Science Meets Parliament (SMP), an initiative of the Canadian Science Policy Centre, introduces researchers and politicians to each other. Through the back-and-forth of conversation, participants advance understanding of their work. In turn, this strengthens connections between Canada's scientific and political communities through networking; sharing knowledge; and understanding how legislation and policy function in the lives of people in BC.
On April 27 and 28, the British Columbia Legislature hosts the third Science Meets Parliament BC. University of Victoria early-career researchers have been actively engaged in all three events, as well as the annual SMP in Ottawa.
UVic's delegates in 2026 lean heavily into health and well-being for people and planet, culture and community.
Bringing fields together for better health care
Mohsen Akbari, UVic Mechanical Engineering
Mohsen Akbari, a professor of mechanical engineering, brings together biology, engineering and materials science to solve problems related to human health.
His research combines micro and nanotechnologies, biomaterials and cell biology to engineer human-like tissues used to discover new drugs, and to deliver them to the diseased part of the body, minimizing side effects and improving treatment efficiency. At its core, his goal is to run an interdisciplinary research and education program that meaningfully improves human health and quality of life.
Health and well-being of immigrants and refugees
Nancy Clark, UVic Nursing
Nursing professor Nancy Clark is concerned about the connection between immigration and health. She studies the health and well-being of immigrants and refugees when they arrive in Canada, and the social, economic and structural factors that shape their health over time.
To understand how healthcare systems and services respond to the needs of immigrant and refugee populations, she's currently developing a model of refugee mental health systems to understand what approaches work, for whom and why.
Consequences of alcohol use
James Clay, post-doctoral fellow, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research
James Clay is a post-doctoral fellow jointly appointed at the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) at UVic and the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University.
His research bridges psychological science and population-level epidemiology to understand alcohol use and its consequences. He studies the behavioural and cognitive mechanisms underlying drinking, the population health harms that result including emergency department visits, hospitalizations and mortality and the policy interventions that can reduce those harms, with a consistent focus on health equity.
More effective arts education
Kara Flanagan, post-doctoral fellow, UVic Education
Kara Flanagan is a post-doctoral fellow in education who wants to find new and improved ways to teach and design curricula for performance training. By developing new ways to combine disciplines in arts education, she's helping both musicians and educators be more effective at teaching, learning and honing their skills.
Global food supply chains
Rachel Friedman, post-doctoral fellow, UVic Geography
Rachel Friedman, a post-doctoral fellow in geography, wants to help Canada reduce environmental damage and social harm caused by global food supply chains.
Drawing on the perspectives of civil society groups, industry representatives and academic researchers, she aims to understand where different policy approaches work well, where they face limits and where conflicts arise. This community-engaged research identifies which government policies would be the most feasible and effective to pursue, and she will provide clear, practical recommendations for policymakers.
New materials for cleaner technologies
Samira Gharehkhani, UVic Mechanical Engineering
Samira Gharehkhani, an engineering professor, aims to create new materials from renewable resources that support clean energy and environmental goals, while maintaining strong performance in modern technologies. Her work focuses on developing value-added materials from resources such as lignin and cellulose, with applications in wearable electronics, micro-energy storage devices, sustainable packaging and functional coatings.
Place-based energy transitions
Tamara Krawchenko, UVic Public Administration
Public administration professor Tamara Krawchenko researches regional development and energy transitions in rural, remote and Indigenous communities in northern British Columbia and internationally. Her place-based approach examines how public policy and planning can account for the distinct dynamics, needs and ambitions of different places enabling more equitable and effective transitions across diverse regions.
Reducing waste in medical chemistry
David Leitch, UVic Chemistry
Chemistry professor David Leitch designs catalysts small amounts of substances that help chemical reactions happen faster and more efficiently. He's redeveloping catalysts containing precious metals in order to speed up drug development. These chemicals are then recycled to reduce waste and improve sustainability, with applications in other areas that use valuable minerals.
Science Meets Parliament is a chance for parliamentarians to meet the people behind the science, and for scientists to meet the people behind the policy making. It allows researchers to see their work in the context of society, and for parliamentarians to see the tangible links between research and day-to-day lives of British Columbians. It's a reminder of why we all do what we do."
Andrea Mellor, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research post-doctoral fellow and Science Meets Parliament BC organizer
Science meets parliament returns to ottawa
The Canadian Science Policy Centre also organizes an annual Science Meets Parliament program for early-career researchers to connect with federal parliamentarians. The next event takes place in Ottawa November 23-24, and applications from eligible candidates are due May 11, 2026.
Learn more about eligibility and the application process.
