgary airport, there are three ways to get to the University of Lethbridge:
- Fly directly to Lethbridge Airport on Westjet and then take a taxi to the University.
- Take the Red Arrow bus from Calgary airport right to campus
- Rent a car booked through CAUBO
To take part in our field trip and get to know your colleagues on an exciting adventure, please arrive on the evening of Tuesday, May 13.
